Jesus Calls the First Disciples

Jesus Calls the First Disciples Deep Prep Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11 The Big Idea: The miraculous catch of fish helped Jesus' first d...
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Jesus Calls the First Disciples Deep Prep Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11

The Big Idea: The miraculous catch of fish helped Jesus' first disciples know he was God. Learning Goal: Learners will realize God calls ordinary people to a life of ministry.

Biblical Foundation Shortly after beginning his public ministry of teaching and healing, Jesus calls his first disciples to follow him. Luke records the three—Simon, James, and John—as fisherman, a laboring-class role in society. The miracles that Jesus performs impress and even astound, but seldom are they the focus of the story. What goes on around the marvels Jesus carries out tells more about who Jesus is and what his life and ministry are about than do the miracles themselves. This miracle story is no different. The abundance of fish in Simon's nets illustrates that Jesus is no ordinary man, and those who follow are not called because Jesus is able to perform miracles. The miraculous catch of fish is a precursor of what is to come. Jesus will call his disciples away from the seas and to him.

Theological Emphasis The good news of this Gospel story shines through vividly: Christ does not come to earth seeking out the powerful or the wealthy. For the first disciples, Jesus selects common laboring folk whose clothes probably smell at the end of a long day's work. They are ordinary people, yet they are the ones Jesus chooses as his own. It is a sign that the kingdom will be different: It is for all people, not just for the elite. The values of the world are not shared by Jesus; he will bring something new. The first disciples who are called to follow Jesus certainly know toil, but now they will work even harder. For these first disciples, as well as for us, following Christ will not be easy. The enormous catch of fish is a reward, but it also means more work. Responding to Jesus' call has never been about a promise of an easy life. The first disciples chosen are blessed to follow and yet they are in a complicated position. They leave behind the only life they have known. To serve God often means turning life on its ear.

Historical Context The everyday tasks of living are difficult enough if you are part of a fishing family in New Testament times. Fishers are low-income laborers. They are forced to lease fishing rights from

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toll collectors for a percentage of the catch ranging as high as 40 percent (Malina, Bruce J., and Richard L. Rohrbaugh, Social Science Commentary on the Synoptic Gospels, 1992: Augsburg Fortress. page 314). The family unit is the primary economic source, so when Jesus calls Simon and the sons of Zebedee to follow, the impact goes beyond their three lives. Where is the story of Mrs. Zebedee? What will her sons' new vocation mean for the family business and her life? These first disciples come from a low social ranking. And yet, it is among such vulnerable, ordinary people that God's empire is first manifested. It is a clear sign that Jesus will use people from many folds for the good of his kingdom.

Contemporary Interpretation Have you ever overheard kids wishing they were older? Many of us, when we are older, wish we were younger again. What young people don't always understand is that being a grown-up means you have to do grown-up stuff—get a job, plunge the toilet, pay bills, deal with sick kids, and so forth. Being a grown-up has its advantages, but it is certainly not without its challenges. There's that old hymn, "I have decided to follow Jesus...no turning back, no turning back." Maybe following Jesus is a bit like being a grown-up: there are perks, but it's a lot of hard work for the cause! Ordinary people are called to do great things: to live differently, to follow Jesus in his struggle to overturn the existing orders of power and privilege, and to live with the love of God as our center. Despite Christ's example, we often naturally lift up the same folks that society does. Our challenge, and Jesus' way, is to reach out to people no matter their social or economic standing. The call of Jesus is absolute, disrupting the lives of potential recruits. It is a call to make changes in our lives, to think differently, and, most of all, to live differently. These marginal fishermen show us the way. Peter, James, John—and each of us—are disciples of Jesus Christ because of the power of the Word to call us out of our old lives and into the new, a call we need to hear daily.

Quick Prep Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11

The Big Idea: The miraculous catch of fish helped Jesus' first disciples know he was God. Learning Goal: Learners will realize God calls ordinary people to a life of ministry. • Shortly after beginning his public ministry of teaching and healing, Jesus calls his first disciples, the fishermen Simon, James, and John. • From the start, Jesus calls ordinary people to follow him. It is a clear sign that Jesus will use people from many folds for the good of his kingdom. • The miracles Jesus performs are a sign pointing to something even greater. The miraculous catch of fish is a precursor of what is to come.

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• The call of Jesus is absolute, disrupting the lives of potential recruits. It is a call to make changes in our lives, to think differently, and, most of all, to live differently. • Jesus calls us out of our old lives and into the new.

