Why Did They Follow Jesus? | Dr. Tom Pace Preaching | 06.28.2026

Welcome to St. Luke's United Methodist Welcome to St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Houston. I'm Katie McGomery Church in Houston. I'm Katie McGomery Church in Houston. I'm Katie McGomery Mirs, the executive pastor, and I'm glad Mirs, the executive pastor, and I'm glad Mirs, the executive pastor, and I'm glad you're joining us today. Whether you're you're joining us today. Whether you're you're joining us today. Whether you're in the car, at the gym, or settling in in the car, at the gym, or settling in in the car, at the gym, or settling in for a quiet moment, let this be your for a quiet moment, let this be your for a quiet moment, let this be your time to draw closer to God. As we time to draw closer to God. As we time to draw closer to God. As we continue our series, A Holiday with continue our series, A Holiday with continue our series, A Holiday with Jesus, we're looking at the places where Jesus, we're looking at the places where Jesus, we're looking at the places where Jesus visited and spent time. Most of Jesus visited and spent time. Most of Jesus visited and spent time. Most of Jesus's ministry years took place in Jesus's ministry years took place in Jesus's ministry years took place in Capernaum. So today, we're going to talk Capernaum. So today, we're going to talk Capernaum. So today, we're going to talk about Jesus's mission and think about about Jesus's mission and think about about Jesus's mission and think about our own missions as well. I hope to see our own missions as well. I hope to see our own missions as well. I hope to see you back next week to listen, learn, and you back next week to listen, learn, and you back next week to listen, learn, and grow together. grow together. grow together. >> Join me in a word of prayer. Oh God, >> Join me in a word of prayer. Oh God, >> Join me in a word of prayer. Oh God, open us up today. open us up today. open us up today. Open eyes that we might see and ears Open eyes that we might see and ears Open eyes that we might see and ears that we might hear your word in these that we might hear your word in these that we might hear your word in these words. words. words. Open our hearts that your word might Open our hearts that your word might Open our hearts that your word might fall in, fall in, fall in, that we might have hearts of compassion. that we might have hearts of compassion. that we might have hearts of compassion. And then, oh Lord, open our hands that And then, oh Lord, open our hands that And then, oh Lord, open our hands that we might give and serve and love. we might give and serve and love. we might give and serve and love. Amen.

Sometimes when I'm reading the Bible, Sometimes when I'm reading the Bible, even though I've read it, you know, more even though I've read it, you know, more even though I've read it, you know, more than once, um I'll come across something than once, um I'll come across something than once, um I'll come across something that I and I'll just think, you know, that I and I'll just think, you know, that I and I'll just think, you know, that's just weird. That's just crazy. that's just weird. That's just crazy. that's just weird. That's just crazy. like you you know we're so used to this like you you know we're so used to this like you you know we're so used to this idea of holy communion but then when you idea of holy communion but then when you idea of holy communion but then when you read it it says and you are to eat the read it it says and you are to eat the read it it says and you are to eat the bread eat the body of Christ and drink bread eat the body of Christ and drink bread eat the body of Christ and drink the blood of Christ and you think the blood of Christ and you think the blood of Christ and you think really really really I I mean seriously that's what they're I I mean seriously that's what they're I I mean seriously that's what they're asking us I mean it's not the real thing asking us I mean it's not the real thing asking us I mean it's not the real thing but we're we're acting as as if the but we're we're acting as as if the but we're we're acting as as if the presence of God is in this and it's presence of God is in this and it's presence of God is in this and it's blood and body and we're to eat it that blood and body and we're to eat it that blood and body and we're to eat it that just you think hm just you think hm just you think hm or um or um or um Acts says that the uh disciples sold Acts says that the uh disciples sold Acts says that the uh disciples sold their possessions their possessions their possessions that had everything in common. They sold that had everything in common. They sold that had everything in common. They sold their possessions and distributed them their possessions and distributed them their possessions and distributed them to any as had need. to any as had need. to any as had need. Like if my daughter came to me and said, Like if my daughter came to me and said, Like if my daughter came to me and said, "Hey, I've joined this church and we are "Hey, I've joined this church and we are "Hey, I've joined this church and we are going to sell all that we have and we're going to sell all that we have and we're going to sell all that we have and we're going to distribute it to any as have going to distribute it to any as have going to distribute it to any as have need." I would be like, "What church is need." I would be like, "What church is need." I would be like, "What church is this? We are not. You don't need to this? We are not. You don't need to this? We are not. You don't need to join. Why don't you come to a normal join. Why don't you come to a normal join. Why don't you come to a normal church? Right? I mean, that's just church? Right? I mean, that's just church? Right? I mean, that's just things when you read about them, you things when you read about them, you things when you read about them, you think that's just crazy. The today's think that's just crazy. The today's think that's just crazy. The today's scripture is one of those. It's just scripture is one of those. It's just scripture is one of those. It's just crazy. These fishermen, they're fishing crazy. These fishermen, they're fishing crazy. These fishermen, they're fishing on the lake and they're doing their on the lake and they're doing their on the lake and they're doing their thing, their ordinary thing. And Jesus, thing, their ordinary thing. And Jesus, thing, their ordinary thing. And Jesus, who has come to and uh to begin to

