There were many people who followed Jesus, some were closer than others. Why? I am glad you asked. Here are the different circles of people who followed Jesus and the characteristics of each one. The characteristic of each is a hunger for God’s Presence and God’s Word
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8
3 Then he said to me, “Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.” So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth. Ezekiel 3
This concept is repeated in Jeremiah 15:16 and Revelation 10:10.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Matthew 5 #1 Available
The circle of attendance: devotion is showing up. If you are hungry...You come to the table.
The circle of 500, being part of the crowd that followed Jesus. Reference to this number can be found in 1 Corinthians 15:5-8.
Do you make space for God? Is he a priority of your time?
16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and followed him. Mark 1
#2 Service The circle of 72 service
These people served Jesus.
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Luke 10
Do you have a place of service in your life? Are you employing your God given gifts for the kingdom of God?
#3 Followers The circle of 12
18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Matthew 4
Where he leads me I will follow. Have you taken the great commission to follow wherever he leads you? If you were hungry...you would go wherever the food can be found.
#4 Teachable The circle of 3
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. 4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
Matthew 17
Are you listening and learning? What is God teaching you? Are you just listening or are you doing what he says? #5 Humility, love, and devotion The circle of 1
This is a heart issue. Are humble, are you learning to love God? Would others look at your life and say, "that one is devoted to God." Is your heart pure? Do you desire to do God's will?
2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. John 20
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5
8 I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40 Which of these do you display? Where do you want to be? Are you hungry?
Check your heart. Prayer: Father give me a desire for your presence and a taste for your word. Give me strength and courage to serve you. And guide me in your way that I might grow into the person you created me to be. I love you and I am thankful for your grace. Amen
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