Following the KING

Opening Illustration

Over 10 yrs ago when we first came to Alstonville Wollongbar the Bruxner Hwy was the main road through. You could sit outside ESP drinking your coffee as 18 wheeler trucks rumbled through a few metres away .. the lovely smell of diesel and dust

There was a rumour .. even a memory of a 30+ yr old promise, that ONE DAY there would be a BY PASS .. take the traffic out of Alstonville and return to quiet village

Most people said “Don’t hold your breath .. never see it in our lifetime!” .. Yet here we are living in the peace and quiet as the trucks trundle along the by-pass .. not just Alstonville but Ballina as well!

A PROMISE … but will it really happen? An EXPECTATION .. but the longer it takes the less you believe it will really happen .. and the detail is fuzzy

Matthew .. the tax collector turned disciple of Jesus has written to explain his eye witness account of KING JESUS .. he is showing that Jesus IS the PROMISED ONE .. it’s taken some time but now He is here!

Salvation has come to Israel .. and to the ends of the world !

Let’s take a look

Fulfilled Promise

Jesus begins a PUBLIC MINISTRY now that John the B is in prison .. and you have to wait until to get the whole story .. and while John’s ministry had focussed on the WILDERNESS ..get ready .. Jesus concentrates on Galilee (SEE MAP) .. lived in Capernaum .. in the area of ZEBULUN and NAPHTALI

And Matthew is writing to help fellow Jews to join the dots … Jesus has started MINISTRY in ZEBULUN and NAPHTALI … ring any bells??!

Well it was 700 yrs ago! Isaiah prophesied .. 15 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16 the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” 

15 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,

the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan,

Galilee of the Gentiles—

16 the people living in darkness

have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of the shadow of death

a light has dawned.” n

Amazing !

God’s plan and purpose have taken a while … 700 yrs .. but now it’s all happening

Y’see .. in 586BC .. the Babylonians finally and completely razed Jerusalem and all of Israel to the ground .. total destruction and the Jews taken into EXILE .. the first people to feel the IRON FIST of Babylon were the jews of the Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali .. Babylonian domination gave way to other NATIONS ruling over Israel .. in Jesus day it was the ROMAN EMPIRE

15 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,

JESUS STARTS in the same region the EXILE STARTED .. ZEBULUN and NAPHTALI

Isaiah foretold this as well. BUT he also told of the day of rescue.

the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan,

The day that God would restore his people (). - A light shining in the dark (v16), rescue from living in the shadow of death.

Jesus points the way .. v17, “Repent for the Kingdom of God is near.”

Galilee of the Gentiles—

People must have understood the term the kingdom of heaven. .. v23 we get a clue to how they understood it - good news. .. and those who see it as GOOD NEWS will ..

REPENT - turn back; turn back to God; stop walking away from him.

16 the people living in darkness

Recognise your need of restoration of relationship with God. Coz when you are born that relationship is severed .. you are not right with God .. for ALL HAVE SINNED AND FALL SHORT .. Rom 3

My understanding is that the Ballina Bypass has been talked about and promised for the last 30 something years. Some people probably felt it would never come. But it has come. There are some things to still work out, but basically the time is here, the bypass is at hand, it’s near.

You can’t do it yourself. this will be the only way that you will be able to enjoy the salvation to come

have seen a great light;

When Jesus preaches that the kingdom of heaven is at hand or near - he’s talking about his ministry.

on those living in the land of the shadow of death

Jesus is the One come about by God’s divine work (1:20); the son brought out of Egypt (3:15), … who identified with us in BAPTISM … who remained faithful in the wilderness (4:1-11), ..the One the Father declares as His son who is in perfect relationship with God (3:17).

Jesus is the TRUE ISRAEL.Jesus is the people of God that no descendant of Adam could be. Jesus in the garden remained obedient to God’s will - if any other way please - but your will be done.

