Calling Disciples - Part 2

Luke 5:4 "...And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch...”

Context:

- Jesus hops in Simon's boat.

- turns a bad fishing night into a net breaking catch.

Luke 5:10 "...and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men...”

Matthew 4:19 "...And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men...”

Mark 1:17 "...And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men...”

Why were the fisherman so willing to change professions?

- Andrew had already answered the challenge of John the Baptist.

- They were evidently looking for life beyond what they currently knew.

What does following Jesus cost you?

Who is willing to pay the cost?

- people who are looking for life beyond what they currently know.

Second Sign in Cana - nobleman's son

John 4:48 “...Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe...”

John 4:50 "...Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live...”

John 4:53 "...The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” And he himself believed, and all his household..."

Context:

- back in Galilee where He'd turned the water into wine (40 miles from Sychar to Cana).

- official asks Him to come heal his son, who was at the point of death.

- the official was from Capernaum, about 15 miles northeast of Cana (6-8 hrs by foot).

- if the official left at daybreak (6:00), he would get to Cana around noon or one, which is the 6th or 7th hour.

- he evidently didn't go all the way back that same day, because he met his servants the next day.

What did the servants tell him?

- the fever left at the seventh hour.

Did the official get his sign and wonder?

What was the result?

John 4:53 "...And he himself believed, and all his household..."

Are signs and wonders a convincing way to realize that Jesus is Lord?

Do you have to see signs and wonders to believe?

Is Jesus willing to provide what you need to believe in Him.

Is Jesus willing to provide what you need to NOT believe in Him.

Healing and Preaching - authority and power

Mark 1:25 "...But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!...”

Luke 4:35 "...But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm..."

Context:

- Jesus was teaching n the synagogue in Capernaum.

- He taught as one who had authority, not like the normal teachers.

- a man has an unclean spirit, which cries out "what have you to do with us Jesus".

- Jesus acts with power, casting out the demon.

- His reputation grows.

How was Jesus different than those to whom people were accustomed?

- not just talk.

- authority and power.

We've had water turned into wine.

We've had a fever healed from 15 miles away.

Now we have an unclean spirit cast out. (akathartos: unclean, vs. ponêros: evil)

Do you believe in unclean spirits?

What was the significance of being unclean in O.T. times? (state of separation)

Who did Jesus heal as His reputation grew, according to Luke 4:38-41?

- Simon's mother-in-law, and ALL the sick that were brought to Him.

Moving On - lots to do

Luke 4:43 "...but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose...”

Mark 1:38 "...And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out...”

Context:

- Jesus was teaching.

- Luke 4:40-41 "...he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. And demons also came out of many..."

What did the people want (Luke 4:42)? [to keep Him around] Why?

Why did Jesus move on?

** He was sent to preach the good news of the kingdom of God to others as well.

Do we ever try to keep Jesus for ourselves?