Tag: Bible

“The Lord is on my Side!”

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Oh, the grace of another day.  Yet, every day is not peachy, rather often with it comes turmoil, upset, and unrest.  Sometimes, battling the seen and the unseen.  Sometimes, fighting to keep one’s spiritual head above the waters of this life that seek to take you under.  Oh, the peace to know that despite it all, the Lord is on my side.

If you’ve ever gone to the circus, one of the most impressive feats to witness in the performances there are the trapeze acts.  It never seems to lose its awesomeness as we watch men and women fly through the air with what appears to be a complete disregard for life and limb.  Actually, it is quite the opposite.  They fly through the air with abandon because of the trust they exhibit in their partner to be by their side and to catch them at that pivotal moment; to catch them when it matters most.  There is an awesome relationship of trust that goes on between the two.  One that neither can doubt in lest the outcome be less than desirable.

What about our relationship with God?  Do we exhibit the same trust in Almighty God that these acrobats seem to place in human confidence?  Do we sport the confidence that He is by our side to catch us when we need Him the most?

Sometimes it may feel like you are in the boxing ring alone.  Well, you’re not!  Sometimes it may appear that you are fighting armies that encamp against you by yourself.  You’re not!  God is on our side and He promised to never leave us nor forsake us, Hebrews 13:5.

Daily, we are upheld by Him!  Our lives are not in our own hands rather in the hands of Him that never fails!  We may swing to and fro, sometimes feeling up and sometimes down, yet He is the ever-present strength that keeps us flying high above all these adversities, above all these troubles, above all these trappings of this world.

Difficulties will arise.  Oh yes, they will.  But, Jesus said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world,” John 16:33.  In other words, He is on our side.  He is our overcomer.  He is our victor.  He is our deliverer that will see us past all that is presently before us that we might experience the peace that He so offers.

“Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid,” John 14:27.  Some may say this is easier said than done especially when the upsets of life seem to be all around and the strength to carry on, well, it’s just plain hard to find.  You’re exhausted!  I get it.  God gets it.

That’s why His Word declares and reminds every one of us, we don’t have to carry on on our own.  The Lord is on your side.  You are not in this alone.  This is the message of the whole Bible.  No matter how dim, gloomy and bleak it may seem, we are not in this alone.  We have a Strength that is beyond our human capabilities.  We have a Force fighting for us that cannot be reckoned with by human standards.  We have the one and only true God and He is on our side!

Who are you flying with today?  Secure your life in Him, let go and know that “The LORD is on my side,” Psalm 118:6.  Trust Him, He will catch the life that honestly reaches out for Him, trusts, and believes.

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Sunday School Lesson – “Saved by Faith” Luke 7:36-50

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VERSE DISCOVERY: Luke 7:36-50 (KJV, Public Domain)

Forgiveness is something none will make it to heaven without.  It doesn’t matter who you are or what one has done in life, from the highest to the lowest, without accepting the life Christ offers through His salvation and forgiveness, we will not make it in.  The Bible records, “If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared,” (Psalm 130:3-4).

Who could stand?  Absolutely no one! (See Romans 3:10). Without His covering and remission of sins, the pathway to heaven will be blocked.  It doesn’t matter if one’s walk of life is a Pharisee or a prostitute (as some suppose the woman in this lesson was).  There is not an individual who is worthy enough to enter the gates of glory without Jesus’ forgiveness.

Question: What would happen if today God sat down and took account of all the wrongs we have done?  What would it be like if we stood before Him unable to pay what we owe?  We were there!  Jesus knew the predicament that humanity was in.  He knew that man could never get himself out of the debt of sin, so through Him we obtain that freedom along with grace, mercy and compassion as a people who don’t deserve it.

The Bible reminds us, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,” (Romans 5:8).  I guarantee if we were to look at ourselves, we could not fathom how many times our accounts would have gone unpaid had it not been for the blood of Christ. But thank God, He acted in love to save to us!  No just us – but everyone who comes to Him in faith regardless of the background of sin.

The verses of study in this lesson will tell of one woman’s enormous expression of love for Jesus at having her sins forgiven and the criticism it brought.

 A Sinner’s Precious Gift

Luke 7:36-38 “And one of the Pharisees desired him that he could eat with him.  And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat.  And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.”

It wasn’t unusual then nor is it today for a respected teacher/preacher of God’s word to be invited to dine with officials.  Jesus opened Himself to people from all walks of life (even the Pharisees who were often seen at odds with Him), and without reservation “he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat.”

We are not told exactly how long He was there but during the process of the meal came a disturbance at dinnertime.  “A woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment.”  At this point of the lesson it is not immediately known her plans but just the fact that this woman of ill repute, who many suppose her to be a prostitute, dared entered a Pharisee’s house and draw near to a respected Rabbi drew eyes of speculation at her coming.

Some reading her story today may think how bold of her to come near to Jesus in her dejected state.  Rest assured, those at dinner didn’t think her bold.  They probably thought her even more rude and full of sin to think to defile the atmosphere with her presence.  Honestly, what Pharisee would normally let the likes of her come into his very home?  It was unheard of.  Since the crowds often gathered to hear Jesus speak wherever He went, she came in amongst some of the others until who she is caught the attention of the religious elite.

Nonetheless, she was there with all that she had in her facing the shame of her wrongs she saw etched in the faces of the onlookers.  Yet, they were not the audience whose attention she was seeking.  Her heart drew her to the feet of Jesus.  This is where she stood humbly holding her precious gift, an “alabaster box of ointment,” (an expensive gift to say the least which spoke volumes of her sacrifice).  With the feelings of all that she was as opposed to all that He would do for her – it was overwhelming.  This is what happens when sin meets with Savior.  The tears would not be bidden to stop.  The heart and spirit within spoke through the flow from her eyes.

