EVERYTHING!
Today's gospel isn't about fish. It's about Jesus asking us the most important question of our lives: Will you give up everything for Me?
Picture it: Peter and his friends just hit the jackpot. Nets bursting with fish, boats nearly sinking from abundance. Everything they'd ever worked for, right there in their hands. Financial security! Success! The good life!
Then Jesus says, "Follow Me."
And here's what deepens my faith every time: "They left everything and followed him."
Everything. The fish, the boats, the security, the success. All of it!!
What Jesus Gave Up for Us
Why would they do something so radical? Because they understood something we sometimes forget: Jesus gave up everything for us.
The Son of God left the glory of heaven. He gave up heaven's comfort and eternal peace. He became poor so we could become rich. He suffered so we wouldn't have to suffer eternally. He died so we could live forever.
Jesus literally gave up everything – including His life – to save us.
Now He simply asks: Will you do the same for Me?
The Real Question
What are your nets full of today? Career ambitions? Financial plans? Expensive Home? World Travel? Worldly Security? Dreams for your future?
Jesus isn't condemning these things. But He's asking: "Are you willing to put Me first? Are you willing to hold everything else loosely?"
Because here's the truth: Jesus gave His all for you. The cross proves it. The empty tomb seals it. Your salvation cost Him everything.
In return, He asks for everything too.
Are We Willing?
The disciples faced the same choice we face: Will we be like everyone else who holds onto their nets, or will we be like those who left everything to follow Jesus?
It's not easy. The world says, "Hold on tight. Secure your future. Look out for yourself first, put yourself first."
But Jesus says, "Trust Me. I gave up everything for you. Now I'm asking you to give up everything for Me. Not because I want to take from you, but because I want to give you infinitely so much more – eternal life with Me."
The Choice Today
So here's the question that really matters: Are you willing to be like the disciples?
Are you willing to put Jesus first, even when it costs you something? Are you willing to say, "Lord, everything I have, everything I am, everything I want – it's all Yours"?
Jesus gave His life for you. Now He's asking: Will you give yours for Him?
The disciples said yes and found eternal life.
What will you say?
©2025 James Dacey Jr.
