Thought Starter
When Jesus issued his call to Peter, Andrew, James, and John alongside the Sea of Galilee, He set in motion things that would change their lives forever.
This wasn’t accidental.
Jesus called these men to be disciples. And His call made at least three things clear: Disciples follow Him, disciples change, and disciples work for His mission. 1
Disciples Follow Him. Jesus said, “Follow me …” Had the four stayed with their families, boats, and nets, they could not have become disciples.
Disciples change. Jesus said, “… and I will make you become …” In order to become something, they would have to be changed into something they weren’t. Jesus caused the change. Good change in a
disciple’s life is directed by Jesus.
Disciples work for His mission. Jesus said, “… make you become fishers of men.” Jesus gave them a new mission—His mission—people. Instead of focusing on ways to catch more fish, they would “go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15).
As disciples, the four followed, changed, and joined the mission of Christ. They learned to know the love of God, to love God, and to love those God loves.
How about you? As a disciple are you following, changing, and working for His mission? Can others see that you are a disciple because of His love in your?
Information
The 2013 Christian Education Sabbath is scheduled for the Sabbath immediately following Labor Day (Sabbath, September 7, 2013).
The theme of this year’s Christian Education Sabbath is Discipleship. This year’s support material includes a bulletin cover, bulletin insert, a children’s message, a skit, a responsive reading, a Sabbath Visitor, and a blank tri-fold which could be used to list the Christian Education opportunities in your church. These are designed to fit within a worship service that is emphasizing the importance finding ways to grow together in Christ.