Adolescent Connection Jesus called ordinary fishermen to be his disciples. A great learning from this scripture is that youth get the call to follow Jesus just as they are. They do not have to become something, or someone, else. For some youth this is a revelation. What they do once they have made the choice to follow Jesus is another matter. Knowing that Jesus called ordinary people who were sinners to be his followers may help youth to realize that Jesus calls them as well. Jesus can change their lives, as he changed Peter's life. Knowing that they do not have to be perfect to follow Jesus is a great help in accepting Jesus' call to lead them to a new way of living. As youth are forming a faithful response to Jesus' call, knowing that they do not have to start out perfect is a great help.

Baptismal Connection In the Rite of Affirmation of Baptism, a five-part question addresses each confirmand's intent to continue in the covenant God made with them in Holy Baptism. Here We Stand resources help adolescents—with support from parents, leaders, and the entire congregation—prepare to answer this question as they continue in their lifelong faith journey. Today's lesson focuses on the clause "to live among God's faithful people" (Lutheran Book of Worship, page 201; Evangelical Lutheran Worship, page 236).

Welcoming Prepare your large group space by playing upbeat music in the background and by welcoming learners as they arrive. Make a special effort to welcome and thank adult small group leaders for their presence and for being willing to help pass on the faith to the next generation. • Begin by thanking learners for coming! Remind the group what a privilege you feel it is to serve God by leading confirmation, and what a gift from God you consider all of them to be. • Ask learners to recall last week's Big Idea if they can. Reward the first person to get it right with a handful of candy or some other small treat to share with their small group. (Be aware of any food allergies in the group.) Ask for a volunteer to capture last week's lesson in their own words; affirm all genuine responses; keep going until you're satisfied everyone has been oriented. • Project this week's Big Idea on the screen or write it in HUGE block letters on your presentation board or overhead slide. Invite learners to recite it with you aloud. Repeat it two or three times.

Skit: Something Fishy Ask or assign a small group to perform the skit. In a pinch, grab enough volunteers from the

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audience to form an impromptu "readers' theater" troupe. CHARACTERS: Peter, James, John (all fishers at time of Jesus) PROPS: huge net and many fish (cardboard, toy, or paper cutouts, or can be mimed) Peter, James, and John pull a heavy net filled with fish. PETER: Pull hard! C'mon! JOHN: Aaahhh. This is so heavy! (Looks at James.) Are you even pulling? JAMES: Yes! There are, like, a million fish in there. It's heavy! JOHN: It shouldn't be this hard getting fish into a boat. JAMES: Yeah, well, I'm pulling as hard as I can. PETER: Guys, it's fine. We can stop right here. (They stop pulling. James falls down, and John laughs at him.) JOHN: Okay, so you were pulling. JAMES: I told you. PETER: I still can't believe it. He just told us where all these fish would be. He knew. This is more than we've caught all month. JOHN: Are you kidding? More like all season. It was amazing. JAMES: Did either one of you understand what he meant when he said "from now on you will be catching people"? Cuz' I don't think I could pull people in a net! PETER: (Laughs.) I don't think he meant we would actually be catching people in nets, James. Not you, anyway. JAMES: (Scowls.) Well, then, what did he mean? JOHN: (Starting to pull fish out of the net.) I think he meant like catching their hearts. JAMES: With a net? PETER: Yeah, with a net. And hooks. Think, man. JAMES: Well, excuse me! I was a little shocked that this guy just walked up, told us to put our nets on the other side of our boat, and suddenly we catch more fish than any of us have seen in a really long time.

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JOHN: I don't think he was just some guy. (Looks at Peter and James, who then start helping with the fish.) PETER: Neither do I. Let's get this done. We have to go find him. JOHN: Right. JAMES: All right, there's something I'm missing here. You guys have to fill me in. PETER: We will. (Pauses.) Better yet, I think he will. JAMES: Who? JOHN: (Looking at James.) Jesus, the Messiah. JAMES: (Stops to think, looks at the net and starts working faster.) We have to get this done right now! PETER: Yeah. I think we have bigger fish to fry. JAMES: (Pause.) That was a metaphor, right? PETER: Yeah. It was. (They all work faster.)