who has come to and uh to begin to who has come to and uh to begin to preach, has has preached, repent, the preach, has has preached, repent, the preach, has has preached, repent, the kingdom of God is near. kingdom of God is near. kingdom of God is near. And then it says he's walking by the And then it says he's walking by the And then it says he's walking by the lake and he sees them on the on in their lake and he sees them on the on in their lake and he sees them on the on in their boats and he says, "Hey, boats and he says, "Hey, boats and he says, "Hey, come follow me and I'll make you fish come follow me and I'll make you fish come follow me and I'll make you fish for people." for people." for people." And they just get up and go. And they just get up and go. And they just get up and go. Like what what makes them do that? Why Like what what makes them do that? Why Like what what makes them do that? Why would they just leave their life, leave would they just leave their life, leave would they just leave their life, leave their father? Their dad's like, "Whoa, their father? Their dad's like, "Whoa, their father? Their dad's like, "Whoa, wait." wait." wait." And they just do that? That's crazy. What I' I'd like for us to spend a a What I' I'd like for us to spend a a little while today um thinking about little while today um thinking about little while today um thinking about what motivated them. In other words, what motivated them. In other words, what motivated them. In other words, what what what did they think they were what what what did they think they were what what what did they think they were getting themselves into when they said, getting themselves into when they said, getting themselves into when they said, "Yeah, I'll be a part of this. I'll I'll "Yeah, I'll be a part of this. I'll I'll "Yeah, I'll be a part of this. I'll I'll I'll come along with this guy." What I'll come along with this guy." What I'll come along with this guy." What were their expectations? What did they were their expectations? What did they were their expectations? What did they expect? And then I I want you to think expect? And then I I want you to think expect? And then I I want you to think about what you expect when you sign up about what you expect when you sign up about what you expect when you sign up to be a follower of Jesus.

to be a follower of Jesus. to be a follower of Jesus. Philip Yansy in his book uh Philip Yansy in his book uh Philip Yansy in his book uh disappointment with God um writes these disappointment with God um writes these disappointment with God um writes these words. He says true atheists I presume words. He says true atheists I presume words. He says true atheists I presume feel dis excuse me true atheists do not feel dis excuse me true atheists do not feel dis excuse me true atheists do not I presume feel disappointed with God. I presume feel disappointed with God. I presume feel disappointed with God. They expect nothing and receive nothing. They expect nothing and receive nothing. They expect nothing and receive nothing. But those who commit their lives to God But those who commit their lives to God But those who commit their lives to God no matter what instinctively expect no matter what instinctively expect no matter what instinctively expect something in return. something in return. something in return. I wonder what you expect when you make a I wonder what you expect when you make a I wonder what you expect when you make a decision to be a follower of Jesus. And decision to be a follower of Jesus. And decision to be a follower of Jesus. And so let's explore a little bit what the so let's explore a little bit what the so let's explore a little bit what the possibilities might have been for those possibilities might have been for those possibilities might have been for those disciples. And I've done a good bit of disciples. And I've done a good bit of disciples. And I've done a good bit of research trying to uh find out why they research trying to uh find out why they research trying to uh find out why they might have done that. The first thing might have done that. The first thing might have done that. The first thing they might have expected was power, they might have expected was power, they might have expected was power, earthly power. earthly power. earthly power. Um so um here's the thing. This is where Um so um here's the thing. This is where Um so um here's the thing. This is where um geography comes into to play. So our um geography comes into to play. So our um geography comes into to play. So our scripture this morning says it begins scripture this morning says it begins scripture this morning says it begins this way. Now when Jesus heard that John this way. Now when Jesus heard that John this way. Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, now he's being had been arrested, now he's being had been arrested, now he's being arrested. This is a political arrest. He arrested. This is a political arrest. He arrested. This is a political arrest. He says he withdrew to Galilee. He left says he withdrew to Galilee. He left says he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home by Capernaum Nazareth and made his home by Capernaum Nazareth and made his home by Capernaum by the sea in the territory of Zebulun by the sea in the territory of Zebulun by the sea in the territory of Zebulun and Naftali. So uh here here's what's and Naftali. So uh here here's what's and Naftali. So uh here here's what's interesting about that. two two things interesting about that. two two things interesting about that. two two things that make it a little confusing. First that make it a little confusing. First that make it a little confusing. First of all, last week we said Jesus was in of all, last week we said Jesus was in of all, last week we said Jesus was in Nazareth and here it says he left

Nazareth and here it says he left Nazareth and here it says he left Nazareth and withdrew to Galilee. Well, Nazareth and withdrew to Galilee. Well, Nazareth and withdrew to Galilee. Well, Nazareth is in Galilee. So, what does Nazareth is in Galilee. So, what does Nazareth is in Galilee. So, what does that mean? Well, it means he he has gone that mean? Well, it means he he has gone that mean? Well, it means he he has gone to the area of Galilee to the area of Galilee to the area of Galilee because he's he's moving out into the because he's he's moving out into the because he's he's moving out into the boonies. He's trying to get out away boonies. He's trying to get out away boonies. He's trying to get out away from where Herod Antipos might find him. from where Herod Antipos might find him. from where Herod Antipos might find him. Although Herod Antipos is the the king Although Herod Antipos is the the king Although Herod Antipos is the the king who has responsibility for Galilee, who has responsibility for Galilee, who has responsibility for Galilee, Galilee was a hotbed of um political Galilee was a hotbed of um political Galilee was a hotbed of um political resistance to Rome. All over Galilee, resistance to Rome. All over Galilee, resistance to Rome. All over Galilee, there were these small bands of zealots there were these small bands of zealots there were these small bands of zealots of of um groups of people who were of of um groups of people who were of of um groups of people who were fighting against Rome. And they would fighting against Rome. And they would fighting against Rome. And they would they would um fund their activities by they would um fund their activities by they would um fund their activities by crime. So they would stop people on the crime. So they would stop people on the crime. So they would stop people on the road and rob them. They would charge road and rob them. They would charge road and rob them. They would charge taxes as people went by. So the Romans taxes as people went by. So the Romans taxes as people went by. So the Romans would charge taxes as people went by, would charge taxes as people went by, would charge taxes as people went by, but so would the Zealots as people came but so would the Zealots as people came but so would the Zealots as people came by on the roads. It was a Galilee was a by on the roads. It was a Galilee was a by on the roads. It was a Galilee was a dangerous place in that sense. it. So dangerous place in that sense. it. So dangerous place in that sense. it. So when you think about Jesus withdrawing when you think about Jesus withdrawing when you think about Jesus withdrawing to Galilee and here were these these to Galilee and here were these these to Galilee and here were these these these Galilean um uh citizens who young these Galilean um uh citizens who young these Galilean um uh citizens who young men who very well could be a part of men who very well could be a part of men who very well could be a part of that perhaps perhaps they thought that that perhaps perhaps they thought that that perhaps perhaps they thought that he was going to be the one and they were he was going to be the one and they were he was going to be the one and they were going to they were signing up to

