January 31: Followed

 

Do you remember days in elementary or high school when you would gather with friends to play a little pick-up basketball or some other sport? I remember always wondering if I would be the first or the last one picked! It always felt a little awkward when I was the last one to be picked! Just imagine what it would be like to be picked by Jesus to follow Him! You will see what takes place in this Explore the Bible Study: Followed.

On this occasion, Jesus was teaching from shore the of Galilee. Luke 5:1-3 tells us that, as He walked along the seashore, “the crowd was pressing in on Jesus to hear God’s word. He saw two boats at the edge of the lake; the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, which belonged to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from the land. Then He sat down and was teaching the crowds from the boat.”  In order to be heard by the crowd, and for other reasons that will become clear as you study the passage, Jesus asks to speak from Simon’s boat. Jesus’ choice of boats was not random. He had a purpose in approaching Simon.

This is one of two events this session will examine. The first is the call of Simon Peter and the second is the calling of Levi (Matthew) the tax collector. I hope it will remind you that Jesus doesn’t pick or choose people as we do. He chooses and invites ordinary people with diverse backgrounds to come to Him and join Him in His work. He chooses you! As you examine these two events and the people Jesus invites to join Him, consider how you have responded and are responding to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him.

Video Supplements

Consider using the following video clips to supplement your study or use when guiding your group.

• Humorous video commercial made by Charles Barkley gives a glimpse into how it feels when you are picked for a team: https://www.ispot.tv/ad/t1g9/capital-one-banking-barkley
• Watch what takes place in the scene from the new television series, The Chosen. It captures the reality of how this event unfolded the day Jesus called Simon and the other fishermen to follow Him - https://youtu.be/hWGCkovAUWM
• This particular scene from The Chosen helps you understand the context of Levi’s invitation and response: https://youtu.be/7IUL9yq0We8

Luke 5:4-11 and Luke 5:27-32

While studying Luke 5:4-11 and Luke 5:27-32, you will discover Simon Peter, his band of fishermen, and Levi the tax collector are the individuals Jesus chose. Jesus said to them, “follow me” and they did! They left their livelihoods, some left their families, others their comforts, and their assumptions behind. This group and even more to come—who were forgiven by God, discipled by Jesus, and empowered by the Holy Spirit—would change the course of history forever!

Is Jesus speaking to you? Is He saying, “follow me”? If so, I hope you will respond.

If you know Jesus, are you continuing to follow Him faithfully? I pray that God will remind you through this study that following Christ is a lifelong commitment. When He chose you, He not only forgave you but gave you a new purpose – to fish for men, to be His disciple. During this time in world history, we need to make sure we are doing all we can to follow Jesus and fish for men!

Downloadable Study Helps

The Bible study helps have been modified in order to provide opportunities for both online and face-to-face teaching venues. Ideas in boxes will be provided for engaging groups more when meeting in person. The boxed items could also be modified and used for online discussion as well. 

Download Word Version                  Download PDF Version

Video Study