Examples of Jesus: 4th Quarter 2014

By R.H. Boyd Publishing Corp.

Examples for Jesus (ages 12-14). This book is for younger youth, ages 12-14. It is designed to build off of earlier Christian/biblical learning to better understand the spiritual foundation of salvation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation
• Release date: Jul 23, 2014
• ISBN: 9781589428997

Book preview

LESSON 1

JESUS CALLS HIS DISCIPLES

SELECTED SCRIPTURES: MATTHEW 3:16-17; 4:18-22; MARK 1:16-20; LUKE 6:12-16; JOHN 1:29-48

DISCIPLINES TO BE LEARNED

TRAINING SESSION

What is a disciple? At a very basic level, a disciple is simply a student. This student takes his or her teacher’s words very seriously and tries to live like that teacher. Being a disciple of Jesus when He was ministering on earth meant walking with Him, eating with Him, listening to all that He said, and seeing all that He did. Being a disciple of Jesus today is very similar. Disciples of Jesus are called to learn from Him and about Him, especially by studying God’s Word. Once a disciple has begun to learn about Jesus and all that He said and did, a disciple is called to live like Jesus. This quarter’s lessons will all focus on what it means to be a disciple.

Jesus called the Disciples to be with him (Mark 3:14, NRSV); they were uniquely chosen to be witnesses to His actions and deeds throughout His ministry. The core number of the Disciples reflects the symbolism of the original twelve tribes of Israel. These Disciples and others would go on to preach His message and spread the Gospel throughout the world.

I. GOD SENT JESUS

Jesus was sent into the world to fulfill God’s plan that had been in motion for many generations. Following the Fall and the Flood, God chose Abraham to be the father of His special nation. Abraham’s son Isaac had a son named Jacob whose name was changed to Israel. Jacob’s sons became the twelve tribes of Israel. These tribes struggled in slavery in Egypt for generations, and then wandered the desert for forty years because of their lack of faith in God’s care for them. Finally, they came to the Promised Land where God wanted to establish them as His special people. Still, they were often unfaithful to Him despite the gifts of His instructions and His chosen leaders for them. God sent them into exile time and again with the desire that they would turn to Him again.

During these times, many leaders were sent to Israel to call them back to God. Some were kings, but many more were prophets. Prophets spoke for God and called the people to hear His speaking to them. Jesus was more than a prophet—He was the Messiah that Israel had begun looking for during their exiles. Jesus did not come to preach punishment for the world; He came ‘in order that the world might be saved through him’ (John 3:17, NRSV). Saving His creation was important to God.

II. JESUS CALLED HIS DISCIPLES

Some of Jesus’ initial followers were disciples of John the Baptist (see John 1:36-40). Jesus’ first disciples were two sets of brothers. Jesus met Simon Peter and his brother Andrew while they were occupied as fishermen, saying, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people’ (Matt. 4:19). Later, he met the two sons of Zebedee, James and John, who were also fishermen. He asked them to join His group, and they immediately agreed. The men did not wait to see if a better offer would come. They did not even finish the tasks on which they were working. The first disciples dropped everything when Jesus called. Soon after, Jesus found Philip of Bethsaida, who then found Nathanael. Even this early in His work, disciples were calling others to become disciples as well!

Learning from Others’ Examples

Who are some people in your life that you want to be like?

Being a Student of Jesus

How can you learn to be more like Jesus?

Disciples Are . . .

Complete the above statement, checking all that apply:

people who love Jesus

willing to follow Jesus anywhere

perfect

students of Jesus

people who know everything

other___________________

In our present walk with Jesus, our experiences should mirror those of the initial band of Disciples. Their relationship became a determining factor that developed these first-century men and women into a force for the Lord. A love for the Lord and a desire to please Him will also strengthen our resolve to be like