going to they were signing up to going to they were signing up to overthrow Rome. There's lots of if if so overthrow Rome. There's lots of if if so overthrow Rome. There's lots of if if so the disciples James and John these same the disciples James and John these same the disciples James and John these same two disciples at one point said hey two disciples at one point said hey two disciples at one point said hey Jesus when you come into your kingdom Jesus when you come into your kingdom Jesus when you come into your kingdom can one of us be your lieutenant on the can one of us be your lieutenant on the can one of us be your lieutenant on the left and one of them your lieutenant on left and one of them your lieutenant on left and one of them your lieutenant on the right the right the right they're thinking of political power that they're thinking of political power that they're thinking of political power that that's that's not a spiritual thing even that's that's not a spiritual thing even that's that's not a spiritual thing even after the resurrection after the after the resurrection after the after the resurrection after the resurrection um resurrection um resurrection um in Acts one the um the disciples Jesus in Acts one the um the disciples Jesus in Acts one the um the disciples Jesus reappears to them and they say to him, reappears to them and they say to him, reappears to them and they say to him, "Lord, are you at this time going to "Lord, are you at this time going to "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" So, restore the kingdom to Israel?" So, restore the kingdom to Israel?" So, you've come back to put Israel to you've come back to put Israel to you've come back to put Israel to overthrow Rome and restore the kingdom overthrow Rome and restore the kingdom overthrow Rome and restore the kingdom to Israel. In um in Luke 24, followers to Israel. In um in Luke 24, followers to Israel. In um in Luke 24, followers of Jesus were on the road to Emmas and of Jesus were on the road to Emmas and of Jesus were on the road to Emmas and they expressed this disappointment. They they expressed this disappointment. They they expressed this disappointment. They say, "But we had hoped he was the one say, "But we had hoped he was the one say, "But we had hoped he was the one who was going to redeem Israel." who was going to redeem Israel." who was going to redeem Israel." So there's some sense that they were So there's some sense that they were So there's some sense that they were hoping for this political power, this hoping for this political power, this hoping for this political power, this earthly power. Now I suspect that there earthly power. Now I suspect that there earthly power. Now I suspect that there aren't any of you who've chosen to be aren't any of you who've chosen to be aren't any of you who've chosen to be Christians because it gives you earthly Christians because it gives you earthly Christians because it gives you earthly power.

power. power. But I think there are people who believe But I think there are people who believe But I think there are people who believe that being a Christian that being a Christian that being a Christian uh should come with some earthly power. uh should come with some earthly power. uh should come with some earthly power. That in fact the powers that be should That in fact the powers that be should That in fact the powers that be should all be Christians, all be Christians, all be Christians, right? that that somehow the Christian right? that that somehow the Christian right? that that somehow the Christian faith needs to have an earthly um uh an faith needs to have an earthly um uh an faith needs to have an earthly um uh an earthly kingdom that goes with it. And earthly kingdom that goes with it. And earthly kingdom that goes with it. And sometimes what we do is we think, you sometimes what we do is we think, you sometimes what we do is we think, you know, I want to my Christianity know, I want to my Christianity know, I want to my Christianity um that should give me some influence. That might have been theirs. I'm not That might have been theirs. I'm not sure that's any of our reason for coming sure that's any of our reason for coming sure that's any of our reason for coming to be followers of Jesus. Here's another to be followers of Jesus. Here's another to be followers of Jesus. Here's another one. I I think maybe the disciples were one. I I think maybe the disciples were one. I I think maybe the disciples were expecting miracles. expecting miracles. expecting miracles. So that when Jesus comes along and says So that when Jesus comes along and says So that when Jesus comes along and says the kingdom of heaven has is at hand or the kingdom of heaven has is at hand or the kingdom of heaven has is at hand or the kingdom of heaven has come near, the kingdom of heaven has come near, the kingdom of heaven has come near, they realized what that meant. That that they realized what that meant. That that they realized what that meant. That that meant that the messianic age that had meant that the messianic age that had meant that the messianic age that had been prophesied for so many years had been prophesied for so many years had been prophesied for so many years had was coming to pass and that those was coming to pass and that those was coming to pass and that those miracles that had been prophesied were miracles that had been prophesied were miracles that had been prophesied were going to happen and they wanted to be a going to happen and they wanted to be a going to happen and they wanted to be a part of it. So um again Isaiah 35 it part of it. So um again Isaiah 35 it part of it. So um again Isaiah 35 it says that then the eyes of the blind says that then the eyes of the blind says that then the eyes of the blind shall be opened and the ears of the deaf shall be opened and the ears of the deaf shall be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped and the lamb man shall leap unstopped and the lamb man shall leap unstopped and the lamb man shall leap like a deer and the tongue of the mute like a deer and the tongue of the mute like a deer and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.

