Following Jesus #

Mark 2:13-17

Introduction

Jesus had just been in the house, with a lot of people, and healed the paralyzed man. He now goes out to the sea side, and is again followed by a multitude. They didn't have cameras to take pictures, but imagine the paparazzi. Jesus amassed a large following because of the miracles He did. We have the specific calling of Matthew.

I. His Calling (Mark 2:13-14) #

A. Seaside calling #

1. "by the sea" (13) #

There was a lot of space for the crowd to gather.
It was not limited to the crowded house

2. "the multitude" (13) #

Walking through the pages of Mark, many miracles had been done! Word had gotten out, and Jesus had become popular!

3. "he taught them" (13) #

Jesus is found over and over teaching people!
He was more than just a miracle worker, he was a minister, and had a message from the Word!
The calling came during the teaching of the Word!

B. Spontaneous calling #

1. "as he passed by" (14) #

The Gospel message is often a fleeting message!

Matthew 13:4 “^4\ ^And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:”

- It is often given out, and gobbled up!
- Matthew was busy in the moment... but he heard the call of Jesus, and responded!
- Many put it off... only to have the message devoured by fowls!

2. "he saw Levi" - #

Jesus knows where you are at in your life!
Matthew (Levi) was "sitting at the receipt of customs"

C. Sinner's call! #

A tax collector, was a publican
Luke 5:27 "saw a publican, named Levi"
- It was often a dishonest job! The tax collectors would collect more than what people owed, so they could line their pockets. Political corruption is not new!
Jesus took an interest in sinners! (Mark 2:17)
We too, should take an interest in sinners!

D. Specific call #

1. "he said unto him" #

Imagine all the people that were following Jesus... His popularity, and he looks at you, and says, "Follow me"
When God of heaven, speaks personally to you!
There could be a crowd of 10,000 people... but it is as if he is speaking just to you!

E. Separating call #

1. "Follow me" #

Here is Levi, setting at a table of cash! (no credit/debit/crypto... just cash).

Luke 5:28 And he left all, rose up, and followed him.

2. We are not called to stay in our sin, but to leave it! #

Matt. 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

3. You must be "Looking unto Jesus" to follow him! #

You cannot be Following someone you are not looking at!

II. His Celebration (Mark 2:15) #

A. Personal house #

1. "his house" #

He didn't go to a friends house
He didn't rent a hall...
Having someone over, you clean up.
Jesus took an interest in going right to his house!

Rev. 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Jesus is not just interested in us following Him, He wants to dine with you!

B. Party of Joy! #

Luke 5:29 And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.

1. When Jesus comes in, there is reason to celebrate! #

You cannot find this kind of joy, and celebration without Jesus!
The world has their parties, they try to fill that void with drugs, alcohol, pleasures, fun...
TRUE JOY is known by Following the LORD!

C. Presentation of Christ #

1. "many publicans and sinners" - Meet & Greet #

Matthew didn't just celebrate, but he invited others to come to Know Christ! - Tell others!

Mark 2:13