Abiding in Christ: The Call to Discipleship

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound call to discipleship as depicted in the Gospel of Mark. The central theme revolves around the invitation to abide in Jesus, emphasizing the importance of remaining in Him as His disciples. We began by acknowledging the universal call to discipleship, a theme that resonates throughout Mark's Gospel. Jesus' first public words in Mark 1:15, "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news," set the stage for this call to follow Him.

We delved into the lives of the first disciples, ordinary fishermen like Simon, Andrew, James, and John, who left their livelihoods to follow Jesus. Their immediate response to His call exemplifies the faith and trust required to embark on this journey. We also examined the intriguing inclusion of Levi, a tax collector, among the disciples. Levi's story highlights Jesus' mission to reach those who recognize their need for Him, regardless of their past or societal status.

The message further explored the diverse backgrounds of the twelve apostles, emphasizing that Jesus calls people from all walks of life to unite under a common purpose. This unity in diversity is a testament to the transformative power of Jesus' call. The apostles, despite their differences, were empowered to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth, demonstrating the profound impact of abiding in Christ.

As we reflect on this call to discipleship, we are reminded that following Jesus requires leaving behind our nets—our sources of security and comfort. It involves a willingness to embrace the cost of discipleship, knowing that the reward of transformation and eternal life with Christ far outweighs any sacrifice. The journey of discipleship is marked by abiding in Jesus, allowing His presence to transform us and empower us to fulfill His mission in the world.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Call to Abide in Jesus: Abiding in Jesus is central to discipleship. It requires a deep, ongoing relationship with Him, where we remain connected and dependent on His presence. This abiding leads to transformation and empowers us to fulfill His mission. [00:32]

2. Immediate Response to Jesus' Call: The disciples' immediate response to Jesus' call exemplifies the faith and trust required to follow Him. Their willingness to leave everything behind challenges us to examine what we might need to surrender to fully embrace our calling. [08:03]

3. Unity in Diversity: Jesus calls people from diverse backgrounds to unite under a common purpose. This unity in diversity is a testament to the transformative power of His call, demonstrating that anyone, regardless of their past, can be used for His kingdom work. [19:55]

4. The Cost of Discipleship: Following Jesus comes with a cost, requiring us to leave behind our nets—our sources of security and comfort. However, the reward of transformation and eternal life with Christ far outweighs any sacrifice we make. [27:53]

5. Transformation Through Abiding: Abiding in Jesus leads to transformation. As we remain in Him, His presence changes us, empowering us to fulfill His mission in the world. This transformation is a promise, not a possibility, for those who choose to follow Him. [28:57]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:32] - Introduction to Discipleship
- [01:03] - The Kingdom of God is Near
- [01:40] - Universal Call to Discipleship
- [02:11] - The First Disciples
- [03:48] - Jesus Calls Fishermen
- [05:24] - Leaving Everything Behind
- [07:30] - Immediate Response to Jesus
- [08:32] - Calling of Levi the Tax Collector
- [09:41] - Jesus' Mission to the Sinners
- [12:19] - Levi's Inclusion Among Disciples
- [14:26] - Jesus' Diverse Disciples
- [17:16] - Simon the Zealot
- [19:55] - Unity in Diversity
- [21:06] - The Cost of Discipleship
- [25:33] - Abiding in Jesus for Transformation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Call to Discipleship

Bible Reading:
1. Mark 1:15 - "The time promised by God has come at last," he announced. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent of your sins and believe the good news."
2. Mark 1:16-20 - Jesus calls the first disciples, Simon, Andrew, James, and John.
3. Mark 2:13-17 - Jesus calls Levi, the tax collector, to follow Him.

Observation Questions:
1. What was the first public statement Jesus made in the Gospel of Mark, and why is it significant? [01:03]
2. How did Simon, Andrew, James, and John respond to Jesus' call, and what does this tell us about their faith? [04:16]
3. What was Levi's occupation before following Jesus, and how did his inclusion among the disciples challenge societal norms? [09:04]
4. How does the diversity of the disciples' backgrounds reflect Jesus' mission and the nature of His kingdom? [19:55]

Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to "abide in Jesus," and how does this concept relate to the call to discipleship? [00:32]
2. Why do you think the immediate response of the first disciples is emphasized in the Gospel of Mark? What does this suggest about the nature of true discipleship? [08:03]
3. How does the inclusion of Levi, a tax collector, among the disciples illustrate the transformative power of Jesus' call? [09:41]
4. What are the implications of Jesus calling people from diverse backgrounds to unite under a common purpose? How does this unity in diversity serve as a testament to His transformative power? [19:55]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life. What "nets" or sources of security might you need to leave behind to follow Jesus more fully? [27:53]
2. How can you cultivate a deeper, ongoing relationship with Jesus to truly abide in Him? What practical steps can you take this week to remain connected to His presence? [00:32]
3. Consider the immediate response of the first disciples. What might be holding you back from responding to Jesus' call with the same urgency and faith? [08:03]
4. In what ways can you embrace and celebrate the diversity within your own community or church, recognizing it as a reflection of Jesus' kingdom? [19:55]
5. How do you perceive the cost of discipleship in your life? Are there specific sacrifices you are hesitant to make, and how can you find encouragement in the promise of transformation and eternal life with Christ? [27:53]
6. Identify one area in your life where you feel Jesus is calling you to step out in faith. What is one action you can take this week to respond to that call? [25:33]
7. How can you actively participate in Jesus' mission to reach those who recognize their need for Him, regardless of their past or societal status? [09:41]

