Title: Follow Jesus/Matthew 9:9-13
Contents
Some people hear the sounds of the wilderness and jump into clearing the vast wilderness, while others listen to the sounds of small grasses and see them dedicate their lives as botanists. Others, like all of us, sometimes hear the money call and see people working hard to make money at all costs.
But in order for us to have the happiest life, we must hear and respond to Jesus' call to us. Therefore, we must listen to the Lord's voice every day to follow me.
"Introduction"
1. Jesus commanded many people to “follow me.”
1). Jesus gave this command to Philip (John 1:43), “On the second day Jesus was going out to Galilee, and he met Philip and said to him, “Follow me.”
2).(Matthew 4:18-21) “While walking on the seashore of Galilee, he saw them and called them. Immediately they left the boat, their nets, and their father, and followed Jesus.” Jesus gave this command to the fishermen Peter, James, Andrew, and John.
3).(Matthew 9:9) Jesus gave this command to Matthew the tax collector, who was hated by others. Matthew lost his secure job in order to comply with this command, but instead had to find a new life. a. Matthew lost material stability, but gained spiritual stability. b. Matthew lost his material income, but learned respect and self-respect.
4). (Matthew 19:21) “Jesus said, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and follow me.” Jesus gave this command to a rich young man.
However, the young man was rich, and the sound of money in his ears and the security that money gives to his life led him to reject the Lord's command.
2. How can we follow Jesus today?
1).To follow Jesus today, we must accept the attitude of Jesus. This is consistent with Jesus' command to repent. He must change his mind by repenting and eat, and in the deepest part of his heart he must be filled with the hope of becoming like Christ.
We follow Jesus only when we fully accept Jesus' attitude toward life, time, eternity, and judgment in our relationship with God.
2).Today, if we are to follow Jesus, our hope must be aligned with the hope of Jesus.
a. (John 4:34,5:30) “Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to complete his work.” Jesus' hope was to do God's will in all things.
b. Jesus' hope was not in his own satisfaction but in meeting the needs of others.
c. Jesus' hope was to bring the wonderful news that God loves them to all people.
3).To follow Jesus today, we must accept His great love.
a. Jesus loved God with all his might.
b. Jesus loved faithfully and unconditionally and sacrificially.
4).To follow Jesus today, we must imitate His actions. The life of Jesus can be summed up in one word: “Jesus did good.”
"conclusion"
Throughout our lives we hear voices that call on us knowledge, power, wealth, and many more and they promise us something. But to find true satisfaction, we must respond to the Lord's call to “follow me.” Because Jesus promised eternal life and fellowship with God as a reward to those who answer his call.