Christ Calls His Disciples

Title: “The King’s Ministry: Calling Disciples” Script: Mt. 4:12-18

Type: Series Where: GNBC 1-18-26

Intro: Discipleship is predicated upon an active relationship with Jesus Christ. Relation to Christ activates and empowers the whole of life when men/women choose to act. Without action though, nothing happens. It is kind of like when we were kids, getting into my grandpa’s car in the side yard and turning the steering wheel…not going anywhere! A car will continue to just sit there if one never turns on the ignition and puts the car into gear, pushing on the accelerator and driving. If you get into the car and sit there, nothing happens! Sure, when you are a kid, someone gets into the car and drives you around. That might the equivalent of relying on someone else’s discipleship. But being a passenger doesn’t make you a driver. Nor does being passive make you a disciple. We need to be active in our growth as Christians.

Prop: Examining Mt. 4:12ff we’ll notice 3 important principles in Xst’s Calling Disciples.

BG: 1. In today’s passage see the call of brothers Andrew and Peter. Actually, if you harmonize the Gospels you realize there were 3 “calls” of these men. This is the 2nd at the Sea of Galilee, and Mark/Luke record the 3rd call. Most likely all took place during same week. 2. At the end of His public ministry Jesus had nothing tangible to leave as a monument to His work…nothing that is but a relatively small band of men whom He had poured His life and love into…the disciples. Jesus’ ministry focus is people and so should our focus be.

Prop: Let’s examine Mt. 4:12ff to notice 3 important principles in Xst’s Calling Disciples.

I. What Does it Mean to be Jesus’ “Disciple”?

A. What is the Meaning of the Word “Disciple”?

1. The word “disciple” literally means learner.

a. According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary, it denotes “one who follows another’s teaching” (from manthano, "to learn," from a root math--, indicating thought accompanied by endeavor), in contrast to didaskalos, "a teacher;" hence it denotes "one who follows one's teaching," as the "disciples" of John, Mat 9:14; of the Pharisees, Mat 22:16; of Moses, Jhn 9:28; it is used of the "disciples" of Jesus. Most rabbis would have had disciples. Commonplace. Jesus not unique in this at that time. This word for disciple was also applied in a wide sense, of Jews who became His adherents, Jhn 6:66; Luk 6:17, some even secretly so, Jhn 19:38. I suppose we could include Nicodemus and others in this classification.

b. Illust: This fall on flight to Chicago to connect to go to Europe. On very brief flight met a man from Houston who was seated next to me. In about 10 minutes we were shocked to learn that the man had been a student of my Uncle Bill, who was a leading US sensei’s in a particular form of Okinawan martial arts. Then the man said, “Wait! I’ve met you before!” You preached Bill Arch’s funeral! (19 years ago!). The man told me traveled from Texas to Michigan to attend Bill’s funeral because “Your uncle taught me so much more than martial arts.” Whatever the field may be, a disciple learns from his master.

2. The word “disciple” not only meant learner, but also adherent.

a. A "disciple" was not only a pupil, but an adherent; hence they are spoken of as imitators of their teacher; (Jn 8:31; 15:8.). Illust: Modern “deconstructionists” in Christian faith. “I love Jesus, but I don’t agree with His teaching on x,y,z.” That is not an option for a disciple. Illust: It’s kind of like so many of our politicians who say things like: “I am Catholic, but I am pro-choice.” You are one or the other, you are not both! Or, “Privately, I believe x, but publicly I support y.” Are you schizophrenic?

b. There is an implied meaning in “disciple” of being an “imitator”. When Jesus told the brothers here, or the brothers James and John to “Follow me!” (v.19) it meant more that simply get out to your boats at this moment, and walk with me until my next stop! No! There was a goal being implied in this calling…to become like Christ. (Illust: WWJD bracelets 15-20 yrs ago revival of Charles Sheldon book.)

B. What is the Goal in Becoming Jesus’ Disciple?

1. Jesus Stated His Goal for Andrew and Peter v. 19

a. “I will make you fishers of men.” Now look at the context. What were the two brothers doing when Christ calls them here? Fishing! (v.18) “casting their nets”. Just as these men had made a career out of going after fish, Jesus is stating that they will no being going after men! In Mt. 28:19 – Great Commission, after 3 years of intensive discipleship, Jesus tells His disciples…Now, turn it loose on the whole world!