Devotional

Day 1: Abiding in Jesus Transforms Us
Abiding in Jesus is not a passive act but an active, ongoing relationship that requires intentionality and commitment. It is about remaining connected to Him, drawing strength and guidance from His presence. This abiding is transformative, as it allows His love and truth to permeate our lives, changing us from the inside out. As we abide in Him, we are empowered to fulfill His mission, becoming vessels of His grace and truth in the world. This transformation is a promise for those who choose to remain in Him, leading to a life that reflects His character and purpose. [00:32]

John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with Jesus and ensure you are abiding in Him consistently?


Day 2: Responding to Jesus' Call with Faith
The immediate response of the first disciples to Jesus' call is a powerful example of faith and trust. They left their nets, their sources of security and comfort, to follow Him without hesitation. This challenges us to examine our own lives and consider what we might need to surrender to fully embrace our calling. Following Jesus requires a willingness to step out in faith, trusting that He will provide and guide us on this journey. It is a call to prioritize His mission over our own desires and to trust in His plan for our lives. [08:03]

Matthew 4:19-20 (ESV): "And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' Immediately they left their nets and followed him."

Reflection: What is one thing you feel God is calling you to leave behind in order to follow Him more closely? How can you take a step of faith in that direction today?


Day 3: Unity in Diversity Reflects God's Kingdom
Jesus' call to discipleship extends to people from all walks of life, as seen in the diverse backgrounds of the twelve apostles. This unity in diversity is a testament to the transformative power of His call, demonstrating that anyone, regardless of their past, can be used for His kingdom work. It is a reminder that the body of Christ is made up of individuals with unique gifts and experiences, all united under a common purpose. This diversity reflects the beauty and inclusivity of God's kingdom, where all are welcome and valued. [19:55]

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."

Reflection: How can you celebrate and embrace the diversity within your own community, and what steps can you take to foster unity among those with different backgrounds and experiences?


Day 4: Embracing the Cost of Discipleship
Following Jesus comes with a cost, as it requires us to leave behind our nets—our sources of security and comfort. However, the reward of transformation and eternal life with Christ far outweighs any sacrifice we make. This journey of discipleship involves a willingness to embrace the challenges and sacrifices that come with following Him, knowing that His presence and promises are worth it. It is a call to trust in His provision and to find our security in Him rather than in worldly comforts. [27:53]

Luke 14:27-28 (ESV): "Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?"

Reflection: What comforts or securities are you holding onto that might be hindering your full commitment to following Jesus? How can you begin to release these to embrace the cost of discipleship?


Day 5: Transformation Through Abiding in Christ
Abiding in Jesus leads to transformation, as His presence changes us and empowers us to fulfill His mission in the world. This transformation is not just a possibility but a promise for those who choose to follow Him. As we remain in Him, we are shaped into His likeness, becoming more like Him in our thoughts, actions, and character. This transformation is a testament to the power of His love and grace, enabling us to live out His purpose and bring His light to those around us. [28:57]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you desire to see transformation through abiding in Christ? How can you intentionally seek His presence and allow Him to work in those areas today?

Quotes


The kingdom of God is near repent of your sins and believe the good news all right this is the first thing that Jesus speaks publicly at least that we know of How It's recorded in Mark's gospel the kingdom of God is near it's at hand as it might say in other translations repent and believe okay that's the the big overarching theme of this gospel so far that we see that there is a new king and a new kingdom that is coming that Jesus is proclaiming now just a major theme that we'll see in Mark as we continue throughout this gospel is not just the new king the New Kingdom but there is a universal call for us to be Disciples of Jesus. [00:01:18]

Jesus called out to them come follow me and I will show you how to fish for people and they left their Nets at once mons and followed him a little further up the shore Jesus saw zebedee's Sons James and John in a boat repairing their Nets he called them at once and they also followed him leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men now this uh call of these first four disciples is recorded at least in some way shape or form in all four of the gospels Matthew Mark Luke and John it's the one that we know the most about uh as it's pretty clear these four men Simon Andrew James and John were all fishermen. [00:04:26]

Healthy people don't need a doc a doctor sick people do I have come to call those not who think not sorry I've come to call not those who think they are righteous but those who know they are sinners a lot to unpack there in just a few verses uh we'll try to not spend too much time in this but I think this is uh personally for me one of the most interesting of the 12 disciples is this man named Levi he was a tax collector um Tax Collectors at this time uh were very corrupt they were under the employment of the Roman Empire so Israel at this point in time was a province of Rome it was occupied by Rome. [00:09:35]