Living in sin for so long she recognized her unworthiness before the Sovereign.  It doesn’t take a genius for us to see that she saw herself and Jesus in a different light than everyone else present.  Did no one else there see their sin for what it was?  Did any present even believe they had sin to repent of?  Or, was it just the nature of her sin drew extra scowls as opposed to the hidden things in other’s hearts?

Regardless, her heart response came through “weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.”  Her actions there may have seemed inappropriate to those eyeballing her, but she received no correction from Jesus.  Sorrowfulness over one’s sins is always a most appropriate response and she expressed that sorrow in the humblest way she knew how.

The feet were particularly dirty, especially in the day where sandals and dirt roads met daily.  From a previous article titled Wash Me Jesus, I wrote (speaking of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet):

“In case you didn’t know, this was a very gross job reserved for the lowest of servants in the house.  The roads were not paved but rather dusty and muddy and littered with all types of animal material left behind (if you catch my meaning).  Open sandals were the norm of fashion which really didn’t do anything to keep the elements of all that had been stepped on out.  Feet stank and were blistered, sore and probably repulsive to us today.  No such thing as a pedicure back then.” (Word For Life Says)

Yet, this is where this sinful woman positioned herself and performed the task that others didn’t want.  She did it without complaint, rather she cried over her pitiful state compared to His holiness.  Her tears become the water basin and her hair became the towel.  Anointing his feet with the costly gift of love, somehow, she knew despite its extravagance, it would never be enough to repay what He would do in taking away her sins.  Therefore, with love and sorrow meeting together in her heart, she kissed His feet unashamedly.

Christ’s Precious Gift

Luke 7:39-43 “Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.  And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.  There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.  And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?  Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.” 

As if her actions weren’t appalling enough, Simon the Pharisee thought Jesus’ were more so.  The self-righteous have a way of silently judging the actions and suppositions of others while maintaining a high regard for their own interest and view of self.

This Pharisee was taken aback more by Jesus, I think, then this woman.  She was a noted sinner, and nobody expected better of her.  But, Jesus…  He had his mind made up about Him.  Whatever reason pressed on him to invite Jesus to dinner in the first place, the fact is at this point he thinks of Jesus in a low fashion to the point of questioning in himself whether or not He is truly a man of God at all or not: “If he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.”

The word “if” tells the story of where he believes Jesus is coming from.  A prophet is a holy man of God.  Throughout history they have been special vessels set aside to be God’s spokesmen.  One who claims connections with God as tight as Jesus claims should know or at least sense sin when they see it.  Therefore, why would He let the likes of her even come near Him, let alone touch Him as she has done? One conclusion comes to mind as far as the Pharisee sees.  To him, Jesus is not a real prophet.

Too bad so many focus only on what appears to be so on the outside in that day as well as our own.  Earlier, explaining His choice to eat with sinners, Jesus taught, “They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick,” (Luke 5:31).  Jesus was not, and has never, and never will entertain sin!  Please get that right!  However, Jesus knows that people from all manner of life need a Savior regardless of how the rest of the world views them.  It may be harder for those such as the self-righteous Pharisees to see their need, but for this woman and others like her, she had no problem weeping at the feet of Jesus.

Jesus, knowing what he was thinking, used this as an opportunity to shed some spiritual light on the darkness of his heart and others in the room who may be inwardly scowling as well.  With a parable He spoke of a “creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.”  Both owed the creditor, one more than the other, significantly so; yet, neither had means to pay back accordingly.  In either situation they were both subject to whatever the creditor should do to penalize their faulty stance.

In that day they couldn’t file bankruptcy and get a clean slate to start over.  There were no government assisted credit remediation programs.   In other areas of the Bible it tells of stories where children could be taken to work off debt (2 Kings 4:1-7); he and all his family could be sold into slavery (Matthew 18:24-25); and, so on.  A debt owed would be a debt repaid one way or another.  I find it no small coincidence that when teaching the disciples how to pray they Lord’s Prayer, the words rendered in midst, plead: “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,” (Matthew 6:12), for truly it is and was a debt owed that could never be repaid by human standards.

Nonetheless, in the telling of His parable, Jesus noted the actions of the creditor.  He took it upon himself, as the one who had the power to demand payback, to remit the balance and cancel the charge against both.  “He frankly forgave them both.” 

Simon was probably startled a little by its telling because not too many persons would cancel a debt so easily and not demand payment.  Rarely does one walk away from money, especially if it was yours to begin with.  The creditor had the right to obtain what was lawfully his, but he chose, out of compassion (we are assuming), not to do so.

Drawing him out of his musings, Jesus asked, “Which of them will love him most?”  Simon’s response, whether he wanted to admit it or not, was appropriate.  He said, “I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most.”  He that stood to lose the most but gained the most grace instead – it is he that will be the most grateful and “love him most.” 

When forgiveness erases debt and pardon has been enacted that a life may remain to thrive in freedom, it inspires love.  “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love…” (Proverbs 17:9).  If this is true for a man how much more with God?  Jesus therefore said, “Thou hast rightly judged.”

Luke 7:44-47 “And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.  Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.  My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.  Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.”

If Simon failed to do what was according to custom for an honored guest one must question his real motives for inviting Jesus to dinner at all.  Was there a genuine interest in Jesus and what He represents, or was it another worked up ploy of some of the Pharisees to trap Jesus in words or actions?  At this point one can only speculate.

