
Matthew 4:18-22
GET THIS: No matter where it takes you or what you leave behind, there is no greater joy than following Jesus.
The Invitation [v18-19]
See Matthew 4:18-22
First I Want Us To See: WHO got invited and WHAT they LEFT BEHIND?
Peter & Andrew: Small businessmen, family men, NOT affluent but relatively secure…
James & John (we’ll see in v21): same… and we’re told they are with their father…
Second I Want Us To See: WHAT were they INVITED TO
Jesus says: “Follow Me!” “δεῦτε ὀπίσω μου” “Come On! Behind Me
Jesus is Saying: “I want your whole self to Be With Me… to Go Where I Go…. to Do What I Do”
Matthew 11:28–30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
This is the call of Jesus! “Come and be with me (soul, mind, and body)! Take on my way of living! And be so close to me that you’re covered in my dust! And you’ll find what your soul has always longed for!” “It’ll be worth whatever you have to leave behind!”
The Response [v20-22]
See Matthew 4:20-22
Why Do They Follow Him?
John 6:67–69 So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”
They follow Him because of (1) Who He is and (2) Because of What He Gives!
They followed him because He Was God with Skin on and what He had to offer was better then anything else the world has to offer! They didn’t trade down… they traded up!
Following Jesus is better than the American Dream!
Take Time To Reflect
(1) When was the last time you did serious inventory about the things you look to to give you life even though they can’t?
(2) What are you being called to leave behind to follow Jesus?
(3) Do you truly believe that there is no greater joy than walking with Jesus?
GET THIS: No matter where it takes you or what you leave behind, there is no greater joy than following Jesus.