8.5.18 // Jesus Simply Says “Follow Me”

Jesus Simply Says “Follow Me”
Pastor Peter Young

Matthew 16:24 - Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”

1. How does it start? With an invitation to follow

Matthew 4:18 - Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 And He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.

2. Who gets the invite? Everyone! Not just the qualified

Matthew 9:9 - As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man called Matthew, sitting in the tax collector's booth; and He said to him, "Follow Me!" And he got up and followed Him.

3. What is the cost? – It will cost you everything

Matthew 19:21 - Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."

Luke 9:61 - Another also said, "I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home." 62 But Jesus said to him, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

4. Why should I respond? To gain what you cannot lose

Matthew 16:25 - For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

5. Where and when do I begin? Here and now

Mark 1:18 - Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.
Luke 5:28 - And he left everything behind and got up and began to follow Him.