According to custom everything the woman did in an over the top fashion should have already been performed as normal service for a guest coming into a house, especially the house of a respected Pharisee.  We have already discussed about the feet being washed (which Simon failed to provide for).  But, other social codes performed were the kiss of greeting by the host (which Simon failed to do; for examples see Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12), and anointing the head with oil (which again, Simon fell short of social courtesy).  These were ways to express honor and respect, and help refresh one when coming into a house, particularly to a dinner or feast.  But this sinful woman offered up extravagant oil for His feet whose perfume would fragrance the whole house.

Jesus said of her, “Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much.”  Her actions spoke volumes of being remorseful and repentant.  No, her works did not save her.  No, her expensive gift did not make room in heaven for her.  At some point she realized the great relief Jesus could bring to her messed up life.  Did she hear Him through a previous teaching?  Who knows?  What matters now is her humility of heart before the Savior seeking forgiveness.

Jesus said, “For she loved much” because she was forgiven much.  Whereas one who believes they are alright may not express the same deep regard for forgiven sin.  As opposed to “whom little is forgiven,” that individual may take for granted the gift of grace, as hinted at in the story of the two debtors.

Luke 7:48-50 “And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.  And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?  And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.”

“Thy sins are forgiven,” were the blessed words the Savior spoke over the sinner here and in our life as well.  Jesus didn’t justify what she did, but He forgave her.  Let me make this very clear again, God will never, ever condone our sin or pat us on the back for it, but we can be free from them.  Like that woman, we could be standing in the midst of our mess, but He is ready, holding the keys to your release.  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” (1 John 1:9).   Turn to Him in all humility of heart, confess and accept it today!

“Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.”  Coming to Jesus with all our wrongs and trusting Him to heal and forgive is a walk of faith; steps that begin with believing in Him as the Savior of our soul.  It’s the only way to find true peace in one’s life.

No matter who you are or where you are from, Jesus can forgive any sins of those who come to Him in faith and trust in His free gift of salvation.  Today, if you are not born again and you want to find release as the woman in today’s lesson did, I urge you to take care of it immediately.  Above, I quoted 1 John 1:9 which was written to a church of believers who already knew Christ as their Savior.  If you want your confession to work you must be born again, then like the woman we too can find release and forgiveness.

Speaking with Nicodemus one night, Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God,” (John 3:5).  “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” (Acts 2:38).

Be blessed, come to Him in faith and accept His forgiveness today!

PDF Printable Sunday School Lesson Pack (With easy to read instructions following the P.E.A.R.L. format on how to conduct each lesson with areas for adding personal notes): Sunday School Lesson – Saved by Faith

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Alabaster Flask Lace-Up Craft: Alabaster Flask Lace-Up Craft (Cardstock is best to use.  I used gold ribbon due to the expensive nature of the gift and cut a slit for “oil” to flow out of the top.  Enjoy!)

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Alabaster Flask Lace Up Craft-001

Draw the Scene: Saved By Faith Draw the Scene

 

 

Memory Verse: Saved By Faith Memory Verse

 

How Many Words: Saved by Faith How Many Words

 

 

“Hard times do not have the final say!”

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HARD TIMES DO NOT HAVE THE FINAL SAY! Hard times may leave one feeling helpless, with the wondering thought of how long? How long is this going to go on? How long do we have to endure this mess? How long will this struggle last? Rest assured, dear friends, you are not forgotten in the midst of the struggle. God knows when His people are facing difficult days and hard nights. But even in those dark hours, His people can be reassured there is a reason to rejoice. It might not always be clear at that moment, but we are promised that “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning,” (Ps. 30:5). God is the one that can work a new work that will blow people’s minds away. Keep your hope steadfastly planted in Him. He is our deliverer! He is our miracle worker yesterday, today, and forevermore!

“Lead Me.”

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Lead me to the cross where
I can lay my burden down.
Lead me to Him who will
never let me drown.

Lead me to the Rock
that is higher than I.
Lead me to the One who
bottles the tears I cry.

Lead me to Him who knows
all my cares and sorrow.
Who holds my future and
all of my tomorrows.

There, I find solace in
the grip of His embrace.
So, lead me where I can rest
from this exhausting race.

He’s my source and my shield;
my covenant and mercy.
Lead me to God, whom I love
to the bursting.

When life is overwhelming and
I don’t know what to do,
Lead me to Your arms, O Lord.
Lead me to You.

“From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:2

Father God, we need You.  We cannot find the strength or wisdom on our own to properly care for the things and adversities we face.  But this we do know, You are our Rock.  You are the peace we find in the midst of all that overwhelms us.  Take us by the hand and lead us to You – our safe sanctuary, our hiding place, from all these storms that blow our way.  In the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN!

“Think of His Grace!”

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It amazes me how quickly we, as humans, and operating in our human nature, want to write things in the story of others that God never intended, nor did it come to His mind.  We tend to write negative responses in the lives and the stories of others while forgetting that the very grace that was poured into our life, can be poured in another as well.

When we were in our messes; when we, as individuals, were outside of the will of God, God didn’t give up on us.  He didn’t give things in our story that were not going to work out for our own good.  Rather, in His grace, He made a way for our personal redemption.  In His grace, He wrote a better ending to our story than we could ever imagine.

Before you judge another or look down on someone because the season they are in right now doesn’t look right to you, remember the grace that was once shown to you, and freely extend that same grace to another.

