Leave it behind

I. The Example of Jesus (vs 17)

Explanation #1: First think about what Jesus gave up before we even arrive at this passage.

1. He gave up his : Philippians 2:6-7
2. He gave up his Glory John 17:5
3. He Gave up : 2 Corinthians 8:9
4. He gave up being Honored, and instead was humiliated: Isaiah 53:3
5. He gave up being so he could to serving others: Mark 10:45

Explanation #2: Also Look at the phrase “from this time” and the word “repent”

“From that time” should cause us to ask the question… What Time? The time of vs 12 and vs 13.

A. Jesus Left His (vs 13) “Leaving Nazareth”

1. “Leaving Nazareth” 
   • Jesus had family and relatives. Jesus he a mother and a father who loved him. He had siblings. He had friends. He had an occupation. He went to the festivals and family gatherings. Jesus was like .
2. “repent” 
   • “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The fist message of John and Jesus was repentance.
   • There is no discipleship without !
   • Repentance is “” the Greek word is metanoia which means “to change one’s mind” It means I have a changed master, a changed behavior, my heart is different.

II. The Example of the Disciples  (Matthew 4:18-22)

1. Peter and Andrew left their Livilihoods (vs 18-20)
   • Simon Peter and Andrew were fishermen, entrepreneurs with a steady income.
   • Application: When was the last time you prioritized God over ?
2. They Left Their Families (vs 21-22)
   • James and John left their father Zebedee in the boat to follow Jesus.
   • Jewish culture emphasized staying in the , but discipleship required them to prioritize Jesus above all.

III. Application

1. Discipleship Requires Sacrifice
   • This year examine your committment to got and ask yourself have you been running from areas the require a deeper sacrifice of committment.
2. Discipleship Demands Action
   • When Jesus said, ““ the disciples responded immediately.
3. God Uses Ordinary People
   • Jesus called fishermen, not kings or scholars.