The Journey Of Service

The Journey of Service

06/12/05

Intro: Today we want to look at some steps of the journey of two of Jesus’ closest friends. We want to begin by thinking through some lessons learned by Peter and John and then applying them to our life. We want to look at three sections of scripture that will point out some of the journey of these men with Jesus. Three lessons they learned that are true for us today.

I. Jesus equips us for ministry

In the first century world, rabbis would select disciples from the schools of the local villages. The best of the best invited to study with a rabbi. The rabbi would invite them to join him in study and teaching by using the phrase “Come follow me.”

“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.” Matthew 4:18-22

Peter and John are both fishing. Why? They are not good enough to have been called by another rabbi. Rabbi’s don’t go find disciples. Disciples come and ask to join the rabbis.

Only two known rabbis went and chose disciples. One was a man who said, “God can make a disciple out of anyone.” The other was Jesus.

Jesus doesn’t choose only the best; he chooses the ones who are willing.

Jesus is looking for disciples who are F.A.T.

Faithful

Jesus in teaching on stewardship speaks of the need for faithfulness.

“His master praised him for his good work. ‘You have been faithful in handling this small amount,’ he told him, ‘so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Begin the joyous tasks I have assigned you.’”

Matthew 25:21(Living Bible)

“Now a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful.”

I Corinthians 4:2(New Living Translation)

Available

Jesus doesn’t chase down those who are unwilling. He wants those who make themselves available.

Peter in instructing those leading the church reminds them that they do so because they are willing.

“Care for the flock of God entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.” I Peter 5:2 (NLT)

Teachable

Jesus shows us how to do what he says, but we must choose to listen.

“I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Comforter instead of me—and by the Comforter I mean the Holy Spirit—he will teach you much, as well as remind you of everything I myself have told you.”

John 14:25 (Living Bible)

Peter and John were equipped by Jesus to do ministry. Are you willing to be equipped to serve Jesus?

Application Steps

Get involved in a small group

Take a spiritual gifts test

Join a ministry team

II. Jesus releases us for ministry

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Matthew 28:19-20(NIV)

Jesus tells his disciples to go and share his love with others.

What he is saying to them is put into practice what I have shown you.

The best way to describe this is life on life community.

Jesus wants our life to rub against others. He wants us to tell others about him, meet their need and demonstrate his live.

“Jesus called the apostles together and said, ‘You know rulers of nations have absolute power over people and their officials have absolute authority over people. But that’s not the way it is going to be with you. Whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant. Whoever wants to be important among you will be your slave. It’s the same way with the Son of Man. He didn’t come so that others could serve him. He came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many people.”

Matthew 20:25-28 (God’s Word)

“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” John 13:34-35(The Message)