Jesus issues the same summons to us today. Why did those first disciples follow Him? Why should we follow Him? Matthew gives us several compelling reasons: Jesus “will save His people from their sins” (1:21). He is “Immanuel… God with us: (1:23 He is the promised “Ruler, who will shepherd” God’s people (2:6). John the Baptist, the greatest man of his time, described Jesus as “mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry” (3:11). To those who follow Him, Jesus will give the baptism of the Holy Spirit (3:11). Those who refuse Him will suffer another fate: “He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (3:12). God the Father said of Him, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” 3:17). He alone was able to withstand all the wiles and temptations of Satan (4:1-11). He is the Light shining upon those who sat in the darkness of “the region and shadow of death” (4:16). Because He is the Son of David, the promised King, with Him comes the Kingdom of God for all who repent (4:17). He promises to transform his followers from being mere fishermen, engaged in work with only temporary results, to “fishers of men” – those whom He will use to bring others to God and thus to eternal life (4:19). Is there any good reason NOT to follow Jesus?