God’s grace is a beautiful thing and without it, none of us would be here today, and none of us could make it.  None of us had the power to save ourselves.  None of us was capable of doing for us what Jesus did.  But God’s grace stepped in our lives and He raised us out of the muck and mire of our sins.  He lifted us out of our personal ruts and restored us to something wonderful and with purpose.

Think on God’s grace today.  Let it be that gentle reminder of what God has done for you, and let that motivate you to share this same grace toward another.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Ephesians 2:8.

“God’s Word Gives Light!”

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Light was designed to dispel darkness.  In the beginning when it was originally created and now also.  No matter if the light is an artificial source such as a lamp, flashlight or candle, or if it be the illumination of the sun; all light’s purpose is to shine and make known what one normally wouldn’t be able to see in the dark.

The writer of Psalm 119:105 declared, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”  Traveling the course of this world can at times get a bit tricky.  Navigating through the winding roads of decisions and choices can be daunting.  But then, the opening up of God’s Word brings that which was once obscured into the open, revealing the path to follow if it is used.

How oft do we forget when it comes to the cares of this life; when we come upon a fork in the road, there His Word shows the best course of action?  2 Timothy 3:16-17 shows us, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”  God’s Word is the answer to all.  Every question, every choice, every pondering of the spirit finds an answer covered in the “inspiration of God.”

Where the Word is allowed to operate understanding has a chance to thrive.  Psalm 119:130 says, “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding to the simple.”  Be reassured that God’s Word can illuminate your life.  God’s Word can open up your understanding and help you find your way.  Trust that God’s Word gives light today!

“God’s Got You Covered!”

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Do you ever feel opened and exposed during the trials of life?  Do you ever feel that the enemy has free pickings when it comes to your heartache?  Well, he doesn’t!  The enemies of this life may chase you, hunt you down, and all together seek to make your life miserable, but the enemies do not have the last say over anything.  God, in His complete sovereignty, has you covered!

If anybody knew about being constantly chased by enemies seeking to take their life it was David.  Saul, in jealous pursuit, saw something special in David, the favor of God, and wanted to destroy David.  There were days when David may have felt like giving up.  There were days of hiding in caves and pretending to be a madman to seek solitude in other countries.  But, through it all David dealt best with his enemies through prayer.  He declared who his God was and committed his trust to Him.  In Psalm 140:7, “O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.”

To be covered means to be concealed and to be protected.  The battles of this life may at times make us feel that we are an open target to everyone who can’t stand the favor of God on us, but be of good cheer, God’s got us covered!  “As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever,” (Psalm 125:2).  And, if God is like a mountain surrounding us then there is no adversary that can break through the covering He has over us.  It may feel like we are on the run sometimes but God is still that protecting force that “covered my head in the day of battle.”  Commit your heartaches, your battle, and your enemies to God, and let Him be your covering today.

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Sunday School Lesson – “The Centurion’s Great Faith” Luke 7:1-10

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VERSE DISCOVERY: Luke 7:1-10 (KJV, Public Domain)

The feet of faith walk forward believing God is, “and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him,” (Hebrews 11:6).  Faith in its highest form removes all worldly shackles and just rests in the truth that if it is His will, there is nothing that can hinder God from performing a miracle in one’s life.  Ethnicity, background, and prestige all fall away in the eyes of our Savior whose only view is that of an opened heart filled with belief.

 The Centurion Seeks Help from Jesus

 Luke 7:1-3 “Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.  And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.  And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.”

Before arriving at today’s lesson, Jesus taught a powerful sermon consisting of blessings and woes.  He interjected these lessons with questions and spiritual insights including once asking “Can the blind lead the blind?” (Luke 6:39).  He also pointed out “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good,” (Luke 6:45).  Jesus ends chapter 6 inquiring “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”  (Luke 6:46), comparing the foundations of their spiritual lives.

After this teaching session, “when he ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.”

“Capernaum,” situated on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, was known for fishing and trade.  More known to us today, it was the place considered to be home-base of operations or headquarters, if you will, of Jesus’ ministry.  He is noted on several occasions as going to Capernaum (see Matthew 4:13; Luke 4:31; John 2:12, and so on).  People also knew this was a place where He could probably be found and sought for Him there (see John 6:24).

Therefore, this small village of only approximately 1,500 people or so became etched in history as a place where Jesus walked and taught; a place where miracles were performed, and faith was noted as being great for one man.

The possessor of that “great faith” enters the scene when someone near to him falls to the afflictions of sickness and no other help will do outside of the intervention of Jesus.  He is known as a “centurion,” meaning in charge of hundreds.  He is a man who is a leader during the Roman occupation of the land.  He has authority (of which will be discussed later).  He has position.  And though considered not one of the people, his faith, as Jesus will note, was exhibited to a greater degree than those of His own people.

The centurion’s position was prestigious; nonetheless, he had a compassionate side and cared for those under him.  This may not be the normal picture of a Roman soldier that immediately comes to mind, but it was for this man.  He had a “servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die,” (vs. 2).  With the usage of the word “dear”, it points out his genuine concern and affection for this particular servant.  Again, this is far from the idea of these soldiers we know of.

The point is, the individual of his concern was “sick, and ready to die.”  When we read of the same account in Matthew it tells us he was, “sick of the palsy, grievously tormented,” (Matthew 8:6).  From this description, we know that he suffered from pain and was paralyzed.  Whatever brought on this disease it seemed to progress to the point of agony, causing the centurion to believe his servant’s life was in danger.  He was, as he believed, “ready to die.”

