Answering the Call to Follow Jesus Matthew 4:18-20
Today, we will delve into a profound moment in the New Testament where Jesus calls His first disciples. The title of our sermon is "Transformed by Truth: Answering the Call to Follow Jesus," based on Matthew 4:18-20. This passage captures the essence of discipleship and our response to Jesus' call.
Matthew 4:18-20 (NLT): "One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, 'Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!' And they left their nets at once and followed him."
Let us explore three transformative truths from this passage that illuminate our call to follow Jesus.
Point 1: The Call to Follow Jesus
Matthew 4:19 (NLT): "Jesus called out to them, 'Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!'"
The call of Jesus to "follow me" is a personal invitation to a life-changing journey. The Greek word for "follow" is "akoloutheo," which means to accompany or to be in the same way with. This call is not merely about physical following but an invitation to be in a close, personal relationship with Jesus.
John 10:27 (NLT): "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
Following Jesus requires us to listen to His voice and respond in obedience. Imagine a shepherd calling his sheep. The sheep recognise the shepherd's voice and follow because they trust him. Similarly, we are called to trust and follow Jesus.
Billy Graham said, "To follow Jesus means to live a life of faith, trusting Him and surrendering to His will."
Point 2: The Promise of Transformation
Matthew 4:19b (NLT): "...and I will show you how to fish for people!"
Jesus promises to transform the lives of those who follow Him. He takes their current skills and repurposes them for His mission. The phrase "fish for people" signifies the shift from their old way of life to a new purpose in God's Kingdom.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT): "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"
Following Jesus leads to a radical transformation. He reshapes our identity, purpose, and mission. Think of a potter moulding clay. Jesus, the Master Potter, shapes us into vessels for His glory.
As Max Lucado once stated, "God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus."
Point 3: The Immediate Response of Obedience
Matthew 4:20 (NLT): "And they left their nets at once and followed him."
The response of Peter and Andrew was immediate and decisive. They left their nets—their livelihood and security—to follow Jesus. This shows the urgency and total commitment required in following Jesus.
Luke 9:23 (NLT): "Then he said to the crowd, 'If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.'"
True discipleship demands a willingness to leave behind our old ways and fully embrace the path Jesus sets before us. Consider an athlete who dedicates their life to training, sacrificing comfort and convenience to achieve their goal. Similarly, we are called to wholehearted commitment in following Jesus.
In the words of Charles Stanley, "Delayed obedience is disobedience. God expects immediate and complete obedience from His followers."
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Matthew 4:18-20 calls us to follow Jesus, embrace His transformative work in our lives, and respond with immediate obedience. These truths challenge us to examine our commitment to Christ and our willingness to be transformed for His mission.
Application:
This week, reflect on your response to Jesus' call. Are you listening to His voice and following Him wholeheartedly? Are you allowing Him to transform your life for His purposes? Seek His guidance and make any necessary adjustments to align with His call.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to follow Jesus. Help us to listen to His voice, embrace His transformation, and respond with immediate obedience. May we seek Your Kingdom above all else and find true fulfilment in You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Let us go forth with renewed dedication to follow Jesus, trusting in His promise to transform our lives and guide us in His mission. May God bless you abundantly.