Quiz Show As practical, set up a quiz show environment with horns or buzzers for the contestants. Organize two teams or have two individuals face off to answer the questions. Pose a question, and the first person or group spokesperson to buzz-in and correctly answer the question gets a point. If the answer is wrong, the other team or person gets a chance to answer. If desired, provide each member of the winning team with a prize, such as candy. 1. Jesus came to earth to... a. help the rich get richer. b. help the poor get poorer. c. help everyone. (Correct.) d. none of the above. 2. Jesus calls us to... a. change our lives for him. b. think differently than the world. c. live different lives than the world. d. all of the above. (Correct.) 3. Who did Jesus call to be his followers?

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a. Rich people. b. Powerful people. c. Perfect people. d. Sinful, ordinary people. (Correct.) 4. When Jesus called his first disciples... a. they thought he was crazy. b. they left everything and followed him. (Correct.) c. they laughed at him. d. they ran the opposite direction. 5. The story of the miraculous catch of fish... a. helps us see the power of God. b. is simply a fairy tale. c. is a sign pointing to something even better. d. both a and c. (Correct.) 6. To be a follower of Jesus, you must... a. memorize all 66 books of the Bible. b. go to church every Sunday. c. never sin. d. be willing to let Christ change your life. (Correct.)

Who Am I? Which of Jesus' first three disciples (Peter, James, or John) is described by these statements? 1. It was sometimes hard for me to be a disciple because I kept saying the wrong thing. (Peter.) 2. Until we met Jesus, my brother John and I ran a fishing business for our dad. (James.) 3. My dad's name was Zebedee. (Either James or John.) 4. Like my brother James, I was hot-tempered. (John.) 5. I am mentioned more in the four Gospels and Acts than any other disciple. (Peter.) 6. When Jesus was crucified, he asked me to take care of his mother. (John.) 7. I left everything behind to travel everywhere with Jesus. (Peter, James, and John.)

Presenter's Interruptions Keep this menu of short theme-related bits at the ready for those moments when you feel you're losing your audience.

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• Blow your whistle. Ask everyone to find a partner and come up with an example of one way God used an ordinary person in Bible times and one way God uses ordinary people today. Ask two volunteers to share their answers. • Blow your whistle. Ask each learner to write a way that God used an ordinary person to touch his or her own life or a way he or she has touched someone else's life for Christ. Ask for two volunteers to share their answers.

Opening Prayer Turn the lights down and play soft music in the background, such as "All I Want" by Michael W. Smith (from the CD Healing Rain). Pray this prayer: God of life, your Son performed numerous miracles while he walked on this earth and he did them not for his glory, but for yours. Help us to see that Jesus' miracles aren't just simple acts of kindness, but they always point us to you. As you call us to live for you, may we be like those first fishers and obediently follow you. Thank you for sending Jesus not just for those who are rich and powerful, but for everyone—those who are rich and those who are poor, those who are famous and those who are not, those who are saints and those who are sinners. Amen

My Faith Story Although everyone likes to have heroes to look up to, it's just as important for young people to hear that God uses ordinary people to do God's work. Share with the group ways that your personal call to serve God is similar to that of the first disciples. Were you afraid or skeptical? Did you come up with excuses as to why you should say no or did you immediately say yes to God? How is your story different from the disciples'? Keep in mind that, although call stories vary, each is significant and important to God.

Guest Speaker Invite the church custodian to talk to the students about his or her faith in Christ. Emphasize how God has called him or her to serve in a simple, ordinary way. Many people probably take this job for granted every Sunday, as well as other times, when they walk through the doors. This would be a nice opportunity for students to recognize the importance of those things we take for granted, and it would be an opportunity for the entire group to show gratitude to the custodian for what is often a thankless job.

Cartoon Connection: Is This a Hook, Line, and Sinker Situation?

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The Funny Shape of Faith, page 228 It's almost a cruel joke that Jesus showed Simon and the others how a carpenter could fill their nets, just moments before he commanded the fishermen to give up their livelihood and follow him. Think of the business they could have started—they would have had the corner on the fish market! But Jesus had other plans. These ordinary fishermen, who probably didn't have much experience in public speaking or preaching, became ministers of God's love by trusting in and following Jesus. Jesus didn't choose royalty, politicians, soldiers, or merchants as his companions. He chose fishermen. Laborers. Ordinary people. Our God speaks to the farmer in the field and the floor worker at the factory every bit as loudly as to the CEO or the Senator. This is a pretty radical idea—everyone is equal in the eyes of God, and everyone is called to be a minister of God's love. Just as Jesus called the fisherman, God continually calls us to stop what we are doing and to create a new life following God's plan for us. Encourage your young people to create a job description for a minister. What characteristics should a minister have? What experience? What kinds of people are called to be ministers today? Can you be a minister if you aren't leading a church? How can we minister to each other every day?

