“Follow Me”

Follow MeText: Matthew 28:19

In the Great Commission, Jesus told His apostles to go out and make disciples. A disciple is a follower of Jesus. While on earth, Jesus also went out and made disciples. But while His apostles would tell people to follow Jesus, He would tell them, “Follow Me.” There are a few examples in the gospels in which Jesus offered this invitation. We’re going to look at these statements in the book of Matthew and make some applications.

“Follow Me” and Become Fishers of Men (Matthew 4:18-22)

  • Jesus called Peter and Andrew to follow Him, then James and John – they were called to preach (Matthew 10:1-7; 28:19-20)
  • Not everyone will teach publicly (James 3:1) or travel the world (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15) – yet we are to help lead others to Christ (Philippians 2:15-16; 1 Peter 3:15; Colossians 4:6)

“Follow Me” and Let the Dead Bury the Dead (Matthew 8:21-22)

  • This was not a lack of compassion, this was about priorities – putting Jesus over family (Matthew 10:34-37)
  • We have responsibilities to our family (Colossians 3:18-21; et al.) – yet we are to put our relationship with Christ first (Matthew 12:46-50)

“Follow Me” and Work for Him First (Matthew 9:9)

  • Jesus called Matthew to follow Him – not specified, but it was for the same reason as Peter and Andrew
  • The point of this is not that we must abandon work (2 Thessalonians 3:6-10; Colossians 3:23) – but we must put our service to God first (Luke 12:16-21; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:17)

“Follow Me” and Take Up Your Cross (Matthew 16:24-25)

  • Matthew recorded this as an “if anyone” statement – yet the expectation/command was implied
  • Jesus took up His cross by laying down His life for us (Philippians 2:5-8) – we need to give our lives completely to Him (Galatians 2:20); share in His sufferings (1 Peter 4:1, 12-13)

“Follow Me” and Become Complete in Him (Matthew 19:16-22)

  • Jesus’ words to the rich young ruler were about his wealth – yet the principle goes deeper than that
  • We must not allow riches or anything else hinder us from following Christ (Matthew 6:24; Hebrews 12:1-2) – we are not to remain spiritually immature, but press on to maturity (Hebrews 5:12-6:1)

Conclusion

  • It is not always going to be easy to follow Jesus, but it will be worth it (Matthew 19:27-30)
  • We must value Christ over everyone/everything else – press on toward the goal (Philippians 3:14); be faithful until death (Revelation 2:10)