Follow Me

TEXT: Matthew 4:18-22; 11:28-30; 16:24-27

Surrender to Christ brings a blessed relationship with the holiest, wisest, most powerful Being that is, was, or ever will be. This relationship affects all other associations we have, whether they are with the saved or unsaved. If we place Christ first in our lives, He will show us how our associations with those around us can be in conformity with His teachings.

QUESTIONS

1. In the first portion of our text, Jesus called Peter and Andrew. In Matthew 11:28-30 the call was extended to become a universal invitation. Explain the steps necessary to enter into a relationship with Christ.
2. Christ’s yoke is easy and light compared to the load of sin. Too often people have the idea that a yoke is heavy, and they don’t get much farther than that thought. In reality, yoking shares the load and the effort. A weaker, less experienced animal is yoked to a strong, lead animal. In essence, the lead animal pulls the heavier load or carries the most weight. With this thought in mind, what are the advantages of having Jesus’ yoke upon you?
3. When Jesus met Peter and Andrew, He used these words to call them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” How would you explain the word follow? Using your definition, what do you think Jesus was really asking of these men?
4. What was the reaction of these men? Give an example of one with an opposite reaction.
5. How did this relationship with Christ affect other people with whom they came into contact? See Acts 4:13. How do people today recognize a follower of Christ?
6. When Jesus spoke of taking up the cross, He was not referring to a symbol on a chain around the neck, a shiny pin on the lapel, or the smooth and varnished emblem at the front of the church. He was not speaking of a rough instrument of torture and death, but an evidence of self-denial and sacrifice. With this thought in mind, what can we determine regarding this command of Christ in relation to our lives? What advantage can there be for one in denying himself and taking up his cross?
7. Explain Matthew 16:26 in your own words.
8. Galatians 5:22-23 describes some of the characteristics we will evidence if we have a close relationship with Christ. How will these characteristics help us live in harmony with others?