The Right Time To Be A Disciple

Matthew 4:12-22

Mike Maglish

Part of Discipleship

August 20, 2026

    —Matthew 4:20

    —Matthew 4:22

BIG IDEA: A disciple follows Jesus IMMEDIATELY.

Jesus calls ORDINARY people into an EXTRAORDINARY life.

Jesus Calls Ordinary People Into An Extraordinary Life
- Peter and Andrew were at work when they were called.
- James and John were in a boat with their father preparing nets.
- They were not sitting in a synagogue.
- They were living their ordinary life, trying to earn a living.

THEY KNEW JESUS

1) John 1 teaches us Andrew was likely a disciple of John the Baptist
2) Andrew heard John the Baptist call Jesus, “The Lamb Of God.”
3) Andrew introduced Simon to Peter saying, “We have found the Messiah.”
4) Simon met Jesus, and Jesus called Simon Cephas (Peter).
5) This would have been in Jesus’ home region.

There’s a difference between:

    Hearing Jesus and following Jesus.
    Admiring Jesus and obeying Jesus.
    Believing Jesus is important and giving Jesus authority.
    Calling Jesus “Savior” and actually following Jesus and Lord.

A Disciple SITS at the feet of the RABBI.

Disciple - mathētēs

“Learner, Pupil, Student”

A disciple learned through proximity, observation, practice, correction, and imitation. The goal was transformation, not head knowledge.

    —Luke 6:40

Pirkei Avot (PEER-kay ah-VOHT)

“Let your house be a meeting place for the sages, sit in the dust of their feet, and drink in their words with thirst.”

What we learn:

1) Stay Close to the Rabbi
2) Take the humble position of a learner.
3) Listen Eagerly
4) “Drink in” the teacher’s words as though you are thirsty.
5) Allow the teacher’s life and teaching to shape your own.

    —Acts 22:3

    —Luke 10:38-42

Jesus’s disciples watched how Jesus treated children, outsiders, sinners, religious opponents, sick people, powerful people, and people who could offer him nothing. They did not just hear him talk about compassion, they watched him touch lepers. They did not merely hear him teach about prayer, they watched him withdraw and pray. They did not witness lip service about service, they watched him take a towel and wash their feet. They did not just hear empty words about loving enemies, they watched him forgive the very people crucifying him.

    —1 Corinthians 11:1

A Disciple Doesn’t Make EXCUSES.

    —Luke 9:57-62

EXCUSES

“I’ll follow Jesus if I stay comfortable”
“I’ll follow Jesus but first…”
“I’ll follow Jesus, but I want my old life available.”

WHAT IS YOUR NET?

Comfort
Control
Fear
Approval
Money
Old Identity
Feeling ill-equipped

TAKEAWAY: Drop YOUR net and FOLLOW Christ.