Those of a certain age will remember a television ad campaign for the financial firm E. F. Hutton from a few decades ago. A couple of guys are having lunch at an upscale restaurant, discussing their financial portfolios–they are surrounded by dozens of other people in the midst of various conversations. One guy says “Well, E. F. Hutton says . . .” and silence descends as everyone in the restaurant turns with great anticipation to hear the rest of the sentence. The voiceover says in stentorian tones: When E. F. Hutton talks, people listen. Jesus must have been something like that.
Today’s text from Matthew’s gospel is so familiar that we often overlook just how remarkable and unusual the event being described actually is. Jesus, walking along the Sea of Galilee, sees four fishermen at work–two sets of brothers. He simply says “Follow me”–and they do. Immdiately. They drop everything, leave everything, and become the core of Jesus’ posse of followers going forward.
This brief story invites a lot of armchair psychology. What was going on these guys’ lives that made them so willing to leave their livelihood, friends, and families (other than their brothers) behind? Jesus is an unknown who has not yet earned the fame that will develop in the wake of his teaching and miracles over the coming months.
Jeanne gave the sermon on this text this morning at St. Matthew Trinity Lutheran Chruch in Pawtucket, RI this morning. . Jeanne reads the gospel, followed by her homily, starting at 10:50 in the video below. Enjoy and comment!
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