1-9-22 Sermon Notes “What We Want to Become”

The word “authority” can be defined as “the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.” I was thinking about “authority” as I read about Jesus calling people from their regular occupations to follow him as his disciples. What kind of authority would Jesus have to have in order to interrupt four fishermen at their work, challenge them to leave behind their nets (their livelihood) and follow after him? Here’s the scene as Mark records it:

16 As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him. (Mark 1: 16-20)

We have to remember that several months before, Jesus had already met Peter, Andrew, James and John – and they had come to trust him (John 1: 35-49). So, this was not an “out of the blue” invitation to discipleship. Still back to my question…what kind of authority would Jesus have to have in order to ask for – and receive – their total commitment? The short answer is… ALL of it.

Jesus “called” his disciples at the beginning of his ministry on earth. Jesus “sent” them right before he ascended to the Father. Remember the Great Commission? Before he sent his disciples to go to the ends of the earth making disciples, he reminded them that “all authority in heaven and on earth” had been given to him.” (Matt. 28: 18) Jesus taught with authority, exercised authority in healing, forgiving sins, and authority over Satan. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus showed that he even has authority over death and the grave.

When someone with that kind of authority speaks, we do well to listen! Jesus still owns all authority. Jesus still calls us to follow and be disciples. Jesus still sends us to go and make disciples. Last week we talked about integrity – being who we say we are. This week will we will focus on what we want to become: disciples making disciples.

See you Sunday,
Pastor Sam