“Follow Me” is the most important invitation Jesus has given to anyone. This message considers how you can see Him clearly in order to follow Him fully.
NOTES:
Seeing and Following Jesus
Mosaic Rockford – Dave Spooner – April 10th, 2016
Intro:
- Excited about the direction of this Church
- Our goal is to follow Jesus
John 10:27 ESV
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me
John 12:26 ESV
If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also.
- Not what would Jesus do, but what is Jesus doing
- Ways that we miss Jesus
We miss Jesus because of our assumptions
Luke 2:41-45 ESV
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him.
- We are doing are same routine – and religious duties, customs and traditions . . .
- We assume He is with us . . .
- We have to come to a point of realization that Jesus is not with us anymore . . .
- Search for Him among their relatives and acquaintance . . .
- Then they went back to the source
- Jesus is not about our business, He is about His Father’s business
We miss Jesus because of our distractions
Luke 10:38-42 ESV
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
- We get distracted with our serving . . .
- We get angry and irritated with people that we think should be helping us
- Then we even talk to Jesus about them
- Ministry for Jesus cannot replace our relationship with Jesus . . .
- He is about relationships
We miss Jesus because of our possessions
Matt 19:16-22 NIV
Now a ruler came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” 17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” 18 “Which ones?” the man inquired.
Jesus replied, “‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.'”
20 “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
- This guy is the perfect church member
- Ruler, spiritual, good, rich, young
- We are about our possessions Jesus is about our dedication
Matt 10:37-39 ESV
Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
We miss Jesus because of our expectations
John 12:12-14 ESV
The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”
Matt 27:22-23 ESV
Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” 23 And he said, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”
- Palm Sunday – we want him to do our will
- We miss Jesus because of false expectations
- What will you do for me . . .
- Jackpot Jesus . . .
- He is about His Father’s timing