[1] #299,  Followship, Sunday 01-20-2008, Pastor Mark Boucher

Text: Matthew 9:9-13
Theme: What does Jesus call us into when He says “follow me”?

INTRODUCTION:

1. Go to Barnes and Noble and look up books on “leadership”, then “following”. Then look up “leadership” on Google, then “following”. – We crave to lead more than to follow.
2. Jesus had a plan for the world. His plan would be preceded by prophesies to give hope to the early generations.
   1. He came to die and rise again
   2. He came to invest His life in people who wanted to be transformed, who would be instruments of transformation. He didn’t come just so save people to get them into heaven.
3. One day, while walking He came upon Matthew.
   1. Matthew was a young Jewish man who broke the mold.
   2. He was a “collaboration compromiser” with the Romans.
   3. He was known as a “publican”. He sold out on he Jewish family, nation, conscience.
4. His life was about to change forever.
   1. Jesus said two words, “follow me”.
   2. “Matthew got up and followed him.” (v 9) There was something about Jesus greater than money, things and outward success.

Text: Matthew 9:9-13
What would you have done?
Most of us probably would have been paralyzed by a flood of questions.

• Just who are you again?
• Where are we going?
• What about my stuff, my booth?
• What do I have to do?
• What will I learn and become?
• Do I have to change? How?

What does Jesus call us into when He says “follow me”?

1. Jesus calls us into a relationship with Himself. (“follow me” – not a religion)
   1. He calls us to “be with Him.”
   2. “He appointed twelve – designating them apostles – that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.”
   3. He calls us to be like Him.
   4. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me …”
2. He calls us into relationships with one another.
   1. Matthew became a part of a team.
   2. It wasn’t just “me and Jesus”. It was me, Jesus and His people.
   3. Love is His command.
   4. “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12
   5. Our love for one another brings credibility to the message.
3. He calls us to a life of service.
   1. Jesus described his mission by saying, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve …” Matthew 20:28
   2. How do we serve?
   3. Jesus said, “I do what I see the Father doing.”
   4. Do what Jesus would do.

INTENTIONAL DISCIPLESHIP:

Three prong focus of LAOG. (Intentional Discipleship for you)

1. A life of intimacy with God.
   1. Worship and the Word.
2. A life of loving relationships.
   1. Where we learn to live the Word.
3. A life of service.
   1. Christ in us and through us.

Will you follow Jesus?