Micah 6:8; Matthew 4: 12-25
by Rev. Carson Overstreet
Van Wyck Presbyterian Church
February 2, 2020
The Son of God was following God’s purposes. How do we know God’s purposes? They are rooted in Scripture and revealed in God’s timing.
According to the prophet Isaiah, the Maker of heaven and earth was at work to reveal a new light for the people who sat in darkness (Isaiah 9: 1-2). This light of God’s love, justice, and humility would be seen in the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to Isaiah, God’s light would first be revealed in Galilee (Isaiah 9:1).
Therefore, Jesus set out to Galilee to lead God’s people into the light of God’s kingdom. And as Jesus began to proclaim God’s kingdom had drawn near in his presence, he expected the people to follow with a response of repenting – to have one’s past sins and mind changed by God’s purposes (Matthew 4:17).
It is in this framework that Jesus’ ministry begins. Let’s hear more in Matthew’s Gospel chapter 4: 18-25.
As [Jesus] walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. And [Jesus] said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to him all the sick, those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.
Matthew tells us that Jesus Christ had quite the following. When Jesus called the first disciples to follow him, they left their nets immediately. The text does not say why Peter, Andrew, James, and John followed.
I wonder if these brothers had heard about Jesus when he came to Galilee and they were curious to meet him. I wonder if these brothers believed Jesus could use their skill sets to catch people for God. I wonder if they had a childhood dream of following a renown Rabbi, as was the pinnacle of the Jewish tradition, but they never made the cut. I wonder if they had a hunger for a life with deeper meaning and purpose.
Needless to say, Jesus’ pull was so strong that the first followers immediately left everything behind to go. And they went with a growing assurance that through the gift of faith God can do far more than they could hope, ask for, or imagine.
Matthew's Gospel tell us that the disciples saw firsthand just how the kingdom of God changed people’s lives in the first century. Jesus’ teaching, preaching, and healing resonated with countless people from a span of over one hundred miles. Word of mouth travels fast.
A recent Gallup research statistic shares that great leaders have a rare combination of five key components. These leaders (1) motivate others, (2) assert themselves to overcome obstacles, (3) build strong, trusting relationships, (4) hold themselves and others accountable, and (5) make informed, unbiased decisions for the benefit of others. As we read through the gospel accounts of Jesus’ ministry, he has that rare combination of qualities as only the Son of God could.
All of this makes me wonder what is it about Jesus that moves us to follow him today?
For years Greg was in and out of rehab, but nothing could satisfy the hunger for the next fix. However, a shift happened the night his wife called the police and Greg was taken to jail. Greg’s wife Taylor realized she could not fix her husband. And Greg’s eyes were opened to see he was hurting his family and himself. Taylor talked with a friend at Ground 40, a faith-based ministry for men seeking freedom from addiction. It is an environment practicing accountability with an emphasis on biblical discipleship and community. Greg agreed to go and talk with the guys at the addiction ministry.
After being a part of the Ground 40 community for a few weeks, Greg thought about throwing in the towel. But then another shift happened within him. Greg prayed to God for the first time. He said, “I told God that I couldn’t do it any longer and I asked him to come into my life. It was like all of that weight just lifted off of me.” That is why Greg follows Jesus Christ – Greg knows he cannot break the chains alone. As Greg follows Jesus his whole life is being changed by God’s purposes.
Patrick Mahomes is the quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. In a recent interview the 24 year-old was candid about the importance of faith in his life and career. Patrick said:
“My mom and dad raised me in the church. Coming up through the church I built a great relationship with God and I try to keep that as I have gotten older. Faith is huge for me, as far as staying on the right track and living life knowing that I can be free and God will always accept me.”
Regarding the intersection of faith and his career, Patrick said, “The team provides Bible study to help us keep up and not lose track with our faith. We have chapel every Saturday night before the game and that is huge for me. Chapel gives me the message and helps me keep up with God and every opportunity God has given me. Before every game I walk the field and I do prayer at the goal post. I thank God for being on a stage where I can glorify him. And I pray that whatever happens, win or lose – success or failure - that I glorify him and that I do everything the right way, the way God wants me to.” Patrick Mahomes follows Jesus in order to glorify God.
Some follow Jesus because the love of God completely changed their lives and gave them a sense of belonging and hope. Some follow Jesus because they resonate with Jesus’ teachings. Some follow Jesus simply because they know Jesus as Savior and they want to know him more through prayer, worship, Bible study and serving others.
Friends, we need to encourage one another as to why we follow Jesus. We need to encourage one another as to why the gift of faith is so meaningful. It is significant that following Jesus changes our lives according to God’s purposes. But Jesus also calls us to follow him and join God in changing the world. And Jesus will teach us how to use our strengths and failures for God’s purposes, that God may be glorified.
Scripture tells us that the Lord requires us to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:16). And Jesus Christ shows us the way to live more fully into God’s intentions.
Why do you follow Jesus? What is it about Jesus Christ that motivates you to do life with him?
Every day Jesus gives us a new opportunity to come and follow him. How will you and I follow Jesus today?
In the name of God our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. Amen.
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