
02-18-24
Jeff Dart
Matthew 28:18-20 + selected Scripture
Who am I?
Choose Wisely Who You Choose To Follow
“For those of us who desire to follow Jesus here is the reality we must turn and face. If we are not being intentionally formed by Jesus himself, then it’s highly likely we are being unintentionally formed by someone or something else.” – John Mark Comer
Who am I becoming?
Why would you and I choose to be a disciple, a follower of Jesus?
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
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 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 28:16-20
1. Jesus promised a different kind of life and I want it!
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
“In Jesus we find the abundant, soul-satisfying life we were designed by God to live. This life isn’t always easy, and it doesn’t revolve around comfort or convenience. It revolves around the One we are designed to live for and be in relationship with. It’s good and it’s true.” – Tim Wiebe
7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ Philippians 3:7-8
2. His presence is available, personal, and powerful.
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth…18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14: 16-17a, 18
6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. Galatians 4:6-7
3. Jesus’ teaching and His leadership were revolutionary.
42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:42-45
7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Philippians 2:7-8
4. Jesus claimed deity and then proved it.
58 “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” John 8:58
30 I and the Father are one.” John 10:30
5. One day Jesus will return and every knee will bow.
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:10-11
6. I understand the need for grace and I truly find it in Him.
3 Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:3b-5
Choose Wisely Who You Choose To Follow