Sunday, January 12, 2025 AM
SERVANTHOOD: Called To Follow
Mike Teel, Pastor
FOCAL PASSAGE:
18 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. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him. 21 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, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. —Matthew 4:18-22
THE CALL OF A JEWISH RABBI
1. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE TORAH TO THE JEWISH COMMUNITY
A. The Torah (the Law / 1st five books of the Bible) represented the way, the truth and the life for the Jews.
B. The goal of all Jews was to discover how to live the Torah out in their lives.
2. THE EDUCATION OF JEWISH KIDS
A. Bet Sefer (House of the Book) First phase of education – began at age 6 and continued until age 10.
B. Bet Talmud (House of Learning) Second phase – began around 10 and lasted until around age 14.
C. Bet Midrash (House of Study) Third phase – began at age 14 or 15 and would continue the rest of their lives.
TO BE CALLED AS A DISCIPLE MEANT …
1. FORSAKE EVERYTHING
2. PUBLIC MINISTRY
APPLICATION OF TODAY’S FOCAL PASSAGES TO OUR LIVES
1. JESUS CALLS HIS DISCIPLES
2. RESPONSE COMPARISON
A. Compare these disciples’ responses to those of Matthew 8:18-22.
18 When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. 19 Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” 20 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” 21 Another disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 22 But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” —Matthew 8:18-22
B. God has always used busy people.
3. JESUS’ CALL TO ALL OF US: Come, follow Me.
A. Be a disciple of the Word. – He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
B. Be His personal disciple. – Be like Him. Bear His yoke!
C. Be a disciple who changes the world.
LIVE IT OUT
How is Jesus calling you this morning?
How will you respond to His call?
What excuse are you using?
Serve the Lord with gladness!