Matthew 4:18-22  While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

 

The most important friendship that any of us can make is a friendship with Jesus. 

 

Personal Notes:

 

Immediately

 

“I will make you fishers of men.”

 

To follow Jesus

 

Jesus would call them from who they were and what they had to who He was and what He has and where He was going. 

 

The good news of the Kingdom:

 

1) Power and strength against Satan.

 

2) Power toward conversation.

 

3) Power to change condemnation to forgiveness. 

 

4) Power to restore us to righteous living.

 

5) Power to instill joy and peace.

 

6) Power for purpose.

 

7) Power to raise the dead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What have friends meant to you in your life?  Share with each other.  

How did you go about making friends?  Was it hard?  Easy? Why?

Have you ever thought of Jesus as being a “friend” in our life?  Why so?  Why not? 

Read John 15:12-17. What are the promises in this passage?  What is Jesus asking us to do?  Why? How has Jesus shown the greater love for you? Why would Jesus call us friends?  How do we know what Jesus wants us to do? 

Read Matthew 4:18-22.  What stands out as unusual in this passage?  How do you think you would respond if you were one of these being called?  What do you think it was about their character that Jesus saw in them as future apostles?   What would a calling like this look like today?  What would this look like for ordinary people working in daily jobs?

What do you remember from the message about aspects of the Good News of the Kingdom Jesus was sharing?  Jesus shares that He is the Kingdom in their midst.  How does having Jesus in your life bring these aspects of good news into your life? Which of these seven do you need most right now?

Why are people hesitant to speak with their friends about Jesus and who He is to life’s questions, directions and joy? What would help change that?  What would be your next step?

Read Isaiah 40:28-31.  How is this passage good news?  How could this be shared with a friend?