HOW A DISCIPLE RESPONDS

A disciple always responds to Jesus – by following Him.

(1:14-20) After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” He said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew 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. When He had gone a little farther, He saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Him.

1. I Will Follow Jesus COURAGEOUSLY

(15) “The time has come,” He said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!’’

A. “Change the direction of your life – and trust what I’m telling you!”

B. It takes courage to change the direction of my life.

C. It takes courage to trust all the things Jesus tells me.

2. I Will Follow Jesus TOTALLY

(17-18) “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed Him.

A. We either totally follow, or totally don’t follow.

B. Totally following means LEARNING what He teaches.

C. Totally following means DOING what He teaches.

3. I Will Follow Jesus URGENTLY

A. “The best way to get something done – is to begin.”

(18) “At once they left their nets and followed Him.”

(20) “Without delay He called them, and they left their father… and followed Him.”

B. Jesus has before us matters of substantial urgency.

· 2 Corinthians 9:1-2 (urgent financial giving)

· 2 Timothy 2:20-32 (urgent Christian service)

· 1 Peter 3:15 (urgent witnessing)