Therefore, out of his concern he sought for the only remedy he could – Jesus.  We are not sure exactly when or where he became aware of Jesus.  Being stationed in Capernaum, Jesus’ home base of ministry, it was only a matter of time before he became exposed to His miracles and teachings.  Either by way of others, or maybe even having the chance to witness it himself, he found out that Jesus heals and sought His help.

“When he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.”  Many are familiar with the animosity that was present in that day between the Jewish people and their oppressors of the Roman Empire.  History often shows that people are generally not favorable to those who invade their lands and take over.

Yet, this centurion seems to have secured a favorable relationship with the village and the leaders therein.  So much so, he had no qualms about seeking their assistance in bringing to Jesus’ attention the plight of his sick servant.

Oh, the humility of character this man in charge exhibited.  He was in a position to order (as later he demonstrates he can) and take charge, yet he simply seeks assistance.  The Bible encourages us, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men,” (Romans 12:18).  This includes people over you, people under you, and people all around you.  There are many rewards of maintaining positive relationships and one can never tell who God has placed in one’s path to provide for much-needed help.

Luke 7:4-5 “And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.”

The “elders” have no reservations in talking with the centurion commander or with communicating to Jesus his need.  Therefore, “they besought him instantly.”  With great urgency “they came to Jesus” and presented the centurion’s case before Him.  They noted, “he was worthy for whom he should do this.”  The favor this man showed to the Jewish people earned him a good reputation among the villagers.

Standing as an advocate before Jesus, they speak well of his character, pointing out “for he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.”  There is much speculation on exactly what is being said here in regard to the centurion himself.  Did he build the synagogue as a means to just keep the peace?  Was this some sort of political tactic?

I could be wrong, but I disagree with this view.  The elders made a point of using the word “loveth” in describing his relationship toward the “nation.”  Could it be there was a genuine spark of wanting alive in him, for He, whom the Jewish people were serving?  Living in such close proximity of the people, maybe he had an opportunity to review his life and compare what he previously knew, to those who were living as God’s people.  Perhaps he wanted more and participated in the only way he knew how.  Who knows?  We can only imagine that in some way or form God was working on his heart.

The Centurion’s Faith Commended by Jesus

Luke 7:6-8 “Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.  For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.”

After hearing the story of the centurion and his servant, Jesus went with the men who had advocated the man’s plight.  One of the things I love about Jesus is it doesn’t take much to move Him.  People overcomplicate faith until it can’t be recognized.  Jesus simply heard them out and with the compassionate heart, He has He was ready to move into action to help, yes, even this Gentile.

Coming near the house, the centurion makes a surprise move.  Sending out friends he stops the progression of Jesus from coming into his house.  He knows his position in life.  He knows that he is not one of “these” people.  He knows that he is “not worthy.”

One of his greatest characteristics he shows here is his humility.  I see too many in our day brazen enough to approach God any kind of way as if it is owed to them.  I cringe at it all.  Pridefulness is against everything pertaining to God and something God will fight against (see James 4:6).  Rather, “To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word,” (Isaiah 66:2; emphasis mine).  God pays attention to the humble.

As a man in authority, he doesn’t lift himself up demanding to be seen.  He humbly and respectfully recognizes who he is, and he recognizes who Jesus is, and counts his own self “not worthy.”  He didn’t take it upon himself to approach Jesus, therefore sending the elders previously and now his friends as well, holding Him off from entering “under my roof.”  How are we approaching Jesus?  Do we have hearts lifted up, feeling we deserve the privilege to be heard and blessed, or are we surrendered respectfully to Him, recognizing His holiness compared to our human weaknesses?

This centurion not only possessed a special measure of humility, but he also possessed a faith that was uncommon.  He said, “But say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.”  Wow!  He didn’t need Jesus to come to his house.  In his faith, he didn’t need Jesus to touch his servant in a special way.  But he understood what most in that day, and even today, fail to realize: all Jesus has to do is speak a word.

The word of Christ is powerful.  Operating under the same authority as His Father, He could count it done whatever He speaks (Psalm 33:9).  It will come to pass!  He can literally speak healing into any situation, and it will obey His command and bring about deliverance (see Psalm 107:20).  This centurion recognized His authority and the capacity to do the impossible even from a distance.

Explaining how he came to the conclusion of viewing Jesus and his situation, he said, “For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.”  As a commander of the Roman army he knows what it is to take orders and obey the commands of one’s superiors.  At the same time, he understands his own position well.  At any given time, he can issue an order and expect nothing less than complete follow through.  He had the right in his ranking to do so.

Viewing Jesus, he perceived His power operated to an even higher degree than his own.  He knew that all Jesus had to do was speak, and healing would obey.  Whatever sickness bound his servant would have to bend to the will the Savior and obey His orders.  This is the same Jesus whom the winds and waves obeyed (see Matthew 8:27).  This is the same one who made demons tremble and come out of people (see Mark 1:21-34).  This same Jesus was a part of Creation (Colossians 1:16).  And, this same Jesus is able to save those who come near to Him (Hebrews 7:25).  He has opened the eyes of the blind, healed leprosy, unstopped deaf ears and raised the dead back to life.  This centurion saw in Him the power to do what needed to be done to heal his servant, and he believed!

Luke 7:9-10 “When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.  And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.”

Jesus was amazed at his response.  He had not met anyone in Israel who had so recognized His authority and power as this man; someone whom willing gives himself over to total abandon to trust Jesus to heal and believe that He will.

Astounding!  This was the true epitome of “great faith!”

