Follow Me: The Master's Call to Imitation and Service

When Jesus called Simon and Andrew from their nets at the Sea of Galilee, He issued an imperative that defined apostolic ministry: "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). The Victorian expositor understood this command as operating on five essential dimensions.

First, the whom of discipleship: not merely a human teacher, but Jesus Christ—One qualified by earthly temptation, toil, and suffering to lead men with authority. Second, the how: we cannot follow His physical person as the Twelve did, yet we obey His precepts and copy His example. Third, the why: Christ alone possesses unrivaled leadership; only in following Him do we escape spiritual danger and eternal death.

Fourth, the whither—the destination. Jesus declared, "I am the way," leading followers toward God and heaven itself. Fifth, the when: the call demands immediacy. Not tomorrow, but now and always.

The essence of successful Christian work springs from devout imitation of the Master. Christ's central mission—to save humanity—must become our controlling purpose. His example exhibits two critical points: the supreme value He placed upon human dignity, and His entire career evolved from this conception. Consequently, Christian workers must possess earnest souls, yearning pity for humanity, cultivated self-denial, persistent effort, and dependence upon prayer. The attractive face of Jesus—that magnetic power drawing men like electric fire—constitutes the great Captain's eternal authority over conscience and will.