He is God’s abundant provision of grace (), who despite our sin enables us to be right with God

Jesus is the Kingdom of Heaven where God’s rule is perfectly honoured.

a light has dawned.” n

The only way to be a part of that kingdom then is through relationship with Jesus.

Later in the New Testament Paul will refer to being “in Christ.” Being in Christ is being in relationship with him - Lord and Saviour, which means being in the Kingdom. There is no other way … Satan knows who Jesus is; believes who Jesus is; but refuses relationship with him - repentance.... What about you?

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Fishers of Men

Jesus the Messiah is the ONLY way we can be brought back to the Father .. this message has to go out to everyone and Jesus recruits followers .. there is an URGENCY

Here is Jesus walking beside the sea and there are fishermen .. 2 sets of brothers Simon Peter and Andrew .. James and John .. the Zebedee boys .. just ORDINARY BLOKES … ROUGH … UNEDUCATED

John’s gospel gives helpful background .. these guys were already disciples of John the B .. and had already met Jesus

They are convinced Jesus is the LAMB OF GOD .. and they are willing to leave their livelihood to follow Jesus .. TRUSTING HIM

Have you wondered why Jesus didn’t RECRUIT FOLLOWERS from the the temple or the synagogues .. the religious leaders .. TEACHERS OF THE LAW ?

Well it’s pretty clear ... Jesus has come to save the sinners - the ones who recognise their need

The LEARNED .. the CHURCH PEOPLE .. SCRIBES … PHARISEES .. they thought they were OK .. and as the gospel accounts unpack, you see growing animosity .. hatred for Jesus the KING .. just like Herod .. Jesus is a RIVAL .. a BLASPHEMER

Yet to HUMBLE people .. even TAX COLLECTORS like Matthew .. who’s mates with these FISHERMEN .. they know their deep need - understanding our need more and more. Trusting Jesus more and more. Being convinced of his kingship more and more. FAITH.

There’s no “Invite Jesus into your heart” .. it’s repent and believe .. enter the kingdom

(). Christian Maturity - understanding our need more and more. Trusting Jesus more and more. Being convinced of his kingship more and more. FAITH.

Jesus isn’t a HOUSE GUEST .. He’s the OWNER OF THE HOUSE .. He has the right to tell you how to live

Jesus doesn't make an an offer.. an invitation ... He states a command (v19a) - follow me, walk with me.

And Jesus’ promise to these guys is ... (v19b)

You are men of fish now - I’ll make you fishers of men.

you follow me and I’ll give your life purpose you follow me and I’ll equip you for the journey.

You are men of fish now - I’ll make you fishers of men.

Against convention Jesus calls these fellas to be His disciples .. usually disciples seek out a TEACHER

And this is a beautiful invitation isn’t it. Full of grace. I’ll do the work in you. I’ll equip you.

Ballina Bypass taking shape - can see the basic outline of where it is going.

Jesus doesn’t say, “If you guys can prove your worth then I’ll give you the job.” Follow me and I’ll make you fishers of men.

Matthew shows us here the shape of the ministry which Jesus will preform. There is a real note of grace.

This is ON THE JOB training .. Jesus moves among the unworthy, the ordinary, the lowly. He makes the invitation, he calls, follow me. He is the one who initiates. He is the one who equips and enables.

()

Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things — and the things that are not — to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God — that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”

God works through Jesus for his glory.

This is the PLAN. We confront the world - and we must confront the world with the message of Jesus (fishers of men )

DISCIPLES make DISCIPLES it will be God at work, glorious treasure contained in jars of clay. We have been saved by grace and as we present Jesus to the world we must be very careful to guard against any notion that we are somehow more worthy than others of salvation; or that some are beyond the scope of salvation because they seem too bad, too far gone. Jesus will equip those he calls. But the promise involves us stepping out of the boat.

Friends .. that is why we are trying to help you as much as possible .. this is our calling to MAKE DISCIPLES .. the Vine Project is a helpful way to encourage and equip us all to be genuine disciples

We are all followers .. learners if we are IN CHRIST .. don’t be discouraged keep at the work

A Following

Finally, Matthew shows us how Jesus’ ministry is having IMPACT. Read v23-25.