When one’s faith is centered on Jesus, healing can take place.  Not just physical healing, as we see here in this lesson.  But emotional, spiritual, relational…, in every area of life that needs restoration, Jesus is able to heal.  But it only comes about by faith.  The Bible reminds us, and I quoted a portion of it earlier in the introduction, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him,” (Hebrews 11:6).  The centurion filled this faith criterion.  Beyond a shadow of a doubt, he knew that Jesus was able to do all that he had known of Him, and he sought Him with an open heart of belief.

Jesus spoke highly on his behalf, saying, “I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.”  If we were to put our spiritual thermometer in the waters of faith, how would we measure up?  Would we be found on the “greater than” side of faith or on the “less than” side?

Faith is the access key to everything God wants to do through us and for us.  Jesus once taught, “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.,” (Matthew 21:22; emphasis mine).  One must believe as the centurion did that Jesus can do this for you, too.

One of my favorite portions of Scripture reminds me that our God is the good Father who knows how to give good gifts to His children, (see Matthew 7:9-11).  Really, He is!  Therefore, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:” (Matthew 7:7).

The miracles of Jesus were not just for the benefit of the receivers.  Through the retelling of them, we are able to build ourselves up in our own faith and be encouraged by what we read.  Verses like John 20:31 tell us, “These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing ye might have life through his name,” which is the ultimate end to having great faith – life eternal.

PDF Printable Sunday School Lesson Pack (With easy to read instructions following the P.E.A.R.L. format on how to conduct each lesson with areas for adding personal notes): Sunday School Lesson – The Centurion’s Great Faith

Suggested Activities:

Kid’s Journal Page: Kid’s Journal Page – Dear Jesus

Adult Journal Page: Adult Journal Page – Dear Lord

Blank Journal Pages: Blank Adult and Kid’s Journal Pages

Draw the Scene: The Centurion’s Great Faith Draw the Scene

Jesus Heals Bandage Bookmarkers: Just print, color, and cut out.  I suggest using cardstock or gluing to construction paper for support. Enjoy! Jesus Heals Bookmarks

Jesus Heals Bookmarks-001

Memory Verse: The Centurion’s Great Faith Memory Verse

Word Search: The Centurion’s Great Faith Word Search  Answers: The Centurion’s Great Faith Word Search Answers

Crossword: The Centurion’s Great Faith Crossword  Answers: The Centurion’s Great Faith Crossword Answers

Word Scramble: The Centurion’s Great Faith Word Scramble  Answers: The Centurion’s Great Faith Word Scramble Answers

“BELIEVE WHAT GOD SAYS. ALL WILL COME TO PASS!”

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In the sixty-six books that make up the Bible,
there is one truth that stands forever: God’s
Word can always be trusted. God’s Word will
never fail to accomplish what it was purposed to
do. God’s Word will always be the absolute final
truth to every question in our life that needs an
answer. His word will fulfill every promise
spoken to His people.

Hold on, dear friends, to the promises of God
for they will all surely come to pass. The Bible
says, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of
my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it
shall accomplish that which I please, and it
shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it,”
(Is. 55:11). Believe what God says.
All will come to pass.

Sunday School Lesson – “Jesus Calls His Followers” Luke 5:1-11; 6:13-16

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VERSE DISCOVERY: Luke 5:1-11; 6:13-16 (KJV, Public Domain)

Discipleship is more than just putting a title of disciple or follower on an individual.  To be a genuine disciple, one must adhere themselves to a particular teacher and/or teaching and mark their lives after them.

A disciple was one who was all in.  And, for Jesus’ disciples, that’s what His calling literally meant, both physically and spiritually.  Physically, during His three and half years of ministry, these men would follow Jesus everywhere.  As was custom for the disciples of the day, in order to gain a thorough understanding of a teacher and his teachings, a disciple would literally follow the teacher in order to properly learn of him.

Spiritually, no less a dedicated lifestyle and heart-style would be required.  For each of Jesus’ call to one of these chosen men to follow Him, there had to be a positive response on their part.  More than just answering the call physically was required.  There had to be more than just curiosity about this man and what He would do or say next.  There had to be a pull of heart to believe in Him and the words He spoke. 

Some of the names we will learn about are more familiar than others because their stories we have heard of over the years and there is plentiful information about them.  Whereas, some the information is scarce and there’s not that much to go on.  Some names will link us to events for their calling or for certain deeds done, for good or bad.  But all are an integral part of Jesus’ story and that of His followers.  And, all are important to biblical history as a whole.

Four Up-Front (Luke 5:1-11)

 1. “And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

2. And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

3. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

4. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

5. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

6. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

7. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

8. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

9. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

10. And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

11. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.”

If you grew up in a house with more than one sibling or you took rides with friends at times, before all ran to pile in the vehicle, you would often hear one word yelled out by someone: “Shotgun!”

Shotgun was called by someone who wanted to sit up front; by someone who wanted the more prominent seat.  They didn’t want to be in the back crammed together with the others.  They wanted to be where the driver was, the lead person.

Jesus had many disciples and followers, as you could see in the gathered crowds and in the sending out of the seventy (see Luke 10:1-23).  And then as our lesson points out, He had twelve close disciples.  But, even out of those twelve there were some who were always closer to Jesus and appear in more prominent positions and events than the others.  In this first section of this lesson, we are going to focus on those names of the men who Jesus called first (compare Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-21).

To get a better understanding of the story of the call of His followers, we are going to have to do some bouncing around with verses.  Some parts of the story will appear in one place, and some in other places with greater detail.  It is my hope to put together a complete picture of events and people before and during their call.