Handbook Connection Have everyone open The Lutheran Handbook to pages 96-97, "How to Identify a Genuine Miracle." Read the opening paragraph, and ask for six volunteers to read points 1-5 and the "Be Aware" section. Review the points made about miracles, and discuss the possibility of miracles still happening today. In the space at the bottom of page 97, ask the students to write an example of a miracle they either personally experienced or were told about. For example, maybe a friend or loved one was healed of cancer. Share with the students that getting an "A" on a test for which they didn't study is not an example of a miracle. Ask for a volunteer to share what he or she wrote. Next, invite students to open their handbooks to "The Top 10 Bible Miracles and What They Mean" on pages 175-176 of The Lutheran Handbook. Ask for volunteers to read each of the 10 miracles. Pause after each miracle, discuss any other details about the story that the students may recall, and then have them try to identify where the story is in the Bible. Help them find the stories if they are stumped. Have the students write the scripture reference in their handbooks: Creation: Genesis 1:1—2:4

The Passover: Exodus 12:1-30

The Exodus: Exodus 12:31-42

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Manna: Exodus 16

The Incarnation: John 1:1-14

Jesus Healed the Paralyzed Man: Mark 2:1-12

Jesus Calmed the Storm: Mark 4:35-41

The Resurrection: Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-10

Pentecost: Acts 2:1-13

The Second Coming: Matthew 24:36-44

Summarize this section by reminding the class that all miracles defy a logical explanation and are the work of a higher force—God. Some of the miracles were brought about by God and others by Jesus (who is God!).

Bible Connection: The Miracle of God's Calling • Invite all to open their Bibles to Luke 5. Ask for a volunteer to read verses 1-11, the story of Jesus calling of the first disciples. What do you think was Simon Peter's first reaction to Jesus' command to go into deep water and put down his net? (Accept all answers. He was probably skeptical and probably did not hesitate to say so.) Do you feel as though God has asked you to do something out of the ordinary? If so, what was your response? (Ask for a volunteer to briefly share his or her story.) • Invite all to open their Bibles to Matthew 4, another account of Jesus calling his first disciples. Have a volunteer read verses 18-22. How is this story similar to and different from the story in Luke 5? (In both stories, the men left everything behind and followed Jesus. In Matthew, but not Luke, there is mention of Andrew, brother of Simon Peter.) Do you think it was easy for these men to leave everything behind and immediately follow Jesus? Why or why not? (Ask volunteers to share their thoughts.) • Invite all to open their Bibles to Mark 1:16-20. Read the verses together. Share with the students that Jesus' call to discipleship resulted in an immediate response and a total commitment from the newly chosen disciples. Is it fair for Jesus to ask that type of response from us today? Why or why not? Since Jesus is not physically walking around with us, how do we follow him today? (Discuss responses and look for concrete examples in the students' lives.)

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More Bible Connections • Read Ruth 1-4, or summarize the story. Note that the story of Ruth is about an ordinary person who was committed to obeying God. God's grace shown to Ruth was not determined by blood, birth, power, or wealth. Those who live and serve in the kingdom of God are part of the kingdom because of their faith in God, which is seen in their obedience to God. • Another Bible story of how God used a simple, ordinary person is the familiar story of David and Goliath. Have students skim the story in 1 Samuel 17:1-54 and give the highlights. Ordinary David, with God's guidance was able to conquer the Philistine giant. • Read Matthew 1:18-25. This is the story of Jesus' birth. Encourage students to think of Mary in terms of a young, ordinary, teen who was faithful to God and was God's servant in bringing Christ to earth to carry out God's mission on earth.

Object Lesson: Acting as the Hands of Christ Invite all to stop and look at their hands, thinking of everything those hands have done in the past week. Ask for volunteers to share some of those things, whether good or bad. Be sure not to pass judgment and not to let others pass judgment. Then ask the following questions:• How do people use their hands to help others? (Answers will vary.) • How do people use their hands to hurt others? (Answers will vary, but try not to dwell too long on this question.)