sing for joy. sing for joy. Or from Isaiah 25 where he says that Or from Isaiah 25 where he says that Or from Isaiah 25 where he says that they shall beat their their swords into they shall beat their their swords into they shall beat their their swords into pruning hooks and study war no more. pruning hooks and study war no more. pruning hooks and study war no more. That that age was beginning. And so um That that age was beginning. And so um That that age was beginning. And so um they wanted to be a part of seeing those they wanted to be a part of seeing those they wanted to be a part of seeing those miracles happen and to go to Capernaum. miracles happen and to go to Capernaum. miracles happen and to go to Capernaum. So let me tell you about Capernaum. So let me tell you about Capernaum. So let me tell you about Capernaum. Capernaum is um a a midsized town. I Capernaum is um a a midsized town. I Capernaum is um a a midsized town. I guess that's the best way to say it. guess that's the best way to say it. guess that's the best way to say it. About 1,00 to500 people and in in rural About 1,00 to500 people and in in rural About 1,00 to500 people and in in rural um Galilee that's you know that's not um Galilee that's you know that's not um Galilee that's you know that's not tiny tiny. It's on the via which is the tiny tiny. It's on the via which is the tiny tiny. It's on the via which is the way of the sea. That is that led from way of the sea. That is that led from way of the sea. That is that led from Damascus to the ocean. And so as the Damascus to the ocean. And so as the Damascus to the ocean. And so as the people as the uh traders would come to people as the uh traders would come to people as the uh traders would come to carry goods from Damascus to the ocean carry goods from Damascus to the ocean carry goods from Damascus to the ocean or from the ocean to Damascus, they or from the ocean to Damascus, they or from the ocean to Damascus, they would come through Capernaum and there would come through Capernaum and there would come through Capernaum and there was a Roman garrison there and they was a Roman garrison there and they was a Roman garrison there and they would charge them tolls. They would would charge them tolls. They would would charge them tolls. They would charge them duties to come through their charge them duties to come through their charge them duties to come through their uh nation and uh and so there was um uh nation and uh and so there was um uh nation and uh and so there was um some cosmopolitan sense to be in some cosmopolitan sense to be in some cosmopolitan sense to be in Capernaum.

Capernaum. Capernaum. But when you go when he got to But when you go when he got to But when you go when he got to Capernaum, the first thing Jesus did is Capernaum, the first thing Jesus did is Capernaum, the first thing Jesus did is heal Peter's mother-in-law. heal Peter's mother-in-law. heal Peter's mother-in-law. He goes into Capernaum and he goes into He goes into Capernaum and he goes into He goes into Capernaum and he goes into Simon Peter's house. These disciples Simon Peter's house. These disciples Simon Peter's house. These disciples that he just recruited, he goes into that he just recruited, he goes into that he just recruited, he goes into Simon Peter's house and his Simon Peter's house and his Simon Peter's house and his mother-in-law is sick with a fever and mother-in-law is sick with a fever and mother-in-law is sick with a fever and he touches her and she's healed. he touches her and she's healed. he touches her and she's healed. And if you go to Capernaum today, you And if you go to Capernaum today, you And if you go to Capernaum today, you will see that there are um will see that there are um will see that there are um there are uh these houses are all built there are uh these houses are all built there are uh these houses are all built edge to edge with common walls. They're edge to edge with common walls. They're edge to edge with common walls. They're really large family compounds. And really large family compounds. And really large family compounds. And that's like in John 14, he says, "In my that's like in John 14, he says, "In my that's like in John 14, he says, "In my father's house are many rooms. If it father's house are many rooms. If it father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I've told you that I were not so, would I've told you that I were not so, would I've told you that I go to prepare a place for you." So go to prepare a place for you." So go to prepare a place for you." So here's the idea is you would these here's the idea is you would these here's the idea is you would these family compounds each generation would family compounds each generation would family compounds each generation would then have another room down the way and then have another room down the way and then have another room down the way and you can see just how dense it is and and you can see just how dense it is and and you can see just how dense it is and and they actually have found a home that they actually have found a home that they actually have found a home that they that there's significant they that there's significant they that there's significant archaeological evidence that it is the archaeological evidence that it is the archaeological evidence that it is the house of Simon Peter. And the reason is house of Simon Peter. And the reason is house of Simon Peter. And the reason is is because they have a first century is because they have a first century is because they have a first century um home church that they found on that um home church that they found on that um home church that they found on that exact spot. And uh that's why they exact spot. And uh that's why they exact spot. And uh that's why they believe it very well may have been Simon believe it very well may have been Simon believe it very well may have been Simon Peter's house. And if you go there Peter's house. And if you go there Peter's house. And if you go there today, there's this weird looking today, there's this weird looking today, there's this weird looking spaceship like thing on top of it.

spaceship like thing on top of it. spaceship like thing on top of it. That's a Franciscan church. And you you That's a Franciscan church. And you you That's a Franciscan church. And you you can go into it and look down through can go into it and look down through can go into it and look down through this uh glass on the bottom and see the this uh glass on the bottom and see the this uh glass on the bottom and see the ruins of the of St. Peter's house. And ruins of the of St. Peter's house. And ruins of the of St. Peter's house. And that's why it's a holy place. So it's in that's why it's a holy place. So it's in that's why it's a holy place. So it's in Capernaum and all of this area around Capernaum and all of this area around Capernaum and all of this area around Capernaum just if you look on your map Capernaum just if you look on your map Capernaum just if you look on your map there it's just the the the there it's just the the the there it's just the the the very edge top edge of the Sea of very edge top edge of the Sea of very edge top edge of the Sea of northern edge of the Sea of Galilee in northern edge of the Sea of Galilee in northern edge of the Sea of Galilee in the northwestern edge where all of these the northwestern edge where all of these the northwestern edge where all of these things happen where he fed the hungry uh things happen where he fed the hungry uh things happen where he fed the hungry uh by multiplying the loaves. It's where he by multiplying the loaves. It's where he by multiplying the loaves. It's where he walks on water. It's where he quiets the walks on water. It's where he quiets the walks on water. It's where he quiets the um the sea. It it's um it's where lep le um the sea. It it's um it's where lep le um the sea. It it's um it's where lep le lepers are cleansed and and uh people lepers are cleansed and and uh people lepers are cleansed and and uh people are healed and demons are cast out and are healed and demons are cast out and are healed and demons are cast out and the the outcasts are gathered in. It's the the outcasts are gathered in. It's the the outcasts are gathered in. It's where he finds Levi the tax collector where he finds Levi the tax collector where he finds Levi the tax collector and invites him to into his disciples. I and invites him to into his disciples. I and invites him to into his disciples. I mean it's all happening right there in mean it's all happening right there in mean it's all happening right there in this place of Capernaum. And he was this place of Capernaum. And he was this place of Capernaum. And he was there between two or two and a half there between two or two and a half there between two or two and a half years of his ministry just in that one years of his ministry just in that one years of his ministry just in that one town. That's twothirds of his ministry town. That's twothirds of his ministry town. That's twothirds of his ministry time. And so if if you if you think time. And so if if you if you think time. And so if if you if you think about it, what they experienced were about it, what they experienced were about it, what they experienced were these miracles these miracles these miracles and that's what they wanted to be a part and that's what they wanted to be a part and that's what they wanted to be a part of and it's what they experienced.

