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Following Jesus – Called To COME! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the January 19, 2025 sermon, “Following Jesus: Called To COME!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Matthew 4:12-25

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”  
Matthew 4:19 (NIV)

As one called by Jesus to “Come, follow me”, Matthew gives us great teaching on what it looks like to live life following Jesus.  After Jesus stood fast against the temptations of the devil, He began to proclaim a time to . . .

  • Change:  Matthew 4:12-17

    • When Jesus calls us to follow Him, it is a call to change.  Following Jesus requires a new direction and a new life.  Being called to repentance should lead us to change the direction, and the director, of our life.  When a person chooses to put Jesus in charge of their life, nothing remains the same.  The call of Jesus to follow Him must always be met with a willingness to change.  

  • Obey:  Matthew 4:18-22

    • When Jesus calls us to follow Him, it is a call to obey.  Far too often, we want to offer a conditional obedience . . . I’ll obey in the areas I believe are beneficial to me and I’ll continue to do my own thing in the areas which I determine I’m doing okay in.  Unfortunately, that is now what obedience to God looks like.  The response of those initially called by Jesus we to immediately leave what they were doing and follow Him.  The call of Jesus to follow Him must always be met with a decision to obey.

  • Mend:  Matthew 4:23

    • When Jesus calls us to follow Him, it is a call to mend that which is broken.  While Jesus spent time mending the brokenness of sickness, injury, and other physical needs, He also set about mending the brokenness of injustice, prejudice, and abandonment.  While there is much good done by those who can help with physical healing, Jesus calls us to be involved in the emotional and spiritual healing of others as we share Him with them.  The call of Jesus to follow Him must always be met with a desire to mend, just as He mends us.

  • Expand:  Matthew 4:24-25

    • When Jesus calls us to follow Him, it is a call to expand the kingdom of God.  The “come, follow me” was not just a statement offered to a few who were chosen, but rather a call of God to all who would be willing to respond.  It is God’s desire the no one should perish, but that all would come to repentance.  Until the day of Christ’s return, the fullness of the kingdom of God will always operate with the truth that there is room for one more.  The call of Jesus to follow Him must always be met with our desire to see the kingdom of God expand as we also share the good news of Jesus.

Today, how will you respond to this call to COME?