Ask for a volunteer to read Philippians 2:1-8. Ask these questions:• In what ways was Christ a servant? (Responses should include how Christ cared for the poor, healed the sick, invited all people into the kingdom of God, and died for all people.) • How can our example affect others if we approach life with the servant attitude that Christ had? • How can we become more like Christ?

After listening to responses to each of these questions, encourage students to think of one person for whom they can become a servant. Have them write that person's name on their hand as a reminder of their commitment to serving Christ and serving that individual.

Science Connection: Dem Bones In advance of this lesson, assemble the following items and read through this experiment. Four days in advance of the class session, put clean chicken bones in one glass jar and clean fish bones in another glass jar. Add enough vinegar to each jar to cover the bones. Keep several chicken and fish bones out of the glass jars. X rays of a broken hand or foot

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Clean, dry chicken and fish bones Two clear glass jars with lids White vinegar

Display the X rays in a classroom window so students can examine them as they come to class. Talk about any broken bones the students may have had and what the procedure was to heal them. Display the dry bones you gathered and suggest that they are from a recent meal. Can anyone identify them? Point out that some of the bones are from a chicken and some are from a fish. Invite volunteers to feel the bones and say if they are hard or soft. Do they bend very easily? Why or why not? Place the bones aside. Bring out the two jars of bones you prepared four days ago. Drain the vinegar and examine the bones. What is the difference between the dry bones you examined and the ones that were left in the vinegar? Talk about the differences (the bones left in the vinegar are flexible and soft) and why this might be. What makes bones hard? (Calcium.) What reaction between the vinegar and bone may have changed this? The story of the disciples catching so many fish helped them realize that Jesus was God. It was a miracle! The way that our bodies and our bones are made is a miracle too.

Video/DVD: Making Changes Option 1: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Provide the movie Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005, PG-13). Start cue: (Chapter 8, 0:31:16) Students gather in the great hall. Headmaster Dumbledore says, "Now, the moment you've all been waiting for: the Champion selection." End cue: (Chapter 8, 0:34:54) Harry walks out. People in the crowd yell, "He's a cheat! He's not even 17 yet!"

In this scene, students from the top three wizarding schools gather for the prestigious (and dangerous) Triwizard Tournament. The tournament rules clearly state that no one under 17 may compete. Few are surprised when the Goblet of Fire chooses three athletic, accomplished students. But greater powers appear to be at work when it also names 14-year-old Harry. Use this scene to encourage discussion of the "questionable" choices Jesus made when recruiting his disciples. • If you were writing a job description for "Disciple of Jesus," what qualities would you include? What do you think Jesus had in mind when he chose Peter (a fisherman)? Matthew (a tax collector)? Judas (the one who would betray Jesus)? • How does the expression, "It takes all kinds!" apply to discipleship? • What challenges do you experience as a disciple of Jesus? What are the rewards for answering

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God's call? Please preview this content to determine its appropriateness for your setting.

Option 2: Bewitched Provide the movie Bewitched (2005, PG-13). Start cue: (Chapter 5, 0:13) Isabel looks at What Should I Do With My Life on a bookstore shelf. End cue: Isabel leaves the restaurant.

Jack is looking to recruit the perfect actress for his remake of the TV show Bewitched. Isabel, an actual witch, is trying to leave her old life behind and start anew as a "normal" mortal. • What aspects of "normal" life changed when the disciples answered Jesus' recruitment call? • How is following Jesus "better than normal"? Please preview this content to determine its appropriateness for your setting.

Option 3: Iron Jawed Angels Provide the movie Iron Jawed Angels (2004, unrated). Start cue: (Chapter 12, 1:23) Emily walks through the house looking for her children. End cue: Tom walks out.

In this depiction of the true story of the women's suffrage movement in America between 1912 and 1920, Emily Leighton joins the unpopular crusade championing equal voting rights for women. Among those who disapprove of her newfound passion is her husband, a prominent senator. • Have you ever had to make sacrifices for your beliefs? • What challenges are you willing to take on for the sake of your faith? Please preview this content to determine its appropriateness for your setting. NOTE: Consult Christian Video Licensing International at Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (1.800.462.8855 or www.mplc.com) for its umbrella licensing program covering the use of videos/DVDs or video/DVD clips in any public gathering.

