Introduction

Good morning, church family! Today, we gather together to explore a pivotal moment in the lives of Jesus' disciples as they were called to follow Him. We will be diving into Matthew 9, examining The Call to Follow Jesus, The Cost of Following Jesus, and The Benefits of Following Jesus. This portion of Scripture is a powerful reminder of what it means to be a disciple of Christ and the transformation that takes place in our lives when we choose to follow Him wholeheartedly.

Christian author and speaker, A.W. Tozer, once wrote, "The world is perishing for lack of the knowledge of God, and the Church is famishing for want of His Presence." Friends, as we study this passage together, let us be reminded that our world so desperately needs the knowledge and presence of God, and it is our calling as followers of Jesus to respond to that need.

Please turn with me to Matthew 9:9-13: "As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. 'Follow me,' He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him. While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, 'Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?' On hearing this, Jesus said, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'"

Let us open our hearts and minds to the Holy Spirit's guidance as we delve into this rich passage. Will you pray with me? Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word and the opportunity to gather together as Your people. We ask that You open our hearts and minds to understand the depth of Your love and the call You have placed on each of our lives. As we study Your Word today, let it transform us, equip us, and inspire us to follow You wholeheartedly in all that we do. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

I. The Call to Follow Jesus

The Call to Follow Jesus is an invitation that echoes throughout the pages of the Gospels and reverberates in the hearts of all who encounter the person of Jesus Christ. It is a call that transcends time, culture, and circumstance, reaching out to each individual with a personal and profound invitation to embark on a journey of faith, transformation, and purpose. In our passage today, we see Jesus extending this call to Matthew, a tax collector who would have been considered a social outcast and sinner by the religious leaders of his day. Yet, in the midst of his brokenness and unworthiness, Jesus sees in Matthew a heart that is ripe for transformation and a life that can be redeemed for the glory of God.

A. The Call to Follow Jesus is, first and foremost, a call to relationship. When Jesus tells Matthew to "follow me," He is inviting him into a life of intimate fellowship and communion with Himself. This is not a mere intellectual assent to a set of doctrines or principles, but a wholehearted surrender to the person of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It is a call to know and be known, to love and be loved, and to walk in daily dependence upon the grace and power of God. Pastor, would you please share a personal story about how the call to follow Jesus has impacted your own life and relationship with Him?

As we consider the relational aspect of the Call to Follow Jesus, it is important to recognize that this call is also a call to community. In our passage, we see that as Matthew responds to Jesus' invitation, he immediately becomes a part of a larger group of disciples who are also following Jesus. This is a reminder that the Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation, but in the context of a community of believers who are united by their common commitment to Christ and His mission. The Call to Follow Jesus is a call to be a part of the body of Christ, to share in the joys and sorrows of our fellow believers, and to bear one another's burdens as we journey together toward our heavenly home.

B. Another aspect of the Call to Follow Jesus is the call to transformation. When Jesus calls Matthew to follow Him, He is inviting him to leave behind his old life as a tax collector and to step into a new identity as a disciple of Christ. This transformation is not only a change in outward behavior but a radical transformation of the heart and mind that comes as we submit ourselves to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As we follow Jesus, we are continually being conformed to His image, growing in holiness, and becoming more like Him in our thoughts, words, and actions. This process of sanctification is a lifelong journey, and it requires our ongoing cooperation and surrender to the work of God in our lives.

C. The Call to Follow Jesus is also a call to mission. As we see in the life of Matthew, his response to Jesus' call leads him not only into a relationship with Christ but also into a life of service and witness to the gospel. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be His ambassadors in the world, sharing the good news of His love and forgiveness with those who are lost and broken. This mission is not reserved for a select few or for those with a specific "calling" to ministry, but it is the responsibility and privilege of every believer who has experienced the transforming power of the gospel in their own lives. As we follow Jesus, we are called to be His hands and feet in the world, demonstrating His love and compassion to a hurting world and inviting others to join us on the journey of faith.

D. In addition to these aspects of the Call to Follow Jesus, it is important to recognize that this call is both universal and unique. It is universal in the sense that it is extended to all people, regardless of their background, social status, or past failures. In our passage, we see Jesus reaching out to Matthew, a man who would have been considered unworthy and unqualified by the religious leaders of his day. Yet, Jesus sees beyond the outward appearance and extends His call to Matthew, inviting him into a life of redemption and purpose. This is a reminder that the Call to Follow Jesus is not based on our merit or worthiness, but on the grace and love of God that is available to all who will receive it.

E. At the same time, the Call to Follow Jesus is unique in that it is tailored to the individual circumstances and gifts of each person. In our passage, we see that Jesus calls Matthew to follow Him in the context of his work as a tax collector, inviting him to use his skills and resources for the advancement of the kingdom of God. This is a reminder that the Call to Follow Jesus is not a one-size-fits-all proposition, but a personal and specific invitation to use our unique gifts, talents, and circumstances for the glory of God and the good of others.

As we reflect on the Call to Follow Jesus, let us be reminded that this call is not a one-time event, but an ongoing journey of faith, transformation, and mission. It is a call to relationship, community, and purpose that is both universal and unique, inviting us to join Jesus in the great adventure of knowing Him and making Him known.

II. The Cost of Following Jesus

The Cost of Following Jesus is a concept that is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO