In Matthew 4:18-22, Jesus begins to call His disciples, specifically the pairs of brothers, Peter and Andrew, and James and John, demonstrating that following Him is neither easy nor risk-free. Its sacrifices and hardships are often severe, requiring a commitment that most are unwilling to make, as true discipleship demands absolute devotion and dedication to Christ Himself. Jesus tests these men to uncover their true willingness to commit to Him, His way of life, and His purposes, emphasizing that one fit for God's Kingdom must be willing to give all. Luke records three instances where individuals offer excuses to refuse Christ's calling, highlighting general areas of failure. First, the Christian life is one of discomfort, as Jesus tells a man He has no place to lay His head, underscoring that Christians, as strangers and sojourners, cannot expect worldly comforts and must not let possessions or lifestyles hinder their devotion to Christ. Second, the Christian life is sacrificial, shown when Jesus denies a man's request to bury his father, insisting instead on preaching the Kingdom of God, indicating that God's will must take precedence over customary duties and worldly ties. Third, the Christian life demands new loyalties, as Jesus warns a man wishing to bid farewell to family and friends that once committed to God's way, there is no turning back, requiring a devotion to Him that surpasses even blood ties. This new loyalty necessitates an act of will to prioritize God above all, enabling one to live the life of Christ.

Jesus begins His ministry and calls the first disciples. Simon and Andrew immediately leave their nets and follow Him. James and John leave their father with the hired hands in the boat. The disciples respond to the call unhesitatingly. They are eager and willing. They offer no excuses and no resistance. Their enthusiasm for Christ is commendable. Jesus says to Simon and Andrew that He will make them become fishers of men. The verb become is ginomai in Greek. It implies preparation. Jesus is going to prepare them for the job that He has for them. The gospel of Mark illustrates how Jesus forms and fashions them to do the work that He has in mind for them. Levi responds immediately to Christ. Jesus calls sinners to repentance. He picks out His disciples individually. He goes up on the mountain and calls to them those He Himself wants. When He calls them they come to Him. He considers each one by one. He chooses some and rejects the many. This vignette illustrates that Jesus is putting together an entirely new family. It is not connected by blood ties. It is unified by a shared obedience of God's will. The one who does what His Father wants him to do is Jesus' brother. This new family is unified by common righteous actions. Faith and obedience to the will of God bring inclusion and acceptance. Right after that comes the parable of the sower. The disciples hear the same thing that the multitudes do. They misunderstand just like the multitudes do. They do not perceive. Jesus teaches His parables to them as they are able to hear them. He brings them along bit by bit. He expounds on these things as they are able to keep up. He gives them greater detail in private sessions that He does not give to the multitude. He applies the same kind of care to new converts as they grow. If they do not quite get something they know that Jesus in time will give them understanding.