Music: A Sign and an Invitation Option 1: "Streetcorner Symphony" Provide the song "Streetcorner Symphony" by Rob Thomas (from Something to Be,

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Atlantic/WEA, 2005). In this Rob Thomas song, the lyrics speak of people gathering together all over the world, regardless of race or color, to learn from each other and to share love and hope. Those first disciples were doing exactly that—gathering together with Jesus to learn, love, and spread the good news. • What does it mean to be a disciple? • Do you think of yourself as a disciple? Why or why not? • What kinds of things could you do in everyday life that would help you share love and hope with people? • Would these things be comfortable for you to do? Why or why not? Please preview this content to determine its appropriateness for your setting.

Option 2: "Come and Follow Me" Provide the song "Come and Follow Me" by Andy Park (from In the Secret, Vineyard Music, 2004) Jesus calls his disciples with the words "come and follow me." In his song "Come and Follow Me," Andy Park sings about the compelling strength of those simple words, and their lifechanging power. The disciples of Jesus were changed forever when Jesus asked them to join him in spreading the good news. • What do you think the disciples were feeling when they were first approached by Jesus? • If someone came to you and requested that you follow them, how would you react? Please preview this content to determine its appropriateness for your setting.

Option 3: "Shine" Provide the song "Shine" by Collective Soul (from Hints Allegations and Things Left Unsaid, Atlantic/WEA, 1994). The lyrics of "Shine" could have been the words of the first disciples. If the disciples were looking for a sign, they surely must have seen it in the miraculous catch of fish. Notice how Jesus' miracle speaks to the people of his day in a way they could relate to. His miracle goes hand in hand with his invitation for these common laborers to become "fishers of people." • Jesus calls on everyday people-rather than the royalty and nobles of his day—to be part of his ministry. What inspiration and hope can you derive from this as you search for your calling? • The harder part of walking with God is hanging in there when there are no apparent signs. What do you do in those times? Can you list signs from your past that have bolstered your faith? Please preview this content to determine its appropriateness for your setting.

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Learning in Motion: Needed for Fishing Make arrangements ahead of time to have the students that fish, or an avid fisher from the congregation, bring their equipment for fishing to class. Have them demonstrate how to cast a line (without using hooks), and have the rest of the class give it a try. Talk about what keeps them interested in fishing, the different kinds of equipment, and the importance of each piece. Then talk about what Jesus meant when talking about being fishers of people (Luke 5:10). What tools or equipment do we have for that kind of fishing?

Closing Questions Consider starting the Closing Time with a "Stump the Presenter!" moment in which learners may ask you questions that have come up during their small group discussions, but for which they want further explanation. This gives the small group leaders an "honorable out" when they get into sticky theological territory, and it's a great way to start out your final minutes together. If there are no "Stump the Presenter!" questions, tickle learners with one or more of the following questions to connect Small Group Time with the larger conversation: • Why do you think God uses ordinary people to do God's work? • In what way can an ordinary person become a hero for Christ? • Why are the stories of Christ's miracles so important for us today?

Closing Ritual Form a single file line, and give the processional cross to the person in the front. If you don't have a processional cross, provide a cross that can be carried throughout the meeting space. As a group, sing or say a song about following Jesus while you walk around following the leader who is holding the cross.

Closing Blessing Before anyone leaves to go home, make sure each learner receives the following blessing from the small group leader, or from you! (Or, if you like, consider writing your own blessing, based on your teaching time.) Have leaders trace the cross on each learner's forehead as they say the blessing. Have your group sit on the floor in a circle, leaving room for you as a leader to walk behind them. As you place your hand on each student's head, pray for the person, asking God to help give her or him the strength to follow Jesus.

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Small Group Leader Sheet: Jesus Calls the First Disciples Instructions Make sure each learner has a Learner Sheet for use during your discussion. At the end of the lesson they can take the Learner Take-Home Sheet to use with their household at dinner or bedtime. Be sure to start on a positive note. Welcome each learner by name. Let them know you're glad they're here! If anyone is absent, mention you'll be praying for that person together. Small Group Time is for give-and-take discussion. Your main job is to draw learners out and get them talking about the theme. Ask open-ended questions that will provoke responses. Once the conversation begins, intervene only to bring it back on track or to stimulate more talk.