of and it's what they experienced. of and it's what they experienced. Now let me ask you, Now let me ask you, Now let me ask you, do you expect miracles do you expect miracles do you expect miracles when you signed up to be a follower of when you signed up to be a follower of when you signed up to be a follower of Jesus? Were you thinking miracles would Jesus? Were you thinking miracles would Jesus? Were you thinking miracles would come to pass in your life or in the come to pass in your life or in the come to pass in your life or in the world around you? world around you? world around you? I I think most of us would say no, I I think most of us would say no, I I think most of us would say no, probably not. But but what happens is when But but what happens is when when it gets really personal, when it gets really personal, when it gets really personal, then we find ourselves praying for that then we find ourselves praying for that then we find ourselves praying for that miracle, don't we? Oh, God, do miracle, don't we? Oh, God, do miracle, don't we? Oh, God, do something. something. something. I I believe in you. I love you. I'm I I believe in you. I love you. I'm I I believe in you. I love you. I'm following you. following you. following you. Can you heal this person that I love? Can you heal this person that I love? Can you heal this person that I love? Can you heal me? Can you heal me? Can you heal me? Can you solve this this relationship Can you solve this this relationship Can you solve this this relationship that's broken? Can you can you do a that's broken? Can you can you do a that's broken? Can you can you do a miracle in my life now, God? miracle in my life now, God? miracle in my life now, God? And sometimes we experience that. And sometimes we experience that. And sometimes we experience that. Sometimes we don't, Sometimes we don't, Sometimes we don't, right? Sometimes the only healings that right? Sometimes the only healings that right? Sometimes the only healings that can happen are in the next life.

But we long for that that uh belief that But we long for that that uh belief that somehow somehow somehow there is this God who will work those there is this God who will work those there is this God who will work those miracles in the world. Maybe there's a miracles in the world. Maybe there's a miracles in the world. Maybe there's a part of you that that that's what you part of you that that that's what you part of you that that that's what you expect when you sign on to be a follower expect when you sign on to be a follower expect when you sign on to be a follower of Jesus. of Jesus. of Jesus. Here's the third option. Maybe it's that Here's the third option. Maybe it's that Here's the third option. Maybe it's that um the disciples expected heaven. They um the disciples expected heaven. They um the disciples expected heaven. They wanted to go to heaven. And so they they wanted to go to heaven. And so they they wanted to go to heaven. And so they they were signing on. They thought, "This is were signing on. They thought, "This is were signing on. They thought, "This is the Messiah. He's calling us to do our the Messiah. He's calling us to do our the Messiah. He's calling us to do our thing. I better sign on. I want to go to thing. I better sign on. I want to go to thing. I better sign on. I want to go to heaven." Now, there's a common heaven." Now, there's a common heaven." Now, there's a common misconception that the the first century misconception that the the first century misconception that the the first century Jews did not believe in an afterlife. Jews did not believe in an afterlife. Jews did not believe in an afterlife. And that's that's really not true. There And that's that's really not true. There And that's that's really not true. There are there were three major sects of are there were three major sects of are there were three major sects of Judaism. There were Pharisees, there Judaism. There were Pharisees, there Judaism. There were Pharisees, there were Essenes, and there were Sadducees. were Essenes, and there were Sadducees. were Essenes, and there were Sadducees. The Pharisees believed in a general The Pharisees believed in a general The Pharisees believed in a general resurrection just like many Christians resurrection just like many Christians resurrection just like many Christians do that there will be a day when the do that there will be a day when the do that there will be a day when the dead shall rise and the world shall be dead shall rise and the world shall be dead shall rise and the world shall be made right. And the Pharisees believed made right. And the Pharisees believed made right. And the Pharisees believed that um let me just qualify that many that um let me just qualify that many that um let me just qualify that many Pharisees believed that to be the case.

Pharisees believed that to be the case. Pharisees believed that to be the case. The Essenes u was this uh sect in the The Essenes u was this uh sect in the The Essenes u was this uh sect in the desert of Judea and they believed that desert of Judea and they believed that desert of Judea and they believed that when you that the there was an immortal when you that the there was an immortal when you that the there was an immortal soul that the body was not important soul that the body was not important soul that the body was not important there that you had an immortal soul that there that you had an immortal soul that there that you had an immortal soul that when you died that immortal soul was when you died that immortal soul was when you died that immortal soul was purified purified purified and then went to live in a heavenly and then went to live in a heavenly and then went to live in a heavenly bliss. bliss. bliss. And so for them it was very much like And so for them it was very much like And so for them it was very much like what we think of as going to heaven. what we think of as going to heaven. what we think of as going to heaven. The Sadducees did not believe in any The Sadducees did not believe in any The Sadducees did not believe in any afterlife afterlife afterlife and um they were they were very clear and um they were they were very clear and um they were they were very clear about that. That was one of to be a about that. That was one of to be a about that. That was one of to be a Sadducey you had to reject any form of Sadducey you had to reject any form of Sadducey you had to reject any form of resurrection or afterlife and I this is resurrection or afterlife and I this is resurrection or afterlife and I this is how you remember that and that's why how you remember that and that's why how you remember that and that's why they were very sad you see uh um is they were very sad you see uh um is they were very sad you see uh um is because they could not believe in that because they could not believe in that because they could not believe in that right so it may be that the disciples right so it may be that the disciples right so it may be that the disciples had that in their head that they had had that in their head that they had had that in their head that they had been given that phariseaical training been given that phariseaical training been given that phariseaical training that they were they thought they were that they were they thought they were that they were they thought they were signing on for a phariseaical rabbi that signing on for a phariseaical rabbi that signing on for a phariseaical rabbi that would that would teach them about how to would that would teach them about how to would that would teach them about how to be righteous so they could go to heaven.

