Follow Matthew 4:18-22

Story

I tend to become very obsessive about things.

I focus a lot of attention and energy on things

I would do it everyday

Intro (Hook)

When you follow something usually you love to invest your time into it.

The reason that you invest so much time into it. is because you love it.

Its the one thing that you want to do the most, so you put time into it

creating a discipline out of passion

Scripture Background

Jesus has just begun his ministry

At this point He has been baptized and went through the temptation in the desert.

Now we pick up were Jesus is in Galilee

Jesus would say repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matthew 4:18-22 Then Pray

Jesus has just spoken to the disciples and told them to come and follow Him.

At this point they have probably heard of Jesus he was starting to become the talk of the town.

Jesus is the Messiah and at this point they are all not too sure of that, but I do ask the question if you were going to come and save the world are you really going to choose some fishermen?

Not to mention that at this point these Jews of Galilee are not well liked among the Jews of Jerusalem so why would the Son of God choose these men?

Jesus calling to follow is for everyone.

the word that is used in the Greek means to come and it is used for multiple people.

Jesus has called all of us to become followers.

The invitation is for everyone and anyone who wants to receive from Jesus.

Jesus even called out to those who would have seemed like lowly or unwise.

They were not well revered men. In fact they were really just everyday blue collar kind of people who were trying to live an ordinary life.

Jesus calls you to work alongside and learn from HIM.

He calls to these men and says follow me and I will make you fishers of men.

Jesus wants us to not just serve him, but join him.

Your choice to follow Jesus means you have accepted a higher calling. A calling that is unlike anything else in your life.

This calling is to help others understand the amazing things of Christ.

Jesus does things that are unimaginable and he is still doing them.

Jesus has called you to do great things too, but before that you must come to learn.

In Jewish culture a disciple was someone that learned from a teacher or master as some say. This means they heard, observed, and witnessed the work of God. In due time they too will be preachers of his doctrine

The time of learning is so important.

Jesus later talks about building life on a firm foundation, which is the word of God. Making sure to be with Him and learn from him always.

Us keeping ourselves in check with the word and being able to learn and grow is apart of our calling to be disciples of Jesus

Peter had time before he had started. Jesus told them to wait.

Paul also waited almost 3 years before he began his missionary journey

Do not rush the work of God in you and know that we are always growing and learning. We nerve stop.

When you follow know everything will change.

Jesus provokes change in us.

He calls us to repent meaning turning our lives around.

You may have heard that word before and maybe you see it as a negative thing, but know this its a good thing, a very good thing because as Believers and followers of Jesus we are always changing and growing.

When things change it is a sign that God is working in your life.

It says that they left their nets behind. They made a vocational change.

James and John the sons of Zebedee left their father even.

When God calls us he calls us to follow him it means everything changes.

Who you are is no longer what you do who your family is, your identity is now a disciple of Jesus Christ.

When we first Identify with Jesus then we are able to follow him.

what made them just drop their nets and follow so easily though.

Luke 5:1-11

See these men experience something that could only be described as a miracle. Jesus did something so amazing in their lives. We too can experience God in an amazing way and all you have to do is ask him.

Closing

So my question for you today is this have you truly decided to follow Jesus today? Because one of the best parts of this passage is that when Jesus said follow the disciples responded with action.

They moved and left everything to follow Jesus.

If you are still unsure if you want to follow Jesus then maybe you want to experience Jesus ask him to be a part of your life, but know this he has already done the greatest miracle by dying on a cross for you. It doesn’t matter who you are you too are invited to be apart of the kingdom of God.

What is there in your life that you need to let go for following Jesus?

Attributes

learn to be with Jesus - what will you give up for him

learn to listen - repent for the kingdom of God is near

learn to heal- hes the master healer

learn to influence- we are all an influence and have influence

learn to love - love God love people

learn to pray - Lord’s Prayer

learn to manage-for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. He does not say as many think, for where your heart is there your treasures will be also. He says the opposite. In other words, where you put your treasure, that is where your heart will go. Your treasures really are your time, your talent, and your money. surrender time and desire to make a lot of money to follow jesus