Quick Prep Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11

The Big Idea: The miraculous catch of fish helped Jesus' first disciples know he was God. Learning Goal: Learners will realize God calls ordinary people to a life of ministry. • Shortly after beginning his public ministry of teaching and healing, Jesus calls his first disciples, the fishermen Simon, James, and John. • From the start, Jesus calls ordinary people to follow him. It is a clear sign that Jesus will use people from many folds for the good of his kingdom. • The miracles Jesus performs are a sign pointing to something even greater. The miraculous catch of fish is a precursor of what is to come. • The call of Jesus is absolute, disrupting the lives of potential recruits. It is a call to make changes in our lives, to think differently, and, most of all, to live differently. • Jesus calls us out of our old lives and into the new.

Prayer Time Go around the group and have each learner share the best and worst thing from his or her week. Remind learners to pay special attention to (for example) the person on their right, as they will be praying for that person in a moment (alternate prayer partners from week to week). When the group has finished, prayer partners can pray for each other.

Key Words MIRACLE is an extraordinary occurrence ascribed to God that surpasses all known human powers or natural forces.

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DISCIPLE is a professed follower of Christ. ORDINARY means something of no special quality or interest; a commonplace, unexceptional event. FAITH is the act of placing one's total confidence or trust in God. It is believing in God and God's teachings.

Discussion Time Use the following questions to kick off a conversation about the theme: • How can you encourage a friend to make a commitment to follow Jesus? (Accept all responses and focus on concrete ways to make this a real occurrence in the students' lives.) What first convinced you to follow Jesus? (Be sensitive to students who may not have made that commitment.) Can you use that example to help convince your friend? • Turn to "How to Identify a Genuine Miracle" on page 97 of The Lutheran Handbook. "Be Aware" talks about the most overlooked miracle, which is God showing up in everyday life events and in ordinary forms and ways. Besides bread, wine, water, words, and people, name another ordinary way that God shows up in our lives. (The miracle of life in Jesus Christ is a gift for us every day.) • In Mark 1:18 we read that Simon Peter and his brother, Andrew, immediately left their nets to follow Jesus. What implications might their leaving have on their family? On their reputation? Do you think it was easy or difficult to make this decision? Why? • Pass out paper and markers and have students draw their "call" story, without using words. After a few minutes, invite them to share their drawings.

Big Fun Idea As a group, write thank-you notes and give them to the custodian(s) at church. These individuals quietly serve God by keeping the church clean. Be sure to thank them for all they do and remind them that God loves them very much. Afterward, take them on an outing to a local restaurant or ice-cream shop.

Big Serving Idea As a group, make arrangements to go to a homeless shelter and help serve a meal. Before the meal is served, invite everyone to join in prayer as a member from your group offers a prayer of thanks for the meal. Rather than leaving immediately after the meal is served, plan to stay and talk with the people. Bring the gift of human contact and conversation along with the gift of serving.

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Funny Shape of Faith Small Group Devotions: Jesus Calls the First Disciples Have a volunteer read the devotion that corresponds with this cartoon: "Is this a Hook, Line, and Sinker Situation?," The Funny Shape of Faith: Devotions for the Rest of Us (Augsburg Fortress, 2007), p. 229. Then use the following questions to spark group discussion. What do you want to do when you grow up? How can your career be a way to serve God? Are any careers too unholy to be a ministry? What does it mean to you that Jesus called ordinary folks to help do his work? If Jesus showed up today for the first time, where might he go to look for help? If Jesus hadn't performed miracles like the large catch of fish, would as many people have followed him?

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Learner Sheet: Jesus Calls the First Disciples Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11

The Big Idea: The miraculous catch of fish helped Jesus' first disciples know he was God.

Big Fun Idea As a group, write thank-you notes and give them to the custodian(s) at church. These individuals quietly serve God by keeping the church clean. Be sure to thank them for all they do and remind them that God loves them very much. Afterward, take them on an outing to a local restaurant or ice-cream shop.

Big Serving Idea As a group, make arrangements to go to a homeless shelter and help serve a meal. Before the meal is served, invite everyone to join in prayer as a member from your group offers a prayer of thanks for the meal. Rather than leaving immediately after the meal is served, plan to stay and talk with the people. Bring the gift of human contact and conversation along with the gift of serving.

Prayer Time Remember your partner's prayer needs—record them here.

