TO BE WITH HIM
Mark 1:16-20; 3:13-14, Acts 2:42, ESV
This is part 5 of the sermon series, “Disciple.”
Jesus calls Simon Peter and Andrew to follow Him. He made his intentions clear that He would make them fishers of men. The Lord also called James and John. All four of them left what they were doing to follow Him. The Lord’s design is for the disciples to be with Him and to send them to preach. After the Lord’s resurrection and ascension, the apostles followed the pattern of fellowshipping with the new disciples while teaching them what they learned from Christ.
Immediately
When Jesus called Simon and Andrew to follow Him, they immediately left their nets to follow Him. When Jesus called James and John, they immediately left their father in the boat to follow Jesus. Christ’s intention was to make them fishers of men.
Mark 1:16-20: Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.
One must note that Simon, Andrew, James, and John immediately followed Christ. Were they busy when Jesus called them to follow? Yes, they were busy either casting nets or mending nets. They left what they were doing in order to follow Christ.
Design
The Lord appointed the twelve, and His intent was clear. The disciples were to be with Him so that He could send them to preach. By being with Christ, they would observe, listen, obey, and preach. Such was the design for the twelve.
Mark 3:13-14: And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. 14 And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach
In the first century, it was the norm to live with or near your teacher. Learning moments happen throughout the day. Christ kept His disciples close so they could witness not only what He taught but also who He is. Furthermore, He would empower them to do the work of God.
Continuity
After Christ’s resurrection and ascension, He sent His disciples to fulfill the mission. The apostles followed the same pattern that Jesus used. The newly baptized continued in the apostles’ teaching, which was the teachings of Christ. Furthermore, they fellowshipped with them and practiced communion with prayers.
Acts 2:42: And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
With the way they learned and fellowshipped together, the Lord added to their number. Moreover, many of these will be scattered by persecution, and they will proclaim the gospel to others wherever they go.
Application
1. Let us immediately follow Christ by leaving everything behind. His intent is to make us participants of the mission, to be fishers of men. Genuine disciples put Christ and His mission first, above all.
2. We should maintain close communion with Christ through prayer, worship, and meditation on His word. Our fellowship with the Triune God must be consistent and ongoing. With that confidence, we must proclaim the gospel.
3. When we make disciples, we must teach the word of God and fellowship with them. Furthermore, we will explain to them the design of Christ that genuine disciples must proclaim the gospel and make disciples.
Poem
TO BE WITH HIM by Ed Pilapil Jr. The Lord Jesus said, follow Me The word used was, immediately Immediately, they followed Him It was quick; there was no waiting They left their nets and their father They were the two sets of brothers Christ would still appoint the others Their journey should not be bothered A journey with the Son of Man To be with Jesus was the plan To know Him and to make Him known Salvation is in Christ alone Disciples are fishers of men It is true now as it was then The apostles continuing His teaching and fellowshipping
Study Guide
1. How did Simon, Andrew, James, and John respond to the call of Christ to follow Him? (Mark 1:16-20)
2. Explain Christ’s design for those whom He called to be disciples. (Mark 3:13-14)
3. After the resurrection and ascension, what did the apostles do with the new disciples? (Acts 2:42).