be righteous so they could go to heaven. be righteous so they could go to heaven. And I would suspect that there are many And I would suspect that there are many And I would suspect that there are many of us who that's why we sign on to be of us who that's why we sign on to be of us who that's why we sign on to be followers of Jesus that we want to go to followers of Jesus that we want to go to followers of Jesus that we want to go to heaven and that you know maybe that's heaven and that you know maybe that's heaven and that you know maybe that's enough. enough. enough. I will tell you that when you reach the I will tell you that when you reach the I will tell you that when you reach the end of life or you're with someone who end of life or you're with someone who end of life or you're with someone who or or someone you love reaches the end or or someone you love reaches the end or or someone you love reaches the end of their life on earth, of their life on earth, of their life on earth, that's plenty. That's a lot. that's plenty. That's a lot. that's plenty. That's a lot. to believe that that death doesn't have to believe that that death doesn't have to believe that that death doesn't have a victory anymore, a victory anymore, a victory anymore, that Jesus died on the cross so that that Jesus died on the cross so that that Jesus died on the cross so that that that death would have no more that that death would have no more that that death would have no more power. power. power. Uh I think that that means a lot. Uh I think that that means a lot. Uh I think that that means a lot. And maybe maybe that's why you've signed And maybe maybe that's why you've signed And maybe maybe that's why you've signed up. Uh but let me just caution you for up. Uh but let me just caution you for up. Uh but let me just caution you for one moment because we tend to believe one moment because we tend to believe one moment because we tend to believe that if I'm a believer in Jesus, then that if I'm a believer in Jesus, then that if I'm a believer in Jesus, then that's the case. But when you read what that's the case. But when you read what that's the case. But when you read what what Jesus taught, he wasn't all that what Jesus taught, he wasn't all that what Jesus taught, he wasn't all that focused on us going to heaven. He was focused on us going to heaven. He was focused on us going to heaven. He was really more focused on heaven coming to really more focused on heaven coming to really more focused on heaven coming to earth. What is it we prayed a few earth. What is it we prayed a few earth. What is it we prayed a few minutes ago? Thy kingdom come.

minutes ago? Thy kingdom come. minutes ago? Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in Thy will be done on earth as it is in Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. heaven. heaven. and and he's not all that clear about it and and he's not all that clear about it and and he's not all that clear about it being all about believing in Jesus as being all about believing in Jesus as being all about believing in Jesus as much as it about being follower of much as it about being follower of much as it about being follower of Jesus, which is a different step. To Jesus, which is a different step. To Jesus, which is a different step. To believe in Jesus as your savior is one believe in Jesus as your savior is one believe in Jesus as your savior is one thing, but to choose to follow Jesus is thing, but to choose to follow Jesus is thing, but to choose to follow Jesus is another thing. And Jesus says things another thing. And Jesus says things another thing. And Jesus says things like this. Um, not everyone who says, like this. Um, not everyone who says, like this. Um, not everyone who says, "Lord, Lord," will enter the kingdom of "Lord, Lord," will enter the kingdom of "Lord, Lord," will enter the kingdom of heaven, but but only those who do the heaven, but but only those who do the heaven, but but only those who do the will of my heavenly father or or or um will of my heavenly father or or or um will of my heavenly father or or or um as he said to the rich young man, "Sell as he said to the rich young man, "Sell as he said to the rich young man, "Sell what you have, give your money to the what you have, give your money to the what you have, give your money to the poor, and follow me." And that's how you poor, and follow me." And that's how you poor, and follow me." And that's how you inherit eternal life. Or as he divide inherit eternal life. Or as he divide inherit eternal life. Or as he divide tells the parable of dividing the sheep tells the parable of dividing the sheep tells the parable of dividing the sheep from the goats and the sheep are the from the goats and the sheep are the from the goats and the sheep are the ones who fed the hungry and clothed the ones who fed the hungry and clothed the ones who fed the hungry and clothed the naked and visited the sick and the naked and visited the sick and the naked and visited the sick and the others the goats were the ones who others the goats were the ones who others the goats were the ones who didn't and the goats get thrown out didn't and the goats get thrown out didn't and the goats get thrown out where there's weeping and nashing of where there's weeping and nashing of where there's weeping and nashing of teeth. teeth. teeth. It's all designed to challenge us to It's all designed to challenge us to It's all designed to challenge us to think, are we taking God's grace too think, are we taking God's grace too think, are we taking God's grace too easily?

