Follow God's Call
Follow God's Call
Luke 19:28-40
28 When He had said this, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 And it came to pass, when He drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, two of His disciples,that He sent 30 saying, 31 go into the village opposite you, wh re as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here. 30 And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you loosing it?’ thus you shall say to him, ‘Because the Lord has need of it.’ ”
32 So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. 33 But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, “Why are you loosing the colt?”
34 And they said, “The Lord has need of him.” 35 Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. 36 And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road.
37 Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, 38 saying: “ ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.”
40 But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”
Before Jesus, Lee Strobel was an atheist and a successful journalist. He was searching for the next article, but he didn’t believe in God. When his wife, Leslie, became a Christian, it caused conflict in their marriage. Determined to disprove Christianity, Lee used his investigative skills to try and deny the resurrection of Christ.
But the more he investigated, the more undeniable the evidence became. It felt like God was personally calling him, saying, “It’s me, your Heavenly Father, and I want to talk to you.” Lee eventually said, "Okay, you win."
Lee's life completely changed. He became a passionate believer, his marriage improved, and he went on to write The Case for Christ and other books to share the truth of Jesus with others. God was working on Lee, just like He worked on Saul who became Paul, authoring 14 books of the Bible.
Today, God is working on both the unbeliever and the believer. He is calling.
28 When He had said this, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 And it came to pass, when He drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, two of His disciples,that He sent 30 saying, 31 go into the village opposite you, wh re as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here. 30 And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you loosing it?’ thus you shall say to him, ‘Because the Lord has need of it.’ ”
32 So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. 33 But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, “Why are you loosing the colt?”
34 And they said, “The Lord has need of him.” 35 Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. 36 And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road.
37 Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, 38 saying: “ ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.”
40 But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”
Before Jesus, Lee Strobel was an atheist and a successful journalist. He was searching for the next article, but he didn’t believe in God. When his wife, Leslie, became a Christian, it caused conflict in their marriage. Determined to disprove Christianity, Lee used his investigative skills to try and deny the resurrection of Christ.
But the more he investigated, the more undeniable the evidence became. It felt like God was personally calling him, saying, “It’s me, your Heavenly Father, and I want to talk to you.” Lee eventually said, "Okay, you win."
Lee's life completely changed. He became a passionate believer, his marriage improved, and he went on to write The Case for Christ and other books to share the truth of Jesus with others. God was working on Lee, just like He worked on Saul who became Paul, authoring 14 books of the Bible.
Today, God is working on both the unbeliever and the believer. He is calling.
From Ending to Beginning – Luke 19:28-40
We often celebrate the triumphal entry during Holy Week. But to understand the end, you have to go back to the beginning.
Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a colt didn’t happen randomly. That moment was planned. That moment was called. Let’s go back, like the movie scene that reveals how it all came to be. Let’s go Back to the Future of faith.
John 1:35-42 This first meeting between Simon and Jesus happened immediately after Jesus' baptism. It started with curiosity. Andrew and Simon didn’t yet leave everything—they just hung out with Him. Later, in Luke 5, the calling becomes deeper.
Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a colt didn’t happen randomly. That moment was planned. That moment was called. Let’s go back, like the movie scene that reveals how it all came to be. Let’s go Back to the Future of faith.
John 1:35-42 This first meeting between Simon and Jesus happened immediately after Jesus' baptism. It started with curiosity. Andrew and Simon didn’t yet leave everything—they just hung out with Him. Later, in Luke 5, the calling becomes deeper.
Luke 5:1-11
1 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
1 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
Big Idea: When God calls you from something, He is calling you to something better.
1. GOD'S CALL IS PERSONAL
John 1:35-38
35 Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. 36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour).
They didn’t stumble into following Jesus. He invited them. God’s call is not distant; it’s a personal invitation to your heart.
Think of:
Luke 5:3
He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
Jesus taught from Simon’s boat. He used what belonged to Simon to reach others. What might Jesus be using in your life right now to speak to you?
If Jesus could use a donkey to speak to Balaam, a big fish to redirect Jonah, and a donkey for His triumphal entry, surely He can use your boat—your job, your gifts, your home, your pain.
Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
God is not random. His calling on your life is personal.
