The Recruiter

The Recruiter

Introduction: In our text today, we are going to look at the calling of the first disciples. Before we go there let’s think about being recruited. You could be recruited for a job, doing sales or marketing. You might be more the athletic type, maybe a recruiter is talking to you about your baseball or basketball career. It could be that you are highly intelligent and Apple is looking for your expertise in the newest and latest technology advances. No matter your skill sets or your interests let us look at some key factors involved with recruiting.

Keys for Recruiting: A. The recruit is involved in the area of recruiting. i.e. Baseball recruiter is looking for a baseball player. B. Recruit stands out and has growth potential C. Recruit will benefit the organization. This is not an exhaustive list. These are some essentials though.

Illustration: When I asked Jesus to be my Lord and savior I was all in. I got involved at church by attending services, going to small groups, praying, and asking questions. I was getting involved with everything I could to see what this new relationship was all about. I wanted to expose anything that was unauthentic and expose everything that was true about this new relationship. By engaging in all different aspects of the church I was growing as a person and as a Christian. After 3.5 years of this process God called me to youth and missions. I had no idea what to think but I was excited! God just spoke directly to me. I don’t know if you can relate to that but I hope you can. If you can’t I encourage you to actively pursue God until you can relate. Whether you can relate to this or not. Listen to this story and I’m sure it will spark a fire in you. Let’s take a look at our text.

: Jesus Calls His First Disciples

16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and followed him.

19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

I) Jesus is Recruiting Disciples

a. The scout: Prior to Jesus coming to this story John the Baptist was preaching baptism and forgiveness of sins. He was preparing the way for the coming of Jesus. During this activity Jesus would be evaluating and observing how people were reacting. Just as important as Jesus the scout is the choices of the men mentioned above. They had to go. They needed to decide to be a part of what was going on. They needed to be alert to the what was going on so they would be able to respond. If they did not go they didn’t grow.

b. Standing out: These men are standing out and seen as growth potential. The most significant clue that they are seen as growth potential is Jesus goes to where they are. Jesus didn’t go to a field hoping to find these men. He didn’t go to the temple or the synagogue. He went to the sea of Galilee because these men had made some sort of impression on Jesus. It is important that we invest. This investment can be time, money, resources. Peter shows his giving with obedience. Jesus tells him to cast his net into the water (). Although, they had fished all night and have been unsuccessful Peter decides to give in to Jesus, because who he is. The results are an overflow of fish.

c. Benefit the Organization: These men have stood out to Jesus. It has not been in their status as people, their working hard to be noticed, but in their involvement of what God is doing around them. They show commitment to go, willingness to give and obedience to serve.

II) Prayer: Hopefully you are stirred to put yourself in the position to go into the activity of Jesus. Look at your specific context. Think about how God is sending those to prepare and share the Good News. Go into these places and give of yourself. This can be at the local church, the local food shelter, the great plains of North Dakota. No matter where it is, go and be obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit. At this time, you might know exactly what you need to do. If that is you be obedient to what Jesus is telling you. If you are unsure what your next step is here is what you need to do. Pray. You might know who Jesus is or have a relationship with him. Jesus is the savior of the world. He is the son of God, he came to earth as a man and lived a sinless life. He was crucified on a tree for the sins of the world. On the 3rd day he rose from the dead and later ascended into heaven. He sits at the right hand of God. He desires a personal relationship with you. If you would like to have a relationship with him invite him into your life. Pray that he reveals himself to you. If you’ve already made that commitment and still don’t know what to do. Go towards Jesus, give him everything you have, and pray for his direction and instruction in your life. Jesus is a recruiter and he is calling you to his team. Get involved, stand out with growth potential, and benefit the Kingdom of God.