Pick

You cannot do what God has called you to do alone. If Jesus had to build a team to fulfill His mission, we too must see the necessity to work with others complete what we have been tasked to do by God. Let's discover how Jesus picked His team so we can pick ours.

First there was a “come and see”

Come (John 1:35-42)

"He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where He was staying, and they stayed with Him that day, for it was about the tenth hour." ‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭39‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Some will come because there is a desire to come.  In this case, Andrew, Simon Peter, and an unknown believed to be John went with Jesus. There was an interest. Who is the Lord drawing to Himself through you? In time, they may be a part of your pick.

Follow (Part 1: Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20, & Luke 5:1-11)

"And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”" Matthew‬ ‭4‬:‭19‬ ‭ESV‬‬

"And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”" Mark‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

"For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him." Luke‬ ‭5‬:‭9‬-‭11‬ ‭ESV‬‬

From John’s account, we now see and realize this is not a random encounter. This was not a blind follow. Notice Jesus saw the transferable skills that were to be used: fishers of men. Also notice from Luke’s account, there was a demonstration that compelled them to drop everything and immediately follow Jesus.

Those you will pick from will come from those who follow you. How are you building community and relationships? Those who are attracted to you will have skills and tools that will aid you in building what the Lord has instructed you to build or fulfill what He has called you to do. Also, you can’t just expect people to follow you just because you ask. Is there a demonstration that compels others to follow you?

Follow (Part 2: Matthew 9:9-13, Mark 2:13-14, & Luke 5:27-29)

"As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and He said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed Him." Matthew‬ ‭9‬:‭9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Tax collectors were considered to be traitors and thieves. Yet, Jesus said to Matthew to follow Him while He was in the job. Like account also lets us know that Matthew held a feast at his house and invited other tax collectors.

Your pick may not be perfect but neither are you. Like Jesus, see beyond where the person is note and be committed to their development under your leadership. Also notice that like Jesus, your pick has the potential to give you access to audiences you did not have previously.

Follow (Part 3: John 1:43-52)

"The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.”" ‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭43‬ ‭ESV‬‬

"Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”" John‬ ‭1‬:‭45‬-‭46‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Notice here is another come and see! Philip went and got Nathanael (Bartholomew) now they are both following Jesus. Even with Nathanael (Bartholomew), the demonstration through a word of knowledge spoken to Him by Jesus led him to believe. Jesus also gave vision of seeing even greater things.

Your picks can also lead to other followers whom you will also choose. Can you articulate the vision the Lord has given you? Can you communicate in a way that is compelling for the right people who are called to you to begin to follow you?

Call & Appoint (Matthew 10:1-4, Mark 3:13-16, & Luke 6:12-13)

"And He called to Him His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction." ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10‬:‭1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

"And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those whom He desired, and they came to Him. And He appointed twelve (whom He also named apostles) so that they might be with Him and He might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons." Mark‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭ESV‬‬

”In these days He went out to the mountain to pray, and all night He continued in prayer to God. And when day came, He called His disciples and chose from them twelve, whom He named apostles:“ Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Luke shows us out of all His disciples at this point, Jesus picked 12. Jesus had a following to choose from. His picks were based on who He desired. Notice He didn’t call them to put them under but to build them up to serve them out.

Once you build a following, can you identify who you desire? As you pick, are you putting people under or are you building them up to send them out. Are your picks operating from a place of authority or are they trapped under a weight of suppression? Jesus led from a place of wanting and expecting those He picked to do greater things.

Make Your Pick!

You shouldn’t pick people you don’t know or have had a relationship with for some period of time. Your pick won’t be perfect people but either are you. Grow your following before making you pick. Prayer before selection and be determined to see them develop and grow into the person that fully operates in their God given authority.

Pick Your Team Replay