It’s A Family Affair

Mark 1:16-20 (New Living Translation) One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. 17 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” 18 And they left their nets at once and followed him. 19 A little farther up the shore Jesus saw Zebedee’s sons, James and John, in a boat repairing their nets. 20 He called them at once, and they also followed him, leaving their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men.

Introduction: What makes Toulminville-Warren Street worth Church worth being a part of? Without hesitation, the answer is because we’re family. *Your family is bigger than you think!

Transition: Jesus drafts four men/two sets of brothers to be his disciples (followers who are training on the job). Jewish custom called for three tiers to this process:

-Elementary… knowing the Torah/first five books of the bible.

-Intermediary… knowing the Old Testament.

-Intentionality… an invitation to follow a rabbi/teacher daily.

Exposition: Two sets of brothers who represent two families, have become one family because of their common bond in Jesus. It’s a family affair!

1) It’s not a family feud! Reference I Corinthians 14:33 “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.”

2) It’s not a family secret! Reference Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.”

3) It’s not a family business! Reference Matthew 6:33 “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

Conclusion: Jesus offers an invitation to follow in verse 17, that doesn’t include directions or a destination. That means that we must stay tethered to teacher!