YEA Lesson Library
Come, Follow Me
About This Lesson
Jesus called his disciples to help others physically and spiritually. Today, as Christians, we are also called to share the gospel and help others.
Scriptures
Matthew 4:18-23
Matthew 4:23
Matthew 10:1-19
Mark 1:16-20
Mark 3:13-19
Mark 8:34-38
Luke 5:1-11
Luke 6:13-16
John 1:35-42
John 12:26-36
The Lesson
How often does a friend show up and say, “Come, go with me. . .” Maybe they want you to go get a hamburger, a pizza, or go to a ball game or the mall. If your parents will let you, and you have nothing better to do, you will probably go with them.
One day as Jesus walked along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers in a fishing boat. Jesus called out to Peter and Andrew, “Come along with me and I will show you how to fish for men.” Immediately, they left their boat and followed Jesus.
Two more brothers, James and John, were in their boat mending their fishing nets. Jesus called out for them to follow Him. They also left their boat and immediately followed Jesus.
Originally, Jesus called 12 disciples to help Him. The other disciples’ names are Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James (Alphaues’ son), Thaddaeus, Simon, and Judas Iscariot (the one who betrayed Jesus).
Why did Jesus want these men to follow 25 Him and what did He want them to do? Jesus was telling everyone the wonderful news that His Kingdom would be set up on this earth. He needed men to help Him spread the word. People were suffering from illness, pain, demonic possession, paralysis, and insanity. These people needed help. Jesus knew the time would come when He would no longer be here to do this important work, so He trained disciples to help Him.
The disciples were sent to work among “God’s lost sheep” in Israel. Jesus specifically told them not to go to the Gentiles at this time. The disciples were to tell Israelites that the Kingdom of Heaven was near, to heal the sick, raise the dead, cure the lepers, and cast out demons.
They couldn’t take any money, extra clothes, an extra pair of shoes, or even a walking stick with them. They were to stay in homes of godly people. If a city or home didn’t welcome them, they were to shake the dust off their feet as they left. Jesus wanted His disciples to trust God for their needs.
The disciples would be as sheep among wolves. Jesus prepared them for being ar- rested, tried, and whipped in the synagogues. Why would Jesus send them out to endure such a rough assignment? Leading others to know and follow God’s way of life is the most important thing a Christian can do.
The disciples had opportunities to go before governors and kings to witness to them about Jesus. How would you feel if you had to witness to governors and kings about Jesus? Jesus told His disciples not to worry, the Spirit of God would speak through them and give them the right words to say.
Did you know that you, too, can be a disciple of Christ? What an awesome privilege! The future rewards are far greater than we can comprehend. Christ’s disciples have an enormous responsibility to do His work if we are to participate in the reward. Being a disciple of Christ should never be taken lightly. We must live as He lived and spread the good news about God’s Kingdom that will come to this earth.
What can you do to spread the good news? First, you must prepare yourself. Knowing God’s Word is essential to being able to help others know about Christ.
Just as Jesus drew near to His Father in prayer, His disciples must spend time each day in prayer to be near Him. Pray for opportunities to serve God and to tell others about what Jesus Christ means in your life.
Disciples aren’t equipped to tell others about Jesus Christ until they know the Bible. Sabbath Schools are designed to help you learn God’s Word. By studying your lesson each week and reading your devotionals each day, you’ll increase your understanding of the Bible.
Look for opportunities to help people in need as Jesus did. Get involved in one of the many different activities in your community and make a difference. Consider some of the suggestions on the activity page that your Sabbath School class can do together, or that you can do individually.
Look for opportunities to tell others what Jesus means to you as you serve in your community. This is where the rubber meets the road in real Christianity. Just think how good you will feel knowing that you have helped the poor and encouraged the sick. Don’t waste any time; find a place to serve. God’s blessings are sure to follow.
Student Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for calling me to be Your disciple. This is an awesome opportunity and responsibility. Help me to find ways to serve. Give me the opportunity to be a help and encouragement to others and to share my belief about Jesus.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Daily Devotions
Sunday: Luke 5:1-11
Monday: John 1:35-42
Tuesday: Matthew 10:1-15
Wednesday: Mark 3:13-19
Thursday: Luke 6:13-16
Friday: Mark 8:34-38
Saturday: John 12:26-36
Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Explain that Jesus called twelve disciples to help Him with getting the good news out, and they can be a disciple as well.
2. Describe the difficulties of the disciples job.
3. Illustrate ways they can make a difference in their community.
4. Explain that being a disciple is an awesome opportunity and responsibility.
Topics & Themes
Bible Study
Disciples
Disciples, Calling of
God’s Kingdom
Helping Others
Jesus, His Ministry
Prayer
Reward
Sharing the Gospel
Witnesses
Materials Needed
Bible, YEA students and teacher’s books, music player, chalkboard or newsprint pad, markers or chalk, CD/cassette tape and songbook
How to Teach This Lesson
Begin the class by getting a report from each student on what they found out when they telephoned the highway department, the hospital, soup kitchens, the crisis center, homeless shelters, etc. Write each one on the chalkboard, and list under them the day they can use help, the time, what the students can do and where they are located. After each student has finished giving their report, discuss each one and get a consensus on which service they want 18 to start performing first in their community.