What he's saying is is not just I only came for some and not others what he's saying is we're all sick we're all unhealthy we're all Sinners but only some of you realize it right now and those are the ones that I'm going to spend my time with and call right now so that just kind of gives a a glimpse of who the types of people are that Jesus is Calling to him calling to be his disciples calling to follow him now after we leave this the the the crowd continues to grow Jesus is still preaching uh Jesus is still performing Miracles that's what brings us into chapter 3 after a time of preaching. [00:14:34]

None of them were extraordinary none of them were prominent uh aside from likely Matthew none of them were wealthy they weren't royalty they weren't Highly Educated they weren't religious leaders they were just everyday people like you and me they had different jobs they had different backgrounds different ideas of what the kingdom could or should be for different reasons they were attracted to Jesus and began following him and no idea why Jesus chose these 12 but he did and what he used them for was a calling into something greater a calling to follow him to be his disciples to be his Apostles to go and carry the kingdom into all the world. [00:19:44]

Only Jesus can bring such diverse groups of people together uh and help and unite us under the same thing only Jesus can completely unite uncommon people to a common purpose and identity I can't do that I can bring a few of you together and say hey we're going to go do one thing do one activity you know maybe the goal is to tear down some chairs after here in the service that's not happening today uh but other times it's been a thing right like hey I need a few people to stick around and Set uh take down the chairs or set up tables and chairs in the gym for a meal like we had last week. [00:20:28]

If we're willing to follow Jesus and remain with him then we will be transformed by him that's the reward okay if we're willing to follow Jesus and remain with him then we will be transformed by him the ultimate reward is to join him in eternity in heaven but here and now there's transformation that can come for some of us it might be pretty quick pretty immediate for some like these disciples that were asking about the Kingdom right before the Ascension it might take a little bit longer for it for us to sink in and for that transformative work to really take root and grow but if we're willing to follow Jesus and remain with him then we will be transformed by him. [00:28:38]

Jesus called out to them come follow me and I will show you how to fish for people and they left their Nets at once mons and followed him a little further up the shore Jesus saw zebedee's Sons James and John in a boat repairing their Nets he called them at once and they also followed him leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men now this uh call of these first four disciples is recorded at least in some way shape or form in all four of the gospels Matthew Mark Luke and John it's the one that we know the most about uh as it's pretty clear these four men Simon Andrew James and John were all fishermen. [00:04:26]

Healthy people don't need a doc a doctor sick people do I have come to call those not who think not sorry I've come to call not those who think they are righteous but those who know they are sinners a lot to unpack there in just a few verses uh we'll try to not spend too much time in this but I think this is uh personally for me one of the most interesting of the 12 disciples is this man named Levi he was a tax collector um Tax Collectors at this time uh were very corrupt they were under the employment of the Roman Empire so Israel at this point in time was a province of Rome it was occupied by Rome. [00:09:35]

What he's saying is is not just I only came for some and not others what he's saying is we're all sick we're all unhealthy we're all Sinners but only some of you realize it right now and those are the ones that I'm going to spend my time with and call right now so that just kind of gives a a glimpse of who the types of people are that Jesus is Calling to him calling to be his disciples calling to follow him now after we leave this the the the crowd continues to grow Jesus is still preaching uh Jesus is still performing Miracles that's what brings us into chapter 3 after a time of preaching. [00:14:34]

None of them were extraordinary none of them were prominent uh aside from likely Matthew none of them were wealthy they weren't royalty they weren't Highly Educated they weren't religious leaders they were just everyday people like you and me they had different jobs they had different backgrounds different ideas of what the kingdom could or should be for different reasons they were attracted to Jesus and began following him and no idea why Jesus chose these 12 but he did and what he used them for was a calling into something greater a calling to follow him to be his disciples to be his Apostles to go and carry the kingdom into all the world. [00:19:44]

Only Jesus can bring such diverse groups of people together uh and help and unite us under the same thing only Jesus can completely unite uncommon people to a common purpose and identity I can't do that I can bring a few of you together and say hey we're going to go do one thing do one activity you know maybe the goal is to tear down some chairs after here in the service that's not happening today uh but other times it's been a thing right like hey I need a few people to stick around and Set uh take down the chairs or set up tables and chairs in the gym for a meal like we had last week. [00:20:28]

If we're willing to follow Jesus and remain with him then we will be transformed by him that's the reward okay if we're willing to follow Jesus and remain with him then we will be transformed by him the ultimate reward is to join him in eternity in heaven but here and now there's transformation that can come for some of us it might be pretty quick pretty immediate for some like these disciples that were asking about the Kingdom right before the Ascension it might take a little bit longer for it for us to sink in and for that transformative work to really take root and grow but if we're willing to follow Jesus and remain with him then we will be transformed by him. [00:28:38]

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Transcript
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