Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 3:2), John the Baptist cried out from the wilderness. But now John has been silenced - imprisoned by a corrupt ruler. It was at this time that Jesus began to proclaim, "repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near". Simon and his brother Andrew, fishermen, answered the call. James and his brother John, sons of Zebedee and also fishermen, answered the call.
And what about you?
So, you've got this Good News to spread - are you going to spread it later when you get around to it? These four - Simon, Andrew, James and John - "at once" and "without delay" left their business and livelihood behind and follow Him.
So John the Baptist cried out, "repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" to announce the coming of Jesus Christ. Then Jesus Christ Himself cried out, "repent for the kingdom of heaven is near" to announce His ministry. Now, are you going to cry out, "repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" so that everyone you meet can be saved?
Jesus is our example - how are you proclaiming the Good News? Will you leave your very livelihood to follow Him? It wasn't just John's line. It wasn't just Jesus' line. It's OUR line. The best thing we can do before we leave this earth is to be sure we'll all meet again in heaven - the eternal kingdom.
Content:
After John is imprisoned, Jesus goes to Galilee, calling brothers Simon and Andrew, and James and John to follow Him.
Divisions:
Jesus proclaims the good news, calls for repentance (14-15)
Simon, Andrew, James and John all respond to Jesus' call (16-20)
Subject Sentence:
Jesus' ministry begins as first four disciples answer the call
Aim:
To cause the audience to respond to Jesus Christ's call upon their own lives