Jesus came primarily to preach the good news of the kingdom. He is teaching in the synagogues.

The synagogue was the centre of Jewish life .. it’s not just a building .. it’s an ASSEMBLY .. a GATHERING

Yes for teaching the law .. debate .. and judging and inflicting punishment

Jesus is taking this opportunity to explain how the OT points to Him .. this is GOOD NEWS and His teaching is RADICAL .. we’re going to have a look at one of Jesus’ sermons next week .. not in a synagogue .. but on a mountain

NEWS of Jesus is spreading .. widely .. His fame extending through SYRIA (only in Matthew) and is most likely referring to the Roman province that covered Palestine = wide area

And in a society that couldn’t afford doctors, it’s not hard to see why .. yes he’s speaking with AUTHORITY .. He know the OT .. and Jesus is healing every kind of disease and sickness .. severe pain, seizures, paralysis … even the DEMON POSSESSED are restored

This is a big feature in the ministry of Jesus in the gospels .. Jesus is a HEALER .. we will read of His MIRACLES

Both in Scripture and in Jewish tradition, sickness results directly or indirectly from living in a broken world .. a fallen world

The One who can defeat sickness .. every disease .. defeats evil. Coz it’s a SIGN that the Messiah has come .. remember when John the B disciples ask Jesus if He is the One .. and Jesus says .. look around .. The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 23 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” .. healings and miracles are PROOF that the Messiah has come .. these things are happening just as the prophets said they would

John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, 19 he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”

Yes .. Matthew says there is a FOLLOWING .. interested people .. groupies .. these are not DISCIPLES .. just crowds of onlookers .. people attracted to Jesus from great distances .. (MAP) .. v.25 Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him

When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?’”

25 Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him

At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22 So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosya are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 23 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

People who had great expectations .. they had clear images in their head as to what the Messiah should do for them .. this number will DWINDLE as Jesus raises the bar .. deny self .. take up your cross .. radical repentance .. lose your life to save it .. clearly this is NOT the King that many in Israel were expecting .. or wanted

APPLICATION

It’s all about the GOOD NEWS of the KINGDOM .. Jesus, the King has come! Is He YOUR King?

What did you expect Jesus the King to do?

Make life EASY? SAFE? Coming to Jesus would mean wouldn’t suffer .. my kids would have fulfilled lives .. Life would be perfect peace … no pain … no suffering .. my prayers answered my way .. perfect path and plan that I see clearly

Yes the KINGDOM has COME! We need to repent .. be a part of it .. and follow Jesus .. and he will make you a fisher of people

Jesus points to HIMSELF .. focus on ME .. the One who claims to be the Son of God .. the One the Father affirms as the Son of God .. so he’s either MAD .. BAD .. or LORD

So Jesus is saying to us .. stop running away and line up behind Him .. follow .. trust Him .. and make Him the ABSOLUTE PRIORITY in your life

He won’t make you the most SUCCESSFUL person in your field of work .. won’t make you the most noticed person in the crowd necessarily .. won’t be the best mum , dad , husband, wife, friend etc

BUT .. He’ll use you .. with your personality .. shyness .. boldness … with your idiosyncrasies .. faults etc .. and MAKE you a FISHER of mankind .. a cog in growing the kingdom .. making disciples

Not sure if you’ve heard the statistic that 10% of fishermen catch 90% of the fish .. ie .. there are ANGLERS and DANGLERS

REMEMBER Simon Peter .. this guy Jesus calls in our passage ..He’s an ANGLER .. makes a living out of fishing .. you know that 10% of fishermen catch 90% of the fish .. well Pete’s in that 10% but there’s that tough night .. all the usual places where there should have been fish .. BUT .. NOTHING .. Which isn’t good if this is how you put bread on the table

So .. Jesus,( the carpenter , academic!) … who Simon would probably of put in the category of the 90% who catch a minimal number of fish. y’know a DANGLER … tells Peter to put his net out for a haul of fish in the deep water .. Pete is polite but in the back of his head he’s thinking “This is ridiculous .. deep water .. day time .. and there’s nothing around .. I told Him that .. BUT .. because it’s Jesus they oblige .. muttering all the way .. the nets are hardly in the water and He’s feeling the weight .. whoa .. look at the size of these fish ..

