CALLING THE FIRST DISCIPLES!
Drop your nets and "Follow Me!".
READ:
Mark 1:14-20 (NIV)
14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and followed him.
19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
REFLECT:
> Why was John put in prison?
> What is the "Good News"?
> What does Repent mean to the people in Galilee?
> Who are Simon (Peter), Andrew, James and John?
> What was Simon (Peter), Andrew, James and John's response to Jesus telling them to "Come, Follow me"?
RESPOND:
> John was baptizing people in the Jordan River, preparing them for Jesus. John was chosen by God to Baptize Jesus.
> Your sin debt will be paid for, when and if you follow, OBEY and Believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
> Jesus tells the people of Galilee to turn away from their sinfulness.
> Jesus calls on people from all economical status' to follow him, Peter, Andrew, James, and John were blue-collar fishermen.
> The men that Jesus called to follow him, quit their jobs immediately, and were obedient to Him.
REPENT:
> Jesus was sinless, and still was Baptized by John. REPENT and be Baptized!
> The Kingdom of God is near! Are you ready? If not, REPENT!
> Recognize your sin and turn away from it. REPENT!
> If you have the Holy Spirit, listen to it and be obedient. REPENT!
REJOICE:
> James and John weren't any different from you and they followed Jesus. They trusted the Lord and followed Him, you can too.
> Peter was hardcore, he fought, he cared a sword, he had a reputation, and he followed Jesus. You can too.
> You don't have be perfect to be a disciple, you just have to strive to be as close to Jesus as possible.