The Process Of Making Followers

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Luke 5:1–3 NKJV

So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.

The People

A. Their Hunger—Vs. 1 These people were hungry for the Word of God. Today most people, including Chrsitians, are not hungry for the Word let alone ready to live it.

B. Their Hearing—The reason they heard the Word of God is because the Word of God was spoken.

Romans 10:17 NKJV

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

We speak it verbally and in how we live our lives.

May years ago, one of England’s leading actors was asked to recite for the pleasure of his fellow guests. He consented and asked if there was anything special that his audience would like to hear.

After a moment’s pause, an old clergyman present said: “Could you, sir, recite to us the Twenty-third Psalm?”

A strange look passed over the actor’s face; he paused for a moment, and then said: “I can, and I will, upon one condition; and that is that after I have recited it, you, my friend, will do the same.”

“I?” said the clergyman, in surprise. “But I am not an elocutionist. However, if you wish it, I will do so.”

Impressively, the great actor began the psalm. His voice and his intonation were perfect. He held his audience spell bound; and as he finished, a great burst of applause broke from the guests.

Then, as it died away, the old clergyman arose and began the psalm. His voice was not remarkable; his intonation was not faultless. When he had finished, no sound of applause broke the silence—but there was not a dry eye in the room, and many heads were bowed.

Then the actor rose to his feet again. His voice shook as he laid his hand upon the shoulder of the old clergyman and said: “I reached your eyes and ears, my friends; he reached your hearts.The difference is just this—I know the Twenty-third Psalm, but he knows the Shepherd.”

People will never know the Shepherd unless the hear the Word of the Shepherd and they will not hear it if we do not live it or speak it to them.

The Place

A. The Physical Location—it was the Sea of Galilee but Luke calls it the Lake of Gey-nice-ua-ret.

We may say we put in at Dusty Ridge but we really put in at Lake Hickory, or the Catawba River.

It was a busy fishing spot and at the time of Christ was very busy. It was where the people were!

B. A Purposeful Location--It is south of Capernaum which tells us that Jesus was on the move, sharing the Word of God where He went.

We are on the move today and must share the World of God where wherever we go.

The Problem

The multitude pressed about Him.

A. His Position—He was positioned in such a way that not all could hear Him, just those closest to Him.

The Word of God is to be heard by all.

B. His Posture—Some people were taller or shorter and so by getting on the boat He was able to set and be at the same level as all others.

We speak the Word of God not from a high pedestal but from a lowly and level position.

The Potential

Vs. 2

A. In The Surroundings—we can use what God as given us to share His Word with the world.

B. For Service—the fishermen were gone and washing their nets but Jesus needed a pilot for the boat.

There are lost all around us and Jesus wants to reach them. We have the potential to be used by Him if we’ll stop washing our nets.

The Pulpit

A. Is Figurative—We should find pulpits to share the Word and Ways of God from. When we speak from the pulpit of politics, use it to share God’s word. When we speak from the pulpit of family matters, use it to shar God’s Word. When we speak from the pulpit of retirement, grandchildren, children, work, vacation, or play and whatever else, use it to share God’s Word.

B. Is Suggestive—every pulpit should be used for catching fish.

No matter the topic for which you find yourself standing at the pulpit, we should speak in such a way to catch the souls of people.

Preacher who was preaching and said “Behold I come quickly.” On his third time saying it he hit the pulpit hard and fell out into the lap of a lady on the front row. She told him that he warned her 3 times and that she should have listened.

The Preacher

Vs. 3 “And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat”

A. His Willingness—Jesus was willing to share the Word of God.

B. His Want—He wanted lives to be changed!

Close: The story is told about a barber who had just been gloriously saved in an old-fashioned revival meeting. The next morning at work he wanted to share his new faith and witness to the lost. A customer came in, and the barber began to shave him. He was trying to muster up the right words to say. Finally as he stood with his razor poised over the man’s throat he asked, “Are you prepared to meet God?”

While I believe there is no bad time to share the Word of God, there are more opportune times. Regardless, we should be ready to share the Word of God whenever and wherever the occasion arises.

There will only be followers of God when they hear the Word of God speak to them and they will never hear if it is never spoken.