Why Are You Here?
Scripture
Matthew 4:19–20 (NKJV)
“Then He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ They immediately left their nets and followed Him.”
Devotion
Pastor Darren asked a piercing question over and over: “Why are you here this morning?”
In Matthew 4, when Jesus calls the fishermen, He doesn’t say, “Come perform for Me” or “Come help Me put on a good service.” He says, “Follow Me.” And they leave their nets—career, security, routine—to do it.
Following Jesus always involves leaving something. Sometimes it’s tangible (a relationship, a habit, a role). Sometimes it’s internal (ego, reputation, the need to be seen, the addiction to approval). Performers ask, “What position will I get?” Followers ask, “Where is Jesus going, and what must I leave behind to go with Him?”
There are people who show up to church hoping to be noticed; there are people who show up hoping to meet Jesus. These can be the same building, same songs, same preacher—but not the same heart.
Why are you here? That question isn’t meant to condemn you, but to invite you into honesty and, if needed, a reset. Jesus still walks the shorelines of our routines, saying, “Follow Me.” Not “attend Me,” not “admire Me,” but “Follow Me.”
Reflection
Matthew 4:19–20 (NKJV)
“Then He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ They immediately left their nets and followed Him.”
Devotion
Pastor Darren asked a piercing question over and over: “Why are you here this morning?”
- To make someone else happy?
- To keep the preacher from texting you?
- To get a badge, a title, a place on the stage?
- Because “this is just what we do on Sundays”?
In Matthew 4, when Jesus calls the fishermen, He doesn’t say, “Come perform for Me” or “Come help Me put on a good service.” He says, “Follow Me.” And they leave their nets—career, security, routine—to do it.
Following Jesus always involves leaving something. Sometimes it’s tangible (a relationship, a habit, a role). Sometimes it’s internal (ego, reputation, the need to be seen, the addiction to approval). Performers ask, “What position will I get?” Followers ask, “Where is Jesus going, and what must I leave behind to go with Him?”
There are people who show up to church hoping to be noticed; there are people who show up hoping to meet Jesus. These can be the same building, same songs, same preacher—but not the same heart.
Why are you here? That question isn’t meant to condemn you, but to invite you into honesty and, if needed, a reset. Jesus still walks the shorelines of our routines, saying, “Follow Me.” Not “attend Me,” not “admire Me,” but “Follow Me.”
Reflection
- If you stripped away others’ expectations, why do you personally go to church or serve where you serve? Write it down honestly.
- Is there any “net” (comfort, image, relationship, secret sin, ministry position) that you sense Jesus asking you to lay down in order to truly follow?
- Ask Him plainly: “Jesus, why do You want me here in this body of believers? What are You calling me to follow You into?” Sit quietly and listen.