www.bymonline.org | SEPTEMBER 2018
dispute and expert sailors like Peter, James and John
would have taken charge of Jesus' boat. Let's say the
three men boarded the other boats and travelled along
with Jesus.
Suddenly there arose a storm and the boats
were tossed like corks on the waves. Those in the
other boats would have screamed as much as those in
the boat where Jesus was. Would Jesus hear them?
They were sure, the roar of the waves would drown
their prayer. They all would have thought, “I wish I
were in Jesus' boat. Then I will not drown.” Jesus did
not save His boat alone. He stilled the storm and
saved all the boats. No boat drowned. Whether Jesus
is near us or far from us is only a feeling. That day
physically He was far from them. But today it is,
“God with us, Immanuel.” The disciples in the boat
with Jesus would have told the others how Jesus was
asleep in the stern on a cushion. The first man to
whom Jesus said He had no place to lay his head
would have understood, life would be like that for
him if He followed Jesus. He must not seek comforts
but learn to put up in any situation. Jesus not only
preached, He showed the man His life of hardship.
The second man who wanted to come after his
father's death would have been convicted. He saw
Jesus, the first Son of the family, just like that,
stepping into ministry leaving the family
responsibility to His brothers. He took up hazardous
journeys, risking His life, though the head of the
family.
The third man who wanted to bid adieu to his
family before he tagged along with Jesus would have
been awestruck when His close disciples “took Him
along, just as He was” (Mk 4:36). No preparation, no
getting ready, no goodbye. He understood the
urgency of proclaiming the Kingdom of God and not
be a prodigal of time. He would have certainly
decided not to turn back having put his hand on the
plow. He would have thought, “If I had gone to bid
goodbye to my family, what a wonderful experience I
would have lost.” The three learnt their lessons. We
don't have a master who tells us to go. He went and
sent. He said, “Follow me,