Session Purpose
In this session, we will study Jesus’ call to follow him and participate in his mission. We will memorize and consider how following Christ reshapes our relationships, priorities, prayers, and concern for people who do not know him.
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for calling us to yourself. Teach us to follow you faithfully and form us into people who make you known. Give us compassion for those who do not know you and courage to speak the gospel with grace, wisdom, and love. Amen.
Memory Passage
“He said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will turn you into fishers of people!’” - NET2
Memorize the verse in phrases:
- He said to them,
- “Follow me,
- and I will turn you
- into fishers of people!”
Bible Study
Read slowly at least twice.
Jesus Begins His Mission
- What does Matthew’s quotation from Isaiah reveal about the significance of Jesus’ arrival?
- According to verse 17, what message did Jesus proclaim?
Jesus Calls and Forms His Disciples
- What command and promise appear in ?
- What does “I will turn you into” teach us about Christ’s continuing work in his followers?
- How does becoming a fisher of people arise from following Jesus rather than from possessing an outgoing personality?
- What does the first disciples’ response teach us about allegiance to Jesus?
Jesus Models His Mission
- What three activities characterize Jesus’ ministry in verse 23?
- Read . How does Jesus’ compassion shape what he asks his disciples to pray?
Interpretive Summary, Prayer and Action
Matthew presents Jesus as the promised light entering a region marked by darkness. He announces God’s kingdom, calls people to repent, and summons disciples to follow him. Jesus does not merely invite Peter and Andrew to accompany him; he promises to transform them into people who participate in gathering others into his kingdom.
“Follow me” describes allegiance to Jesus as Lord, learning from him, and sharing in his mission. “I will turn you into fishers of people” emphasizes Christ’s transforming work. Evangelism is not reserved for Christians with particular personalities. As believers follow Christ, he increasingly gives them his compassion for people and trains them to make him known.
Restate the Main Truth
Complete this sentence in your own words: As I follow Christ, he is forming me to:
Respond in Prayer and Action
- When you look at people who do not know Christ, what do you tend to see? How does Jesus see them?
- What fear, assumption, or distraction most often prevents you from speaking about Christ?
- Who is one person you can begin praying for, listening to, and loving more intentionally? What natural opportunity could help you begin a spiritual conversation?
Turn your answers into prayer. Ask Jesus to give you his compassion, open opportunities for conversation, and enable you to speak about him with clarity, humility, and courage.
Begin a Prayer List
Write the names of three people who do not appear to know Christ.
Pray that God would:
- Open their hearts to the gospel
- Give you genuine love for them
- Create natural opportunities for conversation
- Help you listen carefully
- Give you wisdom and courage
- Enable you to speak clearly about Christ
- Bring them to repentance and faith
Preparing for Session 12
Before the next meeting:
Learn at a manageable pace, including the reference. Review a small selection of earlier passages, rotating them through the week.
Continue your Daily Quiet Times and pray for three people who do not know Christ. Look for a natural opportunity to serve one of them and listen to their story.
Before Session 12, prepare a brief testimony using Before, How, and Since, keeping Christ central. Aim for about three minutes; notes are sufficient.
Bring one insight or question and one experience of applying the passage. Share only what you choose.