In Luke 6:12, we find out that before Jesus handpicked any of His disciples, He spent all night in prayer before God.  We need to grasp the importance of this.  Jesus Christ was the Word at the beginning (John 1:1) and He is that same Word made flesh in prayer before the same God whom He was with at the beginning (John 1:1, 14).  Grab hold of this – Jesus, God in the flesh (Matthew 1:23), conferred with God the Father all night in prayer, before choosing His twelve disciples.

As I stated before, while many followed Jesus, there would be twelve closer ones.  These men would move not only into full-on discipleship, but they would move into apostleship, meaning they were not just followers, but they were special messengers that would be sent.  Because of the importance of these men, the important roles they would play, the choice had to be keen and precise.

Please Note: Jesus put great emphasis on prayer and spending time before the Father.  I emphasized above that He was the Word at the beginning and God in the flesh.  If He, being all of that, felt such a strong need to constantly be in prayer, why do so many believe they can get on in life without doing the same things?  We may not have the same decisions and choices before us, but our connection to the Father is the same through Christ.  And, we should want to honor Him in prayer and seek His face with our daily life, with its decisions and choices.

With that, when the disciples met Jesus, each would have a choice to make.  Each one’s name would become recorded forever in the Word of the Living God for us to study and learn from.

From the beginning of His earthly ministry Jesus’ preaching and messages had a great impact on those who heard Him.  Just in the chapter before, Luke 4, Jesus had endured and overcome His forty days of temptation of the devil in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13).  Immediately following, He returns to the Galilee area “in the power of the Spirit” (Luke 414-15) and began teaching in the synagogues.  It is in these verses where Luke makes a special note on the immediate impact Jesus had.  He was “being glorified of all” (Luke 4:15).

Shortly after, when He declared He was the fulfiller of Isaiah’s prophecy, His words, though true that they were, caused others to question the validity of His proclamation, and yes, this early on in His ministry, they even tried to kill Him (Luke 4:16-30).

Nevertheless, Jesus was not deterred from His mission and all that it entailed before Him.  He went forth healing people both physically and spiritually (Luke 4:31-42), and He went forth preaching in the “synagogues of Galilee,” (Luke 4:43-44).

Now, it was time to gather those who would work the work with Him while He was here, and who would carry on with their parts at His earthly ending, and even after His ascension.

So, with Jesus’s ministry already being so impactful on the people in the region, on this day, as chapter 5 begins, “the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God,” (Luke 5:1).  An urgency stirred in the hearts and minds of the people when they heard about this man Jesus.  That urgency compelled them to press in for more.  And, the “more” that they wanted was the Word of God!

When was the last time when we’ve heard of crowds gathered in a genuine press in our day for God’s Word such as these were doing?  When was the last time you were compelled to press for more of Him?  Let that sink in for a minute.

Those in the synagogues may have tried to get rid of Him, but for this gathered crowd, all they wanted was to be near Jesus and to hear the Word of God.  They may not have immediately identified Him as the Son of God, but the way He spoke (Luke 4:22) drove them to want more.

Jesus had a thing for crowds.  Not for the reason many seek to have crowds around them today – for showmanship and such.  No, but Jesus would often look at the crowds with compassion (Matthew 9:36; Mark 6:34).  He knew they were missing something very important in their lives, and He has come to fill that void.

Therefore, when He speaks to this immediate crowd, He looks for a better vantage point to relay what He had to say there that day.  This would give everybody there more of a chance to see and hear Him without obstruction.

For that reason, when He saw “two ships standing by the lake,” He would use them to speak to the hearts gathered, and call others to come even closet to follow Him.

The “fishermen” were on the shore “washing their nets” (for this was a necessary chore in the maintenance of the equipment that fueled their livelihood), so Jesus boarded “Simon’s” ship and asked him to push off a little bit from land.  Now, not only was His physical position elevated some, but by pushing off it widens the view for more to see.

With that, He “sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.”  We are not given the details of this particular teaching or message, but this would not be the last time Jesus would use a ship as a pulpit to teach the multitudes (compare Matthew 13:2).  And, being that the crowds continued to follow Him even after the events in today’s lessons (compare Matthew 4:25; 8:1; Mark 3:7-8), and yet even to the point of His death (Luke 23:27), whatever He taught, it meant something to them.

After spending time teaching the multitude, now it was time to focus on those who would be called to go deeper with Him than the waters in the Sea of Galilee.  He turns to “Simon,” saying, “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.”  Jesus gives this long-time fisherman instructions on how to make a catch.

Now, we must make a special note here.  Before we reach this point in the lesson, and in Jesus’ ministry, Jesus had previously met Simon, who is Peter, and his brother Andrew (see John 1:40-42).  But it wasn’t until this point where they are called to leave their trade for good and become fishers of men.

Back to the catch of the day – these experienced fishermen have worked at it all night without success.  The frustration and tiredness had to be presently upon these men as they washed their nets and were ready to call it a day.

When Jesus tells Simon to get back at it, to try one more time, I can imagine the heaviness and the weariness he must have felt as he tried to explain to Jesus about the “nothing” they have caught.  Simply put, Simon didn’t negotiate or go back and forth in his effort to explain too much.  Looking at Jesus, he simply responded, “Nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.”

“I will.”  Those two words hold the heart of faith and obedience.  Simon Peter already knew the reality of the fruitless catch they failed to bring in, but at this point, he also knew a little bit about Jesus.  Therefore, he said, “I will.”

What he felt and what he saw didn’t matter.  What did matter was Jesus who was before him, speaking to him to, “let down your nets.”  And, when he did, they were rewarded with nets that were so heavy with fish that they were breaking (vs. 6).  Calling for their companions to help, the catch proved to be even greater than they previously thought, for now, the load of fish is so heavy it “filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.”