Discussion Time • How can you encourage a friend to make a commitment to follow Jesus? What first convinced you to follow Jesus? Can you use that example to help convince your friend? • Turn to "How to Identify a Genuine Miracle" on page 97 of The Lutheran Handbook. "Be Aware" talks about the most overlooked miracle, which is God showing up in everyday life events and in ordinary forms and ways. Besides bread, wine, water, words, and people, name another ordinary way that God shows up in our lives. • In Mark 1:18 we read that Simon Peter and his brother, Andrew, immediately left their nets to follow Jesus. What implications might their leaving have on their family? On their reputation? Do you think it was easy or difficult to make this decision? Why? • Draw your "call" story, without using words. Share your art with the group.

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Learner Take-Home Sheet: Jesus Calls the First Disciples Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11 Take this sheet home and keep it someplace near the dinner table, like on the fridge. At least three times next week at dinner, use Prayer Time and one other family activity to make your confirmation learning come alive!

Prayer Time God of all creation, you have blessed us as a family and you have provided for our every need. May we, in turn, be a blessing to those around us by sharing our faith and representing Jesus in all we say and do. Just as the disciples were faithful in following you, may we also remain faithful. In your name we pray. Amen

Key Words Keep a family white board someplace near the dinner table, and write these words on it. Try writing a family definition for each one during the week. MIRACLE DISCIPLE ORDINARY FAITH

Talk Time • Gather as a family and take turns sharing how Jesus called you to be his disciple. What circumstances led to you being a follower of Jesus? • If Jesus walked on earth today, what type of miracles do you think he would do? How do you think people would respond to Jesus' presence? • Read Luke 5:1-11 in your Bible, paying special attention to verse 9. Talk about ways that one's sinfulness can keep them from God. Then talk about how God restores those broken relationships.

Web Time Do an Internet search for "disciple." How many hits did you get? What was the most bizarre site you found? Choose a site that talks about being a disciple for Christ and see what you can learn from it.

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As a family, read Luke 5:9-10 a few times. Then type the verse on a computer, using a large type size and 5-10 spaces between each word. Cut out the individual words. Mix up the words and try to put them in the correct order so the verse reads correctly. If you need some help, refer to the Bible. Try this fun way to memorize scripture with other verses, too.

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Video (High Resolution): Here, Fishy Fishy! Media file: JesusCallstheFirstDisciples.mov In this passage, we see Jesus relating to his disciples right where they live: through fishing. For people whose lives depended on having full nets, the experience of Jesus' miracle must have been indescribably exciting. Not only did they have more than they needed for their income that day, they also had a glimpse into the true identity of this man who would fill their lives with new meaning and teach them to be "fishers for people." Describe time when you felt God calling you to do something that seemed impossible (like in Luke 5:5). How did you respond? What challenges make it difficult to leave everything and follow Jesus (Luke 5:11)? What tools does God give us for modern day "fishing"? (Scripture, prayer, fellowship, specific personality traits that enable us relate with others, the Holy Spirit to inspire us, and so on.) When has God provided for you—or "filled your net"—in an unexpected way?

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Video (Low Resolution): Here, Fishy Fishy! Media file: JesusCallstheFirstDisciples.mp4 In this passage, we see Jesus relating to his disciples right where they live: through fishing. For people whose lives depended on having full nets, the experience of Jesus' miracle must have been indescribably exciting. Not only did they have more than they needed for their income that day, they also had a glimpse into the true identity of this man who would fill their lives with new meaning and teach them to be "fishers for people." Describe time when you felt God calling you to do something that seemed impossible (like in Luke 5:5). How did you respond? What challenges make it difficult to leave everything and follow Jesus (Luke 5:11)? What tools does God give us for modern day "fishing"? (Scripture, prayer, fellowship, specific personality traits that enable us relate with others, the Holy Spirit to inspire us, and so on.) When has God provided for you—or "filled your net"—in an unexpected way?

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PPT® Presentation (versions 2002 and later) This presentation includes a video file and an audio file. All three (the presentation, the video, and the audio) will download at once as a ZIP archive. Unzipping the archive will produce a single folder containing all three files. For the presentation to work properly, the files must all be in the same folder; therefore, we recommend you not remove them from the folder produced when you unzip the archive, but rather move the entire folder as a single unit. Media file: JesusCallstheFirstDisciples.zip

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PPT® Presentation (versions 1997-2000) Media file: JesusCallstheFirstDisciples.ppt

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Cartoon Media file: JesusCallstheFirstDisciples.tif

From HERE WE STAND Confirmation Series. Copyright 2009 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Here We Stand Annual License.

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