By sequentially following the questions laid out below, you will be well equipped to stay on track, complete every section and meet the objectives of this lesson.
How do you think the disciples felt when Jesus asked them to follow Him? Why did He want them to follow Him? He wanted to show them how to fish for men. What did He want them to do? Bring people to follow Him.
How do you think the disciples felt when Jesus told them they could not take any money or even a change of clothes or an extra pair of shoes? Had that been you, how would you have felt? Would you have said, “No thank you, this is not for me”? Why would you say that?
Would you have changed your mind when Jesus said God’s Spirit will tell you what to say when you go before governors and kings? Being a disciple of Jesus Christ carries an awesome opportunity and responsibility.
What opportunities do you think following Christ will give you? To be a light and help in their community and at church. What kind of responsibilities go with it? “To whom much is given, much is required.”
What kind of benefits do you receive from being a member of your community? Police protection, water, electricity, schools to attend, gas service, streets to drive your car on, parks, etc.
Is being a responsible person a higher priority for you than pleasing the friends you hang out with?
How do you think you would feel after going to a hospital and helping a child, who has leukemia, have a better, fun-filled day?
Have you ever been to a nursing home and sung for the elderly? What were their reactions? How did you feel about bringing joy to their lives?
Teacher-Directed Activity
Peter, Matthew, James, John and all of the other disciples were friends of Jesus. He had a relationship with them and shared His vision of getting the good news of His kingdom to the world.
Sabbath School is a special place. It’s where you develop new friendships, build positive relationships, search out the meaning of faith in Christ, and draw closer to God. It also provides you with a place to do personal evangelism - where you can share your faith with a friend. You can reach out with God’s love to your friends you bring to Sabbath School.
Divide the class into trios and have a different person in each trio read Proverbs 17:17, Proverbs 18:24 and John 15:13-15. After they have read all three Scriptures, have each group discuss these points:
What kinds of qualities will true friends show?
What’s the best thing you can do for your friends?
Would you really die for a friend? When and why?
Say in conclusion: Friends bring friends to Sabbath School so they can learn about Christ. Friendship is an opportunity to share your faith in Jesus Christ with others. Now, go around the room and let each teenager give ways they might share their faith in Jesus with others.
REACH Activity
Memory Verse Spotlight
Without using a reference book or Bible, write down everything you know about Jesus Christ. Use your Bible and concordance to find Scriptures that will verify what you wrote down. What did you learn from your search? Share and discuss.
Where in the World?
The men Jesus chose to follow Him had an arduous task ahead of them. Where did Jesus send them? Use Bible reference books and maps to trace the paths of at least two of the Apostles. Choose a creative way to share the information.
They Did What Back Then?
Jesus told two men beside the sea to follow Him and He would make them fishers of men. Immediately they dropped their nets and followed Him! Then He told two more fishermen to follow Him. They left their boat (and their father) to follow Him. This seems shocking today! What were they thinking? Why would they leave everything behind, including family, friends, and jobs? How do you think Jesus calls people to follow Him today? Search the Scriptures for answers. Make a list of the men Jesus called to follow Him. Next to each man’s name, write his occupation and at least two more facts about him. Share and discuss.
Making It Mine
Jesus says in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
You are a light for God. It is your choice whether you let that light shine or hide it. Your choice has eternal consequences. Imagine coming face to face with someone in God’s Kingdom who thanks you for being a light which led him/her to Jesus. Wow! Can you imagine standing there, knowing you were used of God to bring that person into God’s Kingdom. What would your next thought be? Perhaps a regret that there weren’t more people you had brought there. Give of your best to the Master. Don’t leave room for regret.
In your Bible notebook, make a list of ways to implement the community service ideas you began thinking about in your YEA activity this week.
Worldview Collisions (see introductory information for an explanation)
A biblical worldview says we are called to be servants. A secular worldview says our attitude should be “me first,” because we deserve it. Find three to five Scriptures which support the biblical worldview. Write a paragraph comparing the two. Write a defense for the biblical worldview. Reflect on how you can be more of a servant.
Questions
As you’re working through the YEA lesson, Daily Devotionals, doing the activity, or reading the Bible, be sure to write down any questions you have. That way you’ll remember to ask someone. Also remember to share the really interesting things you’re learning with family and friends.
Song
“Shine on My Life with Your Love” is on page 5 of The Group Songbook.
Closing Prayer
Ask one of the students to lead in prayer.
Printable Pages
