"FOLLOW ME"

“FOLLOW ME AND I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN” MATTHEW 4:9

Notice in His exchange Jesus does not direct the soon-to-be disciples to the local religious leaders, nor does He direct them to the established religious centers.

He does not offer religion at all. These men had been steeped in religion, what they were in need of was a livening experience with the living God. Jesus gave the prescription for life in one simple command; just two words; “FOLLOW ME”.

He wasn’t hosting a teaching seminar or Jesus Rally. He didn’t offer DVD Teachings or a message series on tape, He didn’t have His own ‘authorized’ version of the law to sell or coffee mugs or T-shirts or even sanctified breath mints; in fact what Jesus did looks nothing like what most of Christianity looks like today.

What Jesus had to offer was ABUNDNAT LIFE and that He would purchase for one and all. He instructed His Disciples, ‘FREELY YOU HAVE RECEIVED; FREELY GIVE”. Jesus didn’t preface His remarks with 30 minutes of praise, nor did He follow them by receiving an offering (now I’ve got some preachers attention), what He did His command with was what God always attaches to His commands; a promise.

In this case, Jesus says, “FOLLOW ME AND I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN” In other words, follow me and you will lead others who desire what they see what I have deposited in you. Jesus did not offer religion; He offered RELATIONSHIP. He said in so many words, “Come get to know me and I’ll introduce you to My Father and you will all be family!”

The call of Christ has never changed and the promise remains the same; “FOLLOW ME AND I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN”

You may or may not like the package Jesus is most often seen to be a part of, but His gift remains the same and once you get past the fancy ribbons and gaudy paper, the present of eternal, abundant life is what you need.Listen carefully Jesus is speaking, “FOLLOW ME AND I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN” AMEN!