1. Introduction
· Mk.1:17-18 “Then Jesus said to them “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men”. They immediately left their nets and followed him”
· Each of us is called by God to attach to Jesus and to Follow Him.
· “Follow” = NT190= akoloutheo az = “union”; Keleuthos = “road”.
= To be on the same road as a companion.
= To enter another person’s world and to join them on their journey.
= A lifelong journey with Jesus constantly learning and being committed to His Cause.
· Jn.10:27 “My sheep hear my voice, I know them and they follow me”.
2. “It’s Not all About Me”
(a) “Give Me” – The Entitlement Mentality
· Lk.15:11-12 “The younger son said to his father: “Father give me, my share of the estate” (NIV)
· Story is about the father’s generosity – also contains keys to why people self-destruct.
· “Give Me” = mentality = It’s all about me!
· Son was self-centred = sense of entitlement
= no interest in the welfare of his father
= expectation of special treatment
= Strongly promoted himself – self focused
= Used others to advance himself, exploited relationships
= Focus on personal rights rather than responsibilities
(b) “The Princess Syndrome”
· When children become the central focus of family they can grow up self centred.
· “Princess” = the centre of attention. Whatever princess wants she gets.
· A generation is emerging with a great sense of “entitlement” rather than responsibility.
· Education system has greatly contributed to “Princess” mentality.
· e.g. Narcissus - Greek myth very attractive young man renowned for his beauty.
- He wanted others to give to him but he gave to no-one.
- He formed many relationships, drew from them then rejected them.
- Eventually he became captivated by his own image in a pool of water.
- He refused all attempts to help him – withered away and lost all his beauty.
· Fruit of this self-absorption is:
- Broken relationships - Division - abuse in relationship
- Rejection - Mental illness - addictions/crime
· The Root is Pride Proverbs 16:18 = Pride goes before destruction.
· Lk.15:15 “He joined himself to a citizen of that country and he sent him into the fields to feed the swine”
· The path to ruin – financially, relationally, emotionally and spiritually “Give Me”.
3. Jesus Teaching on Discipleship
Mt.16:21-25 “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me”.
(vs21) Jesus reveals his commitment to serve the Father – his commitment to the will of God. He reveals his path involves suffering, death, resurrection.
(a) Peter’s response “Save Yourself”
· (v22) Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him saying be it far from you. Lord this shall not happen to you.
· “Rebuke” =NT2008= epitimeo = to fix a value upon, raise the price of, admonish or forbid.
· “For be it” = pity yourself; show mercy and kindness and look after yourself.
(b) Jesus Rebuke of Peter
· (V23) “He turned and said to Peter: Get behind me Satan. You are an offense to me for you are not mindful of the things of God but the things of men”.
· He identified the source of this statement = “Satan” - one opposed to the purpose of God’s Spirit.
· He identified the impact of this statement = “Offence” – something hindering your course.
· He identified the root of this statement = “Mindful” – to set the affection on short term personal gain.
(c) Jesus Instruction to Disciples
· (v24) If any man will come after me – will =NT2309= to be resolved, determine, purpose.
(i) “Deny Self”
= turn away totally from self-centred way of thinking and acting.
= “What’s in this for me?” is no longer the viewpoint or attitude.
= total opposed to a self-centred agenda.
(ii) “Take up His Cross”
= Doing what Jesus requires of us regardless of what people think or say or do, or what may personally experience e.g. pain, inconvenience, pressure, difficulties, hardships.
= this is a daily decision (Lk9:23) – it is personal.
(iii) “Follow Me”
= look to Jesus constantly for direction, strength, encouragement.
= stay attached to Christ and His cause.
· The outcome of this kind of life is blessed and rewarded, now and eternally.
· E.g. Forgiveness = deny self, take up cross, follow Jesus example.
4. It’s All About Serving
· Lk.15:17-19 “He came to himself … “Make me to serve”
· The change in heart – from Give Me = Make Me to Serve = Great favour and blessing.
(i) Recognise Your Condition (v17) – “I perish with hunger”
(ii) Heartfelt Repentance (v18) = “I will go – I have sinned”
· Admission of his wrong and willingness to turn away.\Admission of how he had hurt others by this self-centred attitude.
· Turn away and put it right with those we have wronged – apologise
(iii) Decision to Love and Serve others (v19) “Make me like one of your Servants”
· We cannot experience resurrection until we identify with Christ’s death.
· Sins of selfishness, self-idolatry must come to the Cross.
· When we die to selfishness we are free to love and serve others.
· Dead people don’t react, get offended or hurt, or walk in pride.
· There may be roots in the heart to address.
(iv) Follow Jesus “Son of Man came to serve and give His life”
· Walk in the opposite to pride – humility.
· Matt.20:26-28 “Whoever desires to become great, let him be your servant”