The Call to Follow JESUS

“ … Christians in the West have largely neglected what it means to be a disciple of

Christ. The vast majority of western Christians are church members, pew fillers, hymn

singers, sermon tasters, Bible readers, even born-again believers or Spirit- filled

charismatics – but not true disciples of Jesus.

“If we were to learn the meaning of real discipleship … the church in the West would

be transformed and the resultant impact on society

would be staggering”

Word ‘Christian’ only used 3x in NT

See Acts 26:28, 1 Pet 4:16

The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch

Acts 11:26

Series – ‘Follow my Leader’

Today

‘The call to follow Jesus’

Moses had disciples - John 9:28

Also Pharisees & John Baptist - Mark 2:18

What is a disciple?

Greek ‘mathetes’ = apprentice or student

“What do you want?”

A call to scrutinise Jesus – ‘Come and see’

“Come … and you will see” So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with Him

John 1:39

Simon Peter & Andrew - Matt 4:18-20 Matthew (Levi) - Matt 9:9 Philip - John 1:43

A call to discipleship – ‘Come follow me’

Share our lives with Him

Jesus … called to Him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed

twelve - designating them apostles - that they might be with him

Mark 3:13-14

What does it mean for us to follow Jesus?

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were

unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these

men had been with Jesus

Acts 4:13

What does it mean for us to follow Jesus?

Submit to His teaching

"If you love me, you will obey what I command”

John 14:15

What does it mean for us to follow Jesus?

Spread the good news

"Come, follow me … and I will make you fishers of men" - Matt 4:19-20

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations - Matt 28:19

What does it mean for us to follow Jesus?

Serve others

As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead,

cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give

Matt 10:7-8

What does it mean for us to follow Jesus?

The kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, but of power

1 Cor 4:20

What does it mean for us to follow Jesus?

Simple lifestyle

Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep

Matt 10:9-10

What does it mean for us to follow Jesus?

Share our lives with Him

What does it mean for us to follow Jesus?

Submit to His teaching

Spread the good

Serve others

Simple lifestyle

“We cannot respond to the call of Jesus just to get peace with God, peace of mind and some

sort of Insurance guarantee for the future. The only response to the call of Jesus open to us is the response of submission to Him as Lord of

our lives – a submission that can only be expressed in whole life discipleship”

Peter Maiden

Is there anything in my life today that is complicating the possibility of me dedicating the rest of my life

to following Jesus?