John 6:44
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.
Revelation 3:20
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
God calls, He draws, He convicts.
35 Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. 36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour).
They didn’t stumble into following Jesus. He invited them. God’s call is not distant; it’s a personal invitation to your heart.
Think of:
- Noah – to build
- Abraham – to move
- David – to fight
- Esther – to stand
- The Disciples – to follow
Luke 5:3
He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
Jesus taught from Simon’s boat. He used what belonged to Simon to reach others. What might Jesus be using in your life right now to speak to you?
If Jesus could use a donkey to speak to Balaam, a big fish to redirect Jonah, and a donkey for His triumphal entry, surely He can use your boat—your job, your gifts, your home, your pain.
Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
God is not random. His calling on your life is personal.
John 6:44
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.
Revelation 3:20
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
God calls, He draws, He convicts.
2. GOD'S CALL IS PERSUASIVE
Luke 5:4-10
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.
God was already working on Simon Peter. The healing of his mother-in-law, the moments spent with Jesus, and now this miracle of provision—all leading to surrender.
Luke 5:6-8
The nets break, the boats begin to sink, and Simon falls at Jesus' knees in awe and confession.
Isaiah 6:6-8
6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. 7 And he touched my mouth with it, and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips;Your iniquity is taken away,And your sin purged.” 8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
“Whom shall I send,And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”
God’s persuasion doesn’t force you—it fills you with awe, conviction, and readiness.
John 20:3-8
3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed.
Peter runs to the tomb. He sees and believes.
What more does God have to do to get your attention?
It's going to take FAITH!
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:6
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
God’s call is persuasive because it calls you to faith.
When Simon answered Jesus, his life was forever changed.
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.
God was already working on Simon Peter. The healing of his mother-in-law, the moments spent with Jesus, and now this miracle of provision—all leading to surrender.
Luke 5:6-8
The nets break, the boats begin to sink, and Simon falls at Jesus' knees in awe and confession.
Isaiah 6:6-8
6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. 7 And he touched my mouth with it, and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips;Your iniquity is taken away,And your sin purged.” 8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
“Whom shall I send,And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”
God’s persuasion doesn’t force you—it fills you with awe, conviction, and readiness.
John 20:3-8
3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed.
Peter runs to the tomb. He sees and believes.
What more does God have to do to get your attention?
It's going to take FAITH!
- I am hearing God!
- I am surrendering God
- To say yes, I BELIEVE!
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:6
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
God’s call is persuasive because it calls you to faith.
When Simon answered Jesus, his life was forever changed.
3. GOD'S CALL HAS PURPOSE
Luke 5:10b-11
. .. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed Him.
God doesn’t call you to drop you. His purpose is to draw others through your life.
John 12:32
32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Following Jesus gave Simon Peter a New purpose!
When Follow Jesus our lives are forever changed!
. .. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed Him.
God doesn’t call you to drop you. His purpose is to draw others through your life.
John 12:32
32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Following Jesus gave Simon Peter a New purpose!
When Follow Jesus our lives are forever changed!
- We are forgiven.
- We are saved.
- We have the promise of heaven, eternal life!
When we follow God’s call:
- Purpose Over Personal Goals – God gives you a bigger purpose than just your own plans.
- Peace in the Chaos – Following God brings peace that calms even the storms.
- Healing and Freedom – God's call sets you free from past pain and struggles.
- Relationships That Thrive – God’s love transforms how you connect with others.
- Priorities That Matter – God's call shifts your focus to what truly counts.
- Faith That Grows – Answering God strengthens your trust and relationship with Him.
- Serving with Joy – God calls you to make a difference in others' lives with love.
"When you answer God’s call, everything changes—your heart, your purpose, your life."
God’s call is Personal, Persuasive, and filled with Purpose. Let Jesus transform your life. He is calling.
- God’s Universal Call to Salvation
Your calling begins when you ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins, and you give control of your life to Him.
- God’s General Call to Discipleship
We answer God’s general call as we grow in basic discipleship, learning how to pray, read the Bible, live and serve in Christian community, become like Him, and reach others for Christ.
- God’s Specific Call to Your Unique Purpose
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