easily? easily? Or are we choosing to maybe be a Or are we choosing to maybe be a Or are we choosing to maybe be a follower follower follower and do our best there? I don't know. and do our best there? I don't know. and do our best there? I don't know. Maybe maybe that's that's why you've Maybe maybe that's that's why you've Maybe maybe that's that's why you've signed on. signed on. signed on. But there's a fourth reason, and I think But there's a fourth reason, and I think But there's a fourth reason, and I think it's what speaks most to me. it's what speaks most to me. it's what speaks most to me. I think the disciples chose to follow I think the disciples chose to follow I think the disciples chose to follow Jesus because they wanted a meaningful Jesus because they wanted a meaningful Jesus because they wanted a meaningful and transformative life. and transformative life. and transformative life. They wanted a life that was about They wanted a life that was about They wanted a life that was about something. something. something. Can you imagine you're sitting there in Can you imagine you're sitting there in Can you imagine you're sitting there in your boat and the James and John, it your boat and the James and John, it your boat and the James and John, it says they're mending their nets. There's says they're mending their nets. There's says they're mending their nets. There's nothing more tedious than that, right? nothing more tedious than that, right? nothing more tedious than that, right? They're mending their nets in in the They're mending their nets in in the They're mending their nets in in the boat and and Jesus comes along and says, boat and and Jesus comes along and says, boat and and Jesus comes along and says, "You're "You're "You're fishing for for fish. Come with me and fishing for for fish. Come with me and fishing for for fish. Come with me and we'll fish for people. we'll fish for people. we'll fish for people. I've got a life for you. That's a I've got a life for you. That's a I've got a life for you. That's a different kind of life. They've heard different kind of life. They've heard different kind of life. They've heard the term repent. the term repent. the term repent. You don't don't keep living the life You don't don't keep living the life You don't don't keep living the life you've been living. Live a different you've been living. Live a different you've been living. Live a different life. You can step out of that. You can life. You can step out of that. You can life. You can step out of that. You can you can leave. You know, I kept thinking you can leave. You know, I kept thinking you can leave. You know, I kept thinking of uh uh um James and John and their of uh uh um James and John and their of uh uh um James and John and their father, Zebedee. And that song that I father, Zebedee. And that song that I father, Zebedee. And that song that I kept thinking about from my growing up kept thinking about from my growing up kept thinking about from my growing up when I first learned to play the guitar when I first learned to play the guitar when I first learned to play the guitar was by Cat Stevens called Father and was by Cat Stevens called Father and was by Cat Stevens called Father and Son. And and the son says um says uh I Son. And and the son says um says uh I Son. And and the son says um says uh I don't want to just work away doing what

don't want to just work away doing what don't want to just work away doing what they all say, work hard, boy. one day they all say, work hard, boy. one day they all say, work hard, boy. one day you'll find you'll have a job like mine. you'll find you'll have a job like mine. you'll find you'll have a job like mine. I can see Zebedee saying that you can I can see Zebedee saying that you can I can see Zebedee saying that you can look you get to be a fisherman like me. look you get to be a fisherman like me. look you get to be a fisherman like me. And James and John are like, "What? And James and John are like, "What? And James and John are like, "What? No, I want something more." No, I want something more." No, I want something more." And and Jesus comes and says, "Come on. And and Jesus comes and says, "Come on. And and Jesus comes and says, "Come on. I have an adventure for you. I have an adventure for you. I have an adventure for you. I have I have a life that is that is I have I have a life that is that is I have I have a life that is that is completely different." completely different." completely different." And here's what you'll find in that And here's what you'll find in that And here's what you'll find in that life. You'll find community where we'll life. You'll find community where we'll life. You'll find community where we'll have a band of people that where you have a band of people that where you have a band of people that where you feel loved and you belong. feel loved and you belong. feel loved and you belong. That's how I came to Christ. I was loved That's how I came to Christ. I was loved That's how I came to Christ. I was loved into the kingdom by some people who who into the kingdom by some people who who into the kingdom by some people who who said I belonged. said I belonged. said I belonged. Or or or Or or or Or or or Jesus is saying to them, "Come along. Jesus is saying to them, "Come along. Jesus is saying to them, "Come along. We've got miracles to happen and you get We've got miracles to happen and you get We've got miracles to happen and you get to be a part of it. We We're going to to be a part of it. We We're going to to be a part of it. We We're going to change the world, you and I.

change the world, you and I. change the world, you and I. As he says later to his disciples, the As he says later to his disciples, the As he says later to his disciples, the gates of hell will not prevail against gates of hell will not prevail against gates of hell will not prevail against us. us. us. We're storming the gates of hell. Let's We're storming the gates of hell. Let's We're storming the gates of hell. Let's go, people. go, people. go, people. You You get to be a part of these You You get to be a part of these You You get to be a part of these miracles of making a difference in the miracles of making a difference in the miracles of making a difference in the world. As a as a young person, I was world. As a as a young person, I was world. As a as a young person, I was that that whole idea of of changing the that that whole idea of of changing the that that whole idea of of changing the world was so inspiring to me. It it world was so inspiring to me. It it world was so inspiring to me. It it would get me out of following of of my would get me out of following of of my would get me out of following of of my uh mundane fishing boat to do something uh mundane fishing boat to do something uh mundane fishing boat to do something to to go make a difference in the world to to go make a difference in the world to to go make a difference in the world around and to spend energy trying to around and to spend energy trying to around and to spend energy trying to accomplish God's purposes. But then as accomplish God's purposes. But then as accomplish God's purposes. But then as you get older, here's what's something you get older, here's what's something you get older, here's what's something that happens. This is maybe a little that happens. This is maybe a little that happens. This is maybe a little more self-revel revelatory than I want, more self-revel revelatory than I want, more self-revel revelatory than I want, but uh sometimes but uh sometimes but uh sometimes it feels a little like you're Seephus it feels a little like you're Seephus it feels a little like you're Seephus pushing the rock up the hill, you know, pushing the rock up the hill, you know, pushing the rock up the hill, you know, and then it rolls back down again. And and then it rolls back down again. And and then it rolls back down again. And as time goes on, you think, "Okay, I'm as time goes on, you think, "Okay, I'm as time goes on, you think, "Okay, I'm making a difference, I guess, but just a making a difference, I guess, but just a making a difference, I guess, but just a little one."

