The Irrevocable Calling: How Jesus Still Says "Follow Me"
Have you ever felt like you missed your calling? Like maybe God had a plan for your life, but you got too distracted, too discouraged, or too far gone? You’re not alone. Even the Apostle Peter felt that way—until Jesus called him again.
In Luke 5, Peter is a fisherman. Tired, disappointed, and washing his empty nets after a fruitless night, he’s not exactly at a spiritual high point. Then Jesus steps into his boat. Not metaphorically—literally. He sits down, teaches the crowd, and then looks Peter in the eye: “Put out into the deep and let down your nets.”
Peter hesitates. “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing.” But then comes the turning point: “But at your word, I will let down the nets.”
The result? Overflow. So many fish the nets begin to break. Peter is undone: “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man.” Jesus responds not with rebuke, but with calling: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”
They left everything and followed Him.
The Calling Is for All of Us
Later, in John 21, Peter has denied Jesus three times. He’s gone back to fishing. Back to what’s familiar. And again, Jesus meets him there—on the shore, with breakfast. Three times He asks: “Do you love me?” And three times He restores Peter: “Feed my sheep. Follow me.”
This is the beauty of Jesus’ call. It’s not based on our perfection. It’s rooted in His grace. As Romans 11:29 says, “The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”
What Does It Mean to Be Called by Jesus?
Jesus’ invitation isn’t just for Peter. It’s for all of us:
Be with Jesus — Start by spending time with Him in Scripture, prayer, and silence.
Become like Jesus — Let His Spirit shape your character, your values, and your reactions.
Do what Jesus did — Serve others, share the gospel, live sacrificially.
Following Jesus is not about being a spiritual superstar. It’s about saying yes when He steps into your boat.
What This Means for You
Maybe you feel like you’ve failed, like you’ve gone back to your old ways. Or maybe you’ve never felt called at all. Here’s the good news: Jesus still says, Follow me.
You don’t have to clean yourself up first. You just have to say, “At your word.”
Like Peter, your greatest moment of surrender could lead to your most abundant catch.
Continue the Journey
Looking to explore your calling further?
Visit Experience Church this Sunday and attend Belong, a short 10-15 minute gathering just for newcomers
Ask for prayer—we’d love to walk with you!
Jesus is calling. Let’s follow Him—together.