Count The Cost: The Disciples Decision

January 12th, 2025/Casey Middle School

Story: Have you ever faced the gut-wrenching decision to leave behind something you’ve poured your heart into—whether it’s a job, a relationship, or a dream—because you felt called to something greater? This week I was reflecting on the courage it takes to step out into the unknown as I was reading and reflecting on the story of Abraham. Leaving everything to follow God somewhere, he didn’t know where, but he knew God was leading him. The Lord said to Abram, “Go from your land, your relatives, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1)

What would it take for you to leave what’s familiar to follow Jesus fully?

Intro: There’s a passage that helps us understand the weight of leaving everything to follow Jesus. It’s the story of the disciples—ordinary fishermen who left their careers, families, and home town to follow Him. Today, we’re going to explore their decision and the cost of their obedience, and reflect on how it challenges each of us to respond.

Passage:

“18 As he was walking along the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter), and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 19 “Follow me,” he told them, “and I will make you fish for people.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat with Zebedee their father, preparing their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.” - Matthew 4:18-22 CSB

Pray:

Background:

At this point in the Gospel narrative, Jesus has begun His public ministry. His message is clear: “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 4:17). The first disciples Jesus called were not religious elites; they were fishermen, blue collar workers. Yet Jesus chose them to become His closest followers—a choice that would radically change their lives, and ultimately influence the world.

The fishing industry in Galilee was hard, backbreaking work, but it was steady and familiar. These men likely grew up learning the trade from their families. Scholars suggest they were young, likely in their late teens or early twenties, an age when they would have been expected to carry on the family business.

*Picture of the disciples

To leave it behind meant abandoning financial security, family expectations, and their sense of identity. Yet, when Jesus said, “Follow me,” they left everything immediately.

Title: The Disciples’ Decision

Big Idea:

When Jesus calls, following Him means leaving what is comfortable and familiar, no matter the cost.

Main Points:

1. The Call To Follow

   1. 18 As he was walking along the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter), and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 19 “Follow me,” he told them, “and I will make you fish for people.”
   2. Ex: Jesus’ call was simple but life-altering: “Follow me” Their response was immediate. Jesus didn’t just invite them—He commanded them. This wasn’t a sales pitch, it was a call with purpose! Following Jesus isn’t about convenience; it’s about commitment.

   3. Illust: Imagine Jesus walking into your workplace and saying, “Follow me.” Would you drop everything? Maybe He’s not asking you to leave your job, but He might be asking you to surrender control, let go of fear, or trust Him with your future.

      1. A mentor of mine once told me “Every once in a while you’ll hear God whisper “I’m going this way, you wanna come?” These are the moments where we decide - am I going to follow Him or am I going to reject His leadership.
         4. They were leaving behind…
      2. Their comfort
      3. Their careers
      4. Their possessions
      5. Their position
      6. Their families
      7. Their friends
      8. Their safety
      9. Their sin

      10. Themselves

          5. App: What is Jesus asking you to surrender today?

      11. Or a better question might be, “What would you be unwilling to surrender if God called you to “Follow Him”?

      12. Discipleship starts with trust, continues with obedience, and transforms through faith.

2. The Characteristics Of Fisherman

   1. 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat with Zebedee their father, preparing their nets, and he called them.

   2. James and John were also brothers and the sons of Zebedee. This dynamic duo was nicknamed "Sons of Thunder" by Jesus (Mark 3:17). How would you like to be known as the “Sons of Thunder”.

      1. Sometimes their zeal outpaced their understanding of His mission. One notable moment was when a Samaritan village rejected Jesus because He was heading to Jerusalem. Offended by the rejection, James and John made an audacious suggestion: "Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?" But he turned and rebuked them, and they went to another village. (Luke 9:54-56) I love the “Sons of Thunder”, these guys were wild!

         3. Ex: Fishermen were hardworking, courageous, and patient—qualities vital for discipleship.

      2. Fishing required faith: casting nets without seeing the fish, trusting the unseen.

      3. They also worked in teams, learning cooperation and perseverance.

      4. Jesus called them not for their position but for their preparation—traits He would shape for His mission.

         4. Illust: Church Planting Orientation - it hit me… “he’s been preparing me for this.”
         5. App: Just like the fishermen, God is preparing people in every industry and walk of life for Kingdom work.

      5. A teacher’s patience can disciple others. A nurse’s compassion can lead to medical missions. A carpenter’s skills can support ministry projects. A coach can mentor youth through faith-based sports programs.

      6. God uses our unique skills for His extraordinary purposes. Who is God preparing you to reach? Trust that He will use your preparation and obedience to make a difference.

3. The Cost Of Commitment

   1. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
   2. Ex: They had known Jesus previously and seen Him in action, so their decision wasn’t impulsive. But it still came with a cost. In Luke 14, Jesus taught about the need to count the cost of discipleship, warning that following Him requires prioritizing Him above all else—possessions, relationships, and even personal comfort. Following Jesus means trusting Him with what’s most important to us. “The cost of following Jesus is high, but the cost of not following Him is higher.”
   3. Illust: When God calls, He’s asking us to trade something temporary for something eternal. “You can’t outgive God. What you surrender, He multiplies for His glory.”
   4. App: What’s holding you back from fully committing to Jesus? Maybe it’s fear of losing control or comfort. Ask Him for the courage to take the next step, knowing that the reward—intimacy with Him—is worth the cost.

Closing: Following Jesus is not about ease or comfort; it’s about faithfulness and obedience. The disciples’ decision to leave everything wasn’t just about what they gave up, but about what they gained—an eternal purpose and a Savior who was more than enough.

Over time, these same men became fishers of men. Take Peter, for example. He was impulsive and bold, but under Jesus’ training, he became a powerful preacher. On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached a message that drew 3,000 people into the family of God (Acts 2:41). God used Peter’s courage, passion, and ability to fish, to build His Kingdom. And 3 of these 4 men would go on to literally die a martyr's death… and give their all.

Walking Points:

1. What is Jesus calling you to lay down?

   1. Fear, anxiety, doubt, control… You can lay it all at the feet of Jesus.

   2. What is Jesus calling you to pick up?

   3. Maybe this is your moment to step out and “follow” Him. To say wherever you call, I will go. Where you lead, I will follow.

Invitation:

If you want to make a decision to follow Jesus. Then join me and everyone else in the building as we pray out loud together. It’s not the prayer that saves you, but your faith, making Jesus Lord of your life. We don’t let anyone go on the journey alone. If you have faith in Jesus, then let’s join together as we pray…

Prayer of Salvation:

Jesus, I acknowledge that I need you

I confess that I have sinned against you

I believe that God raised you from the dead

And right now, by faith, I say “Jesus is Lord”

Thank you for forgiving me

By your grace I am saved

And by your power I am set free