The Call to Follow Jesus
Introduction (Matthew 4:18–22; Matthew
9:9):
When Jesus called His apostles, their response was immediate obedience. Their
example teaches us what it means to follow Christ without hesitation and with
full surrender.
Jesus Calls Us to Follow
When Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, John, and later Matthew, He simply said,
“Follow Me.” They left what they were doing and followed Him. The Christian life
is about following our Shepherd wherever He leads (John 10:4). To follow means
to adopt His ways in thought, word, and action. We sing, “Where He leads me, I
will follow.” That must not be empty sentiment—it is a daily commitment to walk
in His steps.
Obedience to the Call
God has always required obedience. Adam and Eve were cast out of Eden because
they disobeyed. Saul lost his kingdom because he spared the Amalekites against
God’s command. Samuel told him, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice” (1
Samuel 15:22). Worship without obedience is empty. The apostles remind us that
when Jesus calls, true disciples respond with faithful obedience.
Immediate Response
The apostles did not delay. They left their nets and their tax table at once.
Scripture emphasizes the urgency of obeying God. When the Philippian jailer
heard the gospel, he and his household were baptized “the same hour of the
night” (Acts 16:33). Paul wrote, “Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the
day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Delay in obedience risks the loss of
one’s soul. When we learn truth, we must apply it immediately.
Sacrifice for Christ’s Plan
The apostles left behind careers, possessions, and family expectations. They
sacrificed the lives they had planned for the life Jesus planned for them. Jesus
said, “Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple”
(Luke 14:33). James warned us not to boast about tomorrow, for life is a vapor
that appears for a little while and then vanishes (James 4:13–15). Instead, we
are to live with the humble mindset: “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do
this or that.” Paul taught us to hide our lives with Christ in God (Colossians
3:1–3). True discipleship requires surrendering our will to His.
Conclusion
The call to follow Jesus is a call to obedience, immediacy, and sacrifice. The
apostles left all to follow Christ. Their example calls us to live not for
ourselves but for the Lord.
The
Call to Follow Jesus Sermon Outline:
Call to Action
Jesus calls us today through His word: “Follow Me.” Will you obey at once, or
will you delay? Will you surrender all, or hold something back? Follow the
apostles’ example by obeying fully, immediately, and without reservation. Hide
your life in Christ, and live by His will alone.
Key Takeaways
-
Following Jesus means living as He lived (John 10:4).
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Obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).
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Immediate obedience is required (Acts 16:33; 2 Corinthians 6:2).
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Discipleship requires full surrender (Luke 14:33; James 4:13–15).
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Our lives are to be hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:1–3).
Scripture Reference List
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Matthew 4:18–22; Matthew 9:9 – Apostles called to follow Jesus.
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John 10:4 – Sheep follow the shepherd.
-
1
Samuel 15:22 – To obey is better than sacrifice.
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Acts 16:33 – Philippian jailer baptized immediately.
-
2
Corinthians 6:2 – Now is the day of salvation.
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Luke 14:33 – Must forsake all to be Christ’s disciple.
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James 4:13–15 – Life is a vapor, submit to God’s will.
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Colossians 3:1–3 – Hide your life in Christ.
Prepared by Mike Glenn |
The
church of Christ
