Invited to Follow: Embracing Jesus' Call to Discipleship

Today, we gathered as a family to celebrate not just a new beginning at Grace, but the ongoing invitation of Jesus to each of us: “Come, follow me.” Reflecting on my own family’s story, I shared how a simple invitation to church changed the trajectory of generations. This is the power of invitation and the ripple effect of faithfulness. Each of us is being formed by something—our habits, our relationships, our environment, and even the algorithms that shape our attention. The real question is not whether we are being discipled, but by whom or by what.

Looking at Mark’s Gospel, we see Jesus calling ordinary people—fishermen and tax collectors, those who didn’t make the cut in the eyes of their society—to follow him. In the first century, being chosen by a rabbi was the highest honor, but Jesus flips the script. He seeks out those who were overlooked, inviting them into a life of purpose and transformation. This is the radical grace of Jesus: he comes to us, not because we are good enough, but because he loves us and desires to make us new.

Following Jesus is not about having all the answers or being perfect. It’s about staying close to the Rabbi, so close that we are covered in his dust—learning from him, imitating him, and letting his way shape our lives. Too often, we settle for following at a distance, distracted by the world or content with comfort. But Jesus calls us to a deeper, daily walk—a path of holy living where his holiness is formed in us as we follow.

Today, I invited those who have never followed Jesus to say yes to him, and for those who have been following at a distance to draw near again. This is the ongoing work of discipleship: continually surrendering, continually drawing close, and helping one another walk in the way of Jesus. As we shared communion, we remembered that Jesus not only calls us to follow but welcomes us to his table, offering grace and fellowship. Let us celebrate the joy of sons and daughters coming home, and commit ourselves to walk closely behind our Rabbi, Jesus.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Power of Invitation: A single invitation can alter the course of generations. Faithfulness in extending a simple “come and see” can have eternal impact, as seen in the stories of families transformed by one person’s willingness to invite. Never underestimate the significance of reaching out to someone in your everyday life. [46:27]
• 2. Who or What Is Discipling You?: We are all being formed by something—our relationships, our habits, and even the media we consume. The question is not if we are disciples, but whose disciples we are. Take time to examine what is shaping your heart and mind, and intentionally choose influences that draw you closer to Christ. [47:20]
• 3. Jesus Calls the Overlooked: In the first century, only the best and brightest were chosen by rabbis, but Jesus sought out those who had been passed over. He calls us not because of our qualifications, but because of his love and purpose for us. Our worth is not determined by our achievements, but by the One who calls us to follow. [62:18]
• 4. Following Closely, Not at a Distance: It’s easy to claim to follow Jesus while keeping him at arm’s length, but true discipleship means staying close—so close that we are covered in his dust. This requires daily surrender, attentiveness, and a willingness to step out of comfort and into the places where Jesus leads. [67:07]
• 5. The Path of Holy Living: Holiness is not something we achieve by our own effort, but something that is formed in us as we walk closely with Jesus. As we follow, his character is impressed upon us, and we become more like him—not just in belief, but in action and love. This is the ongoing journey of sanctification, made possible by grace. [68:04]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [42:29] - Gratitude for Leadership and Staff
• [44:05] - Family Testimony: The Power of Invitation
• [45:11] - Generational Impact of Faithfulness
• [46:27] - Who Are You Following?
• [47:20] - What Is Forming You?
• [48:08] - Assessing Your Discipleship
• [52:30] - Trust and What We Follow
• [53:44] - Mark’s Gospel: The Call to Follow
• [54:42] - Immediate Response to Jesus’ Call
• [55:59] - Jewish Discipleship Context
• [57:04] - The Art of Questions and Learning
• [58:08] - Jesus’ Unique Call to the Overlooked
• [62:18] - Jesus Comes to Us
• [64:04] - God’s Mind Is Made Up: The Good News
• [66:02] - Covered in the Dust of the Rabbi
• [67:07] - Following Closely: The Path of Holiness
• [68:42] - Jesus as Lord and Savior
• [69:21] - The Danger of Distraction
• [70:10] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
• [73:20] - Communion: Welcomed at the Table
• [81:03] - Celebrating Decisions for Christ
• [81:49] - Closing Celebration

Bible Reading

Mark 1:16-20 (ESV) — > 16 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.
> 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”
> 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him.
> 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets.
> 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.

Mark 2:13-14 (ESV) — > 13 He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them.
> 14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

Observation Questions

1. In Mark 1:16-20 and Mark 2:13-14, what kinds of people does Jesus call to follow him? What were they doing when he called them?
2. According to the sermon, what was the cultural significance of being chosen by a rabbi in the first century? [55:59]
3. What immediate response did Simon, Andrew, James, John, and Levi have to Jesus’ invitation? [54:42]
4. The sermon mentioned that Jesus “comes to us” rather than waiting for us to come to him. How is this different from how other rabbis chose their disciples? [01:02:18]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus chose people who were “overlooked” or didn’t make the cut in society to be his disciples? What does this say about God’s character? [01:02:18]
2. The sermon talked about being “covered in the dust of your rabbi.” What does it mean to follow Jesus so closely that his way shapes your life? [01:06:02]
3. The pastor said, “We are all being formed by something—our habits, our relationships, our environment, and even the algorithms that shape our attention.” How does this idea challenge the way we think about discipleship today? [47:20]
4. What does it look like to follow Jesus “closely” instead of “at a distance”? Why do you think people sometimes settle for following at a distance? [01:07:07]

Application Questions

1. The sermon shared a story about how a simple invitation to church changed the trajectory of a family for generations. Who in your life could you invite to “come and see” Jesus? What’s holding you back from extending that invitation? [46:27]
2. Take a moment to reflect: Who or what is discipling you right now? Are there habits, relationships, or media influences that are shaping you more than Jesus? What’s one step you can take this week to let Jesus have more influence? [47:20]
3. The pastor said, “Jesus calls us not because of our qualifications, but because of his love and purpose for us.” Do you ever feel unqualified or overlooked? How does Jesus’ invitation speak to those feelings? [01:02:18]
4. Are you following Jesus closely, or have you been following at a distance? What are some signs in your life that show how closely you’re walking with him? [01:07:07]
5. The sermon mentioned that holiness is not something we achieve by our own effort, but something formed in us as we walk with Jesus. What is one area of your life where you need to surrender control and let Jesus shape you? [01:08:04]
6. Communion was described as a reminder that Jesus welcomes us to his table, offering grace and fellowship. How does regularly remembering Jesus’ sacrifice help you stay close to him? [01:13:20]
7. The pastor invited those who have been distracted or following at a distance to draw near again. Is there a specific distraction or comfort that’s keeping you from following Jesus more closely? What practical step can you take this week to move closer to him? [01:09:21]