5d • General discussion
Relationship before radical obedience
At first glance, John 1:41 and Matthew 4:18–20 can seem like they contradict each other.
In John, Andrew finds Peter and says, “We have found the Messiah.”
In Matthew, Jesus calls Peter and Andrew to leave their nets and follow Him.
But when we slow down and look more closely, we discover they don’t compete — they complement.
John shows us the first encounter. The moment of recognition. The quiet unfolding of belief as Andrew meets Jesus and brings his brother along.
Matthew shows us the call. The decisive moment when Jesus says, “Follow Me,” and ordinary lives are surrendered to an extraordinary purpose.
None of the Gospel writers are trying to give a minute-by-minute biography. They are bearing witness from different angles to the same unfolding reality.
There’s also something gentle here: Jesus doesn’t call them to abandon everything before they’ve seen who He is. Relationship precedes surrender.
Together, these passages tell a richer, more compassionate story of how Jesus calls people — patiently, personally, and purposefully.
Sometimes faith begins with a conversation.
Sometimes it ends with nets left on the shore.
And often, it’s both.
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Relationship before radical obedience
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