Follow Me

JESUS' INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP… “Follow Me”

1. As Jesus’ earthly ministry began, the first words His disciples heard were, “Follow Me.”

• Peter, Andrew, Matthew, Philip (Matthew 4:19, 9:9, John 1:43)

• To all His disciples, He said, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ ~ Matthew 4:19

2. People responded in various ways…

• Peter and Andrew… immediately left their nets and followed Him. ~Matthew 4:20

• James and John… immediately left the boat and their father, and followed Him. ~Matthew 4:22

• The ‘rich young ruler’ did not follow, but went away sorrowful, for his wealth was more important to him than following Jesus. – Matthew 19

• Some said, I will follow You anywhere, but quickly changed their minds. (Mat 8:19-22)

o The Son of man has nowhere to lay His head…

o Lord, let me first go and bury my father…

3. Jesus continues to invite people to today to become His disciples and follow Him.

• My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me ~ John 10:27 – Have you heard?

SOME QUESTIONS AND THOUGHTS TO CONSIDER

1. Was Jesus looking for leaders, or was He looking for followers?

2. Is there a difference between a ‘believer’ in Jesus and a ‘follower’ of Jesus?

3. Does your belief / faith in Jesus affect the way you live? If so, in what ways?

Following Jesus… Mark 8:34

When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, Jesus said: “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.” ~ Mark 8:34

1. Deny Self… -- Choice – optional/if any man will…Jesus’ Lordship… and Conditions – fixed --

• Very true in the life of Jesus…

o For even Christ did not please Himself - Gave Himself for us… ~ Romans 15:3; Ephesians 5:2

o Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done. ~ Luke 22:42

• True also for followers of Jesus – Prioritize God’s will in my life, not my own will.

2. Take up our cross…

• The way of the cross is the way of death… to the ‘old man,’ –

o For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. ~ Romans 8:13-14 - die to…being right, not forgiving, judging others, overlooking offense

o Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. ~ Romans 6:11 (May be easy to say, not so easy to do) Choosing God’s ways…

o To slay the life of self is always pain, and there is no discipleship without crucifying ‘the old man.’ (Ephesians 4:20-24)

• Growing in the likeness of Christ requires that we be willing to lay down our lives and take up our cross daily. It regularly confronts the human insistence on our own will, way, and wants. But even as Jesus laid down His life for us, He invites us to lay down ours for His.

3. Follow Jesus…

• Following Jesus is the way of life… in relationship with Him, being transformed and shaped and becoming more and more like Him. (2Corinthians 3:18; Romans 8:29)

o …looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith… ~ Hebrews 12:2

o Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. ~ Matthew 11:29-30

• Apostle Paul wrote: Imitate (follow) me, just as I also imitate (follow) Christ. ~ 1Corinthians 11:1

Christ’s followers must follow, but men can choose whether they will be His followers or not.

So the ‘must’ is changed into ‘let him,’ and the ‘if any man will’ is put in the forefront.

The conditions are fixed, but the choice as to accepting the position is free