Called to be with Him

Called To Be With Jesus

Pastor E. Keith Hassell

Foundation Scripture:  Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16

I.                   Jesus separated twelve for the following reasons:

A.               That they might be with Him

B.                That they He might send them out

1.          To preach

2.          To heal sicknesses

3.          To cast out demons

II.                Called to be with Him

A.               Jesus’ strategy for training was simply for His disciples to be with Him

B.                Jesus had no formal school, no seminaries, no outlined course of study, no periodic membership classes in which He enrolled followers.

1.          None of these highly organized procedures that were characteristic of the scribes and Pharisees.

2.          These religious teachers insisted upon their disciples adhering strictly to certain rituals and formulas of knowledge which would distinguish them from others.

3.          Jesus simply asked His disciples to follow Him.

4.          By choosing to follow, the disciples in effect enrolled themselves in His school of ministry.

C.               Jesus was His own school and curriculum

D.               Jesus’ disciples were distinguished not by their conformity to certain rules and rituals but by having been with Him and by participating in His teaching (John 18:19; Acts 4:13)

III.             Transformed by the Master

A.               Jesus told His disciples, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.”

B.                Peter was transformed from a reed (Simon) to a rock (Peter). How? By being with Jesus.

C.               John, one of the sons of thunder (James and John) was transformed from being judgmental executioners (calling down fire out of heaven upon the Samaritans) to the one who is called the “apostle of love.” How? He spent time with Jesus.

IV.            Our first calling is to be with Jesus. Then as we are transformed by His presence, He will send us forth to preach, heal, and deliver those around us.