little one." little one." And and you know, And and you know, And and you know, will will it ever really happen? will will it ever really happen? will will it ever really happen? But you see, when Jesus calls us, he But you see, when Jesus calls us, he But you see, when Jesus calls us, he calls us to a life of hope. Because his calls us to a life of hope. Because his calls us to a life of hope. Because his promise is, it's not about you. It's not promise is, it's not about you. It's not promise is, it's not about you. It's not about what you do. You You join in the about what you do. You You join in the about what you do. You You join in the work that we're doing together. But one work that we're doing together. But one work that we're doing together. But one day, I'm going to finish the job. You day, I'm going to finish the job. You day, I'm going to finish the job. You don't need to worry about whether it'll don't need to worry about whether it'll don't need to worry about whether it'll ever finally happen because it's going ever finally happen because it's going ever finally happen because it's going to happen. I promise you that, to happen. I promise you that, to happen. I promise you that, right? I will be the the I know that the right? I will be the the I know that the right? I will be the the I know that the work I began in you will will be brought work I began in you will will be brought work I began in you will will be brought to completion. Paul writes, to completion. Paul writes, to completion. Paul writes, so there's this sense of, you know, I'm so there's this sense of, you know, I'm so there's this sense of, you know, I'm going to do my work. I'm going to live going to do my work. I'm going to live going to do my work. I'm going to live into this. I'm going to give myself and into this. I'm going to give myself and into this. I'm going to give myself and I don't have to think my works in vain I don't have to think my works in vain I don't have to think my works in vain because I have hope that God will bring because I have hope that God will bring because I have hope that God will bring this to pass. this to pass. this to pass. And and as as on the day of And and as as on the day of And and as as on the day of resurrection, I'll get to be a part of resurrection, I'll get to be a part of resurrection, I'll get to be a part of it.

it. it. And here's the last thing I think And here's the last thing I think And here's the last thing I think I think this this this meaningful and I think this this this meaningful and I think this this this meaningful and transformed life transformed life transformed life gives us the opportunity to experience gives us the opportunity to experience gives us the opportunity to experience um God's deeply humbling love um God's deeply humbling love um God's deeply humbling love because if you sign up to really be a because if you sign up to really be a because if you sign up to really be a follower of Jesus and I I want to again follower of Jesus and I I want to again follower of Jesus and I I want to again emphasize that he's asking them to emphasize that he's asking them to emphasize that he's asking them to follow him not just believe in him. follow him not just believe in him. follow him not just believe in him. If we really sign up to live and love If we really sign up to live and love If we really sign up to live and love like Jesus, like Jesus, like Jesus, I will promise you you'll have this I will promise you you'll have this I will promise you you'll have this experience. experience. experience. Boy, wow, am I falling short. Boy, wow, am I falling short. Boy, wow, am I falling short. I'm I'm not putting others needs above I'm I'm not putting others needs above I'm I'm not putting others needs above my own all the time. my own all the time. my own all the time. I haven't stopped worrying about what I I haven't stopped worrying about what I I haven't stopped worrying about what I will eat and what I will drink. I'm I'm will eat and what I will drink. I'm I'm will eat and what I will drink. I'm I'm not a one who forgives seven times 70 not a one who forgives seven times 70 not a one who forgives seven times 70 times. times. times. I I haven't lived up to the my calling I I haven't lived up to the my calling I I haven't lived up to the my calling as a follower of Jesus. And yet as a follower of Jesus. And yet as a follower of Jesus. And yet God still loves me and accepts me.

God still loves me and accepts me. God still loves me and accepts me. God still welcomes me into his arms. God still welcomes me into his arms. God still welcomes me into his arms. God still runs down the road to greet me God still runs down the road to greet me God still runs down the road to greet me as the prodigal son. I mean, it's just as the prodigal son. I mean, it's just as the prodigal son. I mean, it's just uh an it's a humbling experience to know uh an it's a humbling experience to know uh an it's a humbling experience to know that you're loved anyway that you're loved anyway that you're loved anyway and that good things or bad things, and that good things or bad things, and that good things or bad things, miracles happen or don't happen, miracles happen or don't happen, miracles happen or don't happen, um um um challenges, difficulties, tragedies, challenges, difficulties, tragedies, challenges, difficulties, tragedies, joyous times, mountain tops, valleys joyous times, mountain tops, valleys joyous times, mountain tops, valleys that on that adventure, on that journey, that on that adventure, on that journey, that on that adventure, on that journey, God will Jesus will be walking right by God will Jesus will be walking right by God will Jesus will be walking right by our side every step of the way. And we our side every step of the way. And we our side every step of the way. And we won't go it alone. won't go it alone. won't go it alone. That's what I signed up for. That's what I signed up for. That's what I signed up for. That's the expectations I have. I I That's the expectations I have. I I That's the expectations I have. I I believe that's what the disciples wanted believe that's what the disciples wanted believe that's what the disciples wanted too. too. too. But first, we have to make that But first, we have to make that But first, we have to make that decision.

decision. decision. I'm not just going to be a believer. I'm I'm not just going to be a believer. I'm I'm not just going to be a believer. I'm going to be a follower. going to be a follower. going to be a follower. Let's pray together. Gracious and loving Let's pray together. Gracious and loving Let's pray together. Gracious and loving God, uh we we don't know exactly what uh we we don't know exactly what motivated your those four fishermen in motivated your those four fishermen in motivated your those four fishermen in the boat that day. the boat that day. the boat that day. We don't know exactly what motivates us We don't know exactly what motivates us We don't know exactly what motivates us sometimes, sometimes, sometimes, but we do very much want to follow you. but we do very much want to follow you. but we do very much want to follow you. We want to live that meaningful life We want to live that meaningful life We want to live that meaningful life full of community full of of hope that full of community full of of hope that full of community full of of hope that the that we can be a part of the world the that we can be a part of the world the that we can be a part of the world changing that hope of spending eternity changing that hope of spending eternity changing that hope of spending eternity with you. We want to be God a a a part with you. We want to be God a a a part with you. We want to be God a a a part of of knowing your abundant humbling of of knowing your abundant humbling of of knowing your abundant humbling love even when we fall short and that love even when we fall short and that love even when we fall short and that you'll walk with us every step of the you'll walk with us every step of the you'll walk with us every step of the way. way. way. Oh God, um give us the courage to take Oh God, um give us the courage to take Oh God, um give us the courage to take that step to let go of of all that we that step to let go of of all that we that step to let go of of all that we think is just so important and give think is just so important and give think is just so important and give ourselves to the adventure of following ourselves to the adventure of following ourselves to the adventure of following you.

you. you. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen.