CALLED TO DISCIPLESHIP

Transcription

1 CALLED TO DISCIPLESHIP Lesson Scripture: Matthew 4:12-22 Focus Scripture: Matthew 4:12-22 Key Verse: And he said to them, 11 Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." Matthew 4:19 (NRSV) MATTHEW 4:12-22 (NRSV) 12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. 13 He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: 15 "Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles- 16 the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned." 17 From that time Jesus began to proclaim, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." 18 As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is 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 fish for people." 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. MATTHEW 4:12-22 (KJV) 12 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee; 13 And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: 14 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, 15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; 16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. 20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. 21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. 22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him. 25

2 Key Terms Call-A vocation; a powerful force or attraction. Fish - To try to catch something; to engage in a search. INTRODUCTION In Matthew's story of the call of the disciples, Jesus first selects fishermen, thosewhowillfollowhimashela uncheshis ministry. Fishing was a strong component to this region's economy. Jesus identifies these hard-working men as ones who will become the first to learn of this new covenant relationship with God through a deeper understanding of the law and how it affects their relationship with God and humanity. The human form of Jesus is speaking to them, connecting with them in their vocation, and proclaiming a prophetic message of a calling greater than bringing fish to market. Jesus connects not only as the prophet, but also as a new awareness of family. The stage consists of not only the newly hired disciples but also their father and other partners in the family business. Jesus is also affecting the community. These are the people that provide food for the community. The impact of Jesus' arrival will suddenly change the landscape of the disciples' family business, the community grocer, and the spiritual and religious context of who they are and are becoming as Jews. Providing a parallel understanding to the modern day reader is to present a knock at the door of someone's place of employment, which is also a familyowned business. The person is not a known associate or even a person who is recognizable in your business world. He is a proclaimer of a new way of life March 31,2019 and a new type of vocation. You have been selected as a person with promise, but even more compelling, a person with purpose. You suddenly realize that destiny is calling and you are accepting this offer while recognizing the costs. However, this is something that the people, the entire community, has been waiting for, for four centuries. This man is speaking into the destiny of the entire nation. So you drop what you are doing to take a leap of faith and follow him. As others watch in disbelief, you are the first of many disciples of Jesus of Nazareth. TELLING THE BIBLE STORY Matthew's gospel shows Jesus has passed the physical tests of temptation as he endured forty days and nights in the wilderness without sustenance. Jesus was taunted by Satan to forfeit his divine mission, and accept the privileges of his divinity. The worship of Satan to which Jesus is tempted is probably intended to recall Israel's worship of false gods. Jesus' refusal is expressed in the words of Deuteronomy 6:13. Isaiah's prophecy of the light rising upon Zebulun and Naphtali (Is. 8:22-9:1) is fulfilled in Jesus' residence at Capernaum. Jesus is preaching on repentance of sins, as John the Baptist had been doing in his desert pulpit. This echoes the continuous message of a turning away from the old sinful ways, but can also be seen as turning to the new understanding of God, a new theological interpretation of God's redemptive power. It is done with a sense of urgency, as the proclamation of the kingdom of God presents an endtime kingdom that is now breaking forth through Jesus' appearance. Jesus is proclaiming a clear change of direction, therefore, the call to discipleship, which 26

3 is presented to the fisherman. Jesus states to the first fisherman he encounters that he will fish for something new. The change of direction leads them back to shore, to bring souls to repentance. Understandably, Matthew identifies Simon, also known as Peter, as the first to be chosen (Matt.1 0:2). This is possibly due to Peter's key role in the future of the church (Matt. 16:18). Jesus uses 'fishing' metaphorically, as he invites the new disciples to be fishers of people. They are no longer employed in a vocation, but called to a divine mission to humanity. The key to this calling is the contrast that can be found in Old Testament stories of prophetic calls, such as Elijah who calls Elisha, who is able to return home and bring closure to his work with the family (1 Kings 19:19-21 ). Disciples who follow Jesus are seen as walking in faith, not based on relics or signs. Jesus has not given public demonstration of his miracles where these newly selected disciples would be aware of the anointing that rests on him, nor of his teaching that liberates the poor and disenfranchised. Instead, the disciples step out of their boats and into a new venture in life, without the blessing of rabbinic teaching but a divine encounter that would change their lives forever. SANKOFA William Wade Harris was an evangelist and prophet, born in Liberia in ~ 865 of Grebo parents. Harris was a bncklayer and deckhand on British ships, which worked the waters of West Africa. He later became an interpreter for the Liberian government and a mission schoolteacher. He originally accepted the Christian faith as a Methodist, but later became a catechist for the Episcopal Church. After some time, he decided to proclaim the word of God independently. Harris was still a Grebo, supporting traditional Grebo interests. The Grebo were the first to have extensive contact with the American representatives of the Maryland Colonization Society. This society organized the colonization of what became known as Maryland in Africa by Free African Americans, beginning in Many JeSUS USeS 'fishing' Grebo resented this. group for assimilating metaphorically, as he the American culture.... into their beliefs. Harris 1nv1tes the new disciples was even arrested at to be fishers of people. 27 one point for attempting to maintain traditional Grebo interests. However, there was also a growing number of Liberian-Americans who controlled the country and preferred British rule. Harris' defiance resulted in his imprisonment. In 1910, Harris received a vision from the angel Gabriel that changed his course completely. The angel told Harris, "You are not in prison. God is coming to anoint you. You will be a prophet... you are like Daniel." The experience compelled Harris to accept his calling as a prophet. His striking presence and orator voice was soul-stirring. When he was freed, he preached with fire a simple message, renouncing the religion of fetishes and

4 greegrees, and accept the Christian God. Harris would immediately baptize them and place the Bible on their heads. If there was an appearance of a spirit, the convert was told to touch the crosslike staff he always used for walking. He led a simple life, attracting many to accept Jesus Christ. There were stories of religious traditional shrines bursting into flames when he entereq a village. Some spoke of an incident where a village refused to see him, and the village was later known for his gospel music work in the church of Jesus Christ. In 2010, Jordan planned to release new music, but it was shelved after a disappointing response to a concert opening. He loved music and the music industry, at least he thought he loved it. It was the intersection in life where one asks, "What am I doing here?" Jordan may not have said those words, but a reckoning moment occurred where he found himself trying to reconnect with his faith. His journey would not be alone, attacked by baboons. terminated his earlier as he reflected on this While in the Ivory Coast, Harris attracted many followers, particularly around World War I. His style of preaching in long white robes and a Sudaniclike turban was so compelling that people were drawn to his ministry of Christianity. Eventually it was estimated that the Harris Christians numbered nearly one million. Some European missionaries had mixed views of Harris. Some resented this uneducated, charismatic figure attracting large crowds and leading them to conversion and baptism. Others celebrated the work Harris did to help fill their church. His mission was to convert, baptize, and send them to neighboring churches to be fed. His conversions were ultimately believed to outnumber the members of the Catholic and Protestant churches combined. CASE STUDY Mantell Jordan will forever be known as the guy behind the R&B jam, "This Is How We Do lt." Today, he is better music career, Jordan still does music, but instead it is for the Lord. 28 path alongside his wife, Kristin, and their kids. They eventually joined Victory World Church in Atlanta where his life changed. According to Jordan, "The Lord spoke to me and said 'You got to retire, you got to lay that life down.'" Jordan became the Worship Minister at Victory World Church and along with Victory World Music, has released a gospel album called Shake Heaven. Although he terminated his earlier music career, Jordan still does music, but instead it is for the Lord. LIFE APPLICATION The calling of the disciples by Jesus is a reminder that each believer is also called to be a "fisher of men." The first instruction Jesus gives them is to "follow me." As disciples, we are often distracted by the things of the world. Like children, we wander off to see and touch the things that glitter and sparkle, only to find ourselves lost and alone. Jesus' instruction is relevant to the mission. The need to stay on the right path is essential,

5 in order to reach our goal. Secondly, there are all types of fish. However, fishermen will tell you that you cannot use the same bait for all fish. Be willing to adjust your approach and learn techniques that work well, while always keeping Jesus in the forefront, leading along the way. The text speaks to us today to follow Jesus. Be ready to fish. Fishing requires patience and stamina. Follow the directions and you will receive a great catch.''." Questions Is the concept of "calling" limited to only ministers? List other roles within the church and throughout kingdombuilding where believers are called to serve. Experiencing a call to discipleship is different for everyone. Share what the calling experience looked like for you. Do you feel you have answered this call completely? Jesus calls the disciples while proclaiming a message of repentance from sins and a warning that the kingdom of God is near. Has the church altered this message in any way? If so, how? Is it still applicable? Why or why not? CLOSING DEVOTIONS Closing Song: "We Offer Christ" by Joel Britton - African American Heritage Hymnal #355 Closing Prayer Pray for a forgiving heart as you have seen Jesus forgive. Take a moment to pray for the people you know who have not given their lives to Christ. Secondly, pray for a church that is passionate about fishing for souls to be saved: Lord, we are asking for a fresh start today in casting our nets to reach souls for Jesus Christ. Let your Holy Spirit begin to draw more people to you. Let the power of the love you have shown us compel families, communities, and nations to become new disciples of Christ. This we pray in Jesus' name. Amen. Rev. Dr. D. Melynda Clarke HOME DAILY BIBLE RI:ADINGS March 25-March 31 Monday Tuesday Exodus 18:1-9 (Jethro Hears of the Egyptian DeliveranGe) Deuteronomy 8:1-11 (Sustained by God) Wednesday Luke 9:28-36 (God Speaks to Disciples) Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Matthew 3:11-17 (Well Pleased) Matthew 4:1-11 (Tempted in the Wilderness) Matthew 4:23-25 (Good News and Healing) Matthew 4:12-22 (Called and Enabled for Ministry) 29