It was the beginning of new life for Peter and Andrew on that day, by the Sea of Galilee, when Jesus tapped them on the shoulder and said, “Come, follow me.” And, what an opportunity he gave to Matthew, the tax collector, when he issued the invitation to him, “Matthew, come, follow me.” Those three, and the other nine disciples all answered, “Yes.” But there were others who heard the call and said, “No.” There were those balking inquirers who responded with excuses, “I’ve just gotten married,” or “Let me go and bury my father.” And, there was the one we call “the rich young ruler.” Jesus told him to go and sell all that he had and give it to the poor, and then come and follow me. The scriptures say that he went away sorrowful, also answering, “No.”

So, Jesus gave them and Jesus gives us the…