Wow!  What started out as a disappointing night turned into a very fruitful day.  Disappointment gave way to what I am sure was rejoicing by most there.  But “Simon Peter” had a whole different perspective when he took his eyes off the fish and centered himself on the one who instructed him to let down the nets and fish again.

Simon Peter focused more on the miracle maker than the miracle itself and he came to one very realistic conclusion, Jesus was so much more.  He was more than the miracle.  He was more than what they previously believed.  He was just more, and this realization hit him like a ton of bricks.

“When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees.”  He is humbled in His presence and realizes just how far off the mark he is in comparison to the One who is before him.  Thus, he speaks, “Depart from me: for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”  To know one’s true state before the presence of the Lord is a good place for God to start doing some amazing things in that life.

If the draught of fish astonished them, Jesus’ next words would draw them and call them into something far more amazing.  Speaking not only to Peter and Andrew, but to “James, and John, the sons of Zebedee” who assisted them in the draught, Jesus said, “Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.”

Their nets were breaking over the amount of fish they brought it, but these men, after Jesus was done teaching them, and would go back to heaven… these men were going to shake up the world for the glory of the Kingdom of God.

They have seen more than enough to know what they ought to do with their lives.  They were wholly convinced that where Jesus was is where they needed to be, and they responded positively to His call.  “They forsook all, and followed him.”  Anything the world had to offer couldn’t compare with doing what Jesus was calling them to do.

Twelve All Together (Luke 6:13-16)

13. “And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

14. Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

15. Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,

16. And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.”

Having already covered the call of “Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John,” in the section above, I won’t expand on them further here.  Rather, I’ll focus on the other eight names that appear on the list of Jesus’ closest twelve followers; His disciples.  These “twelve” disciples would then be “named apostles” by the Lord.  The word “disciples” are ones that follow and learn.  But as “apostles,” these would not only be called to follow and learn, but they would be called to be “sent” as well, for that’s the meaning behind the word “apostle;” to be “sent.”

Having already stated that some of these names we know little about, we will try to look a little deeper behind the scenes of these men, regardless of who they are or what’s known or unknown about them, to gain a better understanding of those who walked closest to our Savior during His ministry.

The first two on the list of the remaining eight is “Philip and Bartholomew.”  When we go back and take a look at John 1, there it tells us the day after He met with Peter and Andrew, Jesus went “forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me,” (vs. 43).

The next verse explains that it was easy enough for Jesus to locate this man because he was actually from the same area as Andrea and Peter (John 1:44).

It was then “Philip” who went to find Nathanael (who many suppose is “Bartholomew” as he is called in Luke 6), and excitedly explained, “We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph,” (John 1:45).

Then, it was Nathanael’s (Bartholomew) turn to be amazed as he voiced his wonder of it all when he asked, “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46).

And, if we thought he was in wonder before, when he met Jesus, Jesus greeted him in a way that took him by total surprise.  Jesus said, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” (John 1:47).  Putting an exclamation point at the end gave even more credence to Jesus’ proclamation of Nathanael (Bartholomew).

In surprise, not even believing Jesus knew his name, let alone other details of his life, Nathanael asked Jesus, “Whence knowest thou me?” (john 1:48).  It was here and now that Jesus would prove that not only did He know his name, but He knew so much more.

Jesus explained, “Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee,” (John 1:48).  Although Jesus was human, Jesus was also divine.  At this moment, a glimpse of His deity was showing.  In speaking words that reveal He not only knows, but He sees – Jesus is laying a groundwork of faith in this man’s heart, and in all those who read these words.  He is literally showing them that He is God in the flesh – He is showing them that beyond a shadow of a doubt, He is the Son of God.

To his credit, Nathanael (Bartholomew) picks up on it and expresses “Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel,” (John 1:49).  He knew right then and there; this wasn’t an ordinary prophet or traveling preacher.  He recognized Jesus as the Son of God.

But Jesus assured him that in his calling to follow Him and to be one of His disciples/apostles, that he would “see greater things than these,” (John 1:50).  Jesus plainly stated, regarding His deity identity, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man,” (John 1:51).  Jesus, as the “Son of man” had a supernatural connection to heaven, and those nearest Him would be witnesses of that power.

What a call to follow!

After Jesus’ resurrection, Nathanael (Bartholomew) was with Peter and other disciples that decided to go back to fishing when Jesus met them for the third time before His ascension (see John 21:2).  Together, he along with the others, witness a post-resurrection miraculous catch of fish.

Going back a little to Philp, he too, being in Jesus’ close circle of twelve, witnessed many miracles, including the feeding of the five thousand.  At that time, it was to Philip Jesus asked, “Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” (John 6:5).  On that day, thousands were miraculously filled, and twelve baskets of fragments were left over from “five barley loaves, and two small fishes,” (John 6:9, 12-13).  Philip, along with the others that day, witnessed once again Jesus deity in action, and were left in awe and wonder, saying, “This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world,” (John 6:14).

For other verses surrounding Philip, read John 12:20-21 and 14:8.  Outside of the several lists of these called twelve, both Philip and Bartholomew, along with the remaining eleven (for at that time Judas Iscariot was no longer with them – Acts 1:16-19), can be seen in the Book of Acts, gathered together in the upper room in prayer.

The next name on the list is “Matthew.”  The men that Jesus picked came from varied backgrounds.  Matthew, although a Jew, was in a position where he was despised by his own countrymen.

Matthew is also known as Levi (compare Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27-29).  