Making the Cut

Every year, high school seniors apply to their fav universities and then watch the mailbox for the letter announcing their acceptance.
It was different for teens in New Testament times. Jewish boys would often attend rabbinical schools until age 13. Then only the best would be chosen to "follow" the local rabbi. This small, select group of disciples would go where he went and eat what he ate -modeling their lives after the rabbi. Those who didnt make the cut would pick up a trade like carpentry, sheep herding or fishing.
Guys like Simon, Andrew, James and John hadnt made the cut. So instead of following the local rabbi, they were down by the docks, knee deep in the family business. Its interesting that Jesus sought out the men the local rabbi had rejected. Jesus offered His invitation "Follow Me," to ordinary run of the mill fishermen. What an honor! They would become followers of the ultimate Rabbi.
Jesus extends the same honor to you and me-not because we are the best or brightest, but because He needs ordinary people like us to model His life and to lovingly rescue people in His behalf. So, follow Him and let Him make something of your life! (by Joe Stowell)
As followers of Jesus who love Him from the heart, we may be ordinary, but we have been set apart :) ( Sper)

PS : Even the ordinary and the outcast can make the cut to follow Jesus.

(Jesus) said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19)

(from Our Daily Bread)