That day Jesus says the same thing to this bunch of fishermen .. don’t be afraid .. I’ll MAKE you fishers of men

Jesus has a tougher job for Peter and the disciples that will follow .. fishing for MEN .. and this is going to push you even more .. this is a REAL challenge

See the point. It’s not YOUR ability Peter .. I will use frail sinful unbelieving you to reel in PEOPLE .. just TRUST ME … I have a MISSION and my GRACE .. MY MERCY is sufficient for you

Jesus is saying to these guys .. REMEMBER this day !! Get the PRINCIPLE

I’m calling you to be FISHERS OF MEN .. Go where I send you .. I’ll give you the words .. you my disciples are to make more disciples .. bring in the catch .. Go and fish .. and remember I am with you!

Don’t lose sight of the AUTHORITY of Jesus .. He has absolute control over the fish of the sea .. He drives them into the net

CONCLUSION

Friends .. FOLLOW the KING

We are called to see the AUTHORITY of Jesus over human hearts .. God’s message is the GOOD NEWS about Jesus .. it is the POWER OF God to save

Jesus changes hearts .. even the most stubborn and hard hearts .. your NEIGHBOUR .. your FRIEND .. your RELATIVE .. THE PEOPLE YOU WORK WITH ..

You might think it IMPOSSIBLE .. it will never work .. I’ve tried before .. there’s no interest in Christian stuff .. my friends are so materialistic .. so rational .. so steeped in their own idea of spirituality .. well just see what the God of the universe can do .. we can go to the darkest ..most difficult hard places and have confidence that Jesus saves .. yes tough ..but never TOO TOUGH

Saddest thing would be if you just came along for the ride .. casual attender .. being Christian when it suits you .. doing stuff when it fits in .. squeeze Jesus in where there’s a bit of space .. the invited guest

Then you are just a GROUPIE .. a DANGLER

There’s no assurance of peace and quiet .. safety .. smooth sailing .. no suffering or pain

BUT .. it’s the pain and suffering and struggle that leads to ETERNAL LIFE .. it’s the narrow path to join the KING

The good news of the kingdom is that restoration is not just the spiritual, the whole person

Ballina Bypass a complete overhaul of the Hwy. Renewing some bits, Replacement of others.

Ministering to the whole person - renewal, replacement.

New heart, new mind, new hope, new peace, new passion now.It’s so exciting to see this in our new Christians - they are on fire, keen to learn, keen to talk, keen to live it. The truth doesn’t change we need to guard against it becoming hum drum and no impact.New body, new home, new heavens and new earth to come. While some things are new now, others we are going to have to wait for - don’t be discouraged, don’t doubt God’s promise that we will be renewed after this life. We look at our world - fires, cancer, disaster and tragedy - we are saddened, at times dumbfounded. BUT Jesus has come to bring restoration and one day he will come again to take us home to our new, perfect home. Where does our hope lie? Death (assurance of forgiveness), Resurrection (guarantee of new life).

 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

6   The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.”

7   “Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book.”

Come Lord Jesus come.

Therefore,

Our business is to point people to Jesus and to remained focussed on Jesus ourselves. Jesus is the focus point of the whole Bible. The way we understand anything from the Bible is in relation to Jesus. It all points to him. For us to read the Old Testament today we need to read it through the lens of Jesus as it’s ultimate fulfillment. The complete fulfilment of all that God promises & purposes is in Jesus. ()The Kingdom of Heaven is near - I am here to bring in the promised salvation; REPENT, come to me.

Galilee of the Gentiles—

16 the people living in darkness

have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of the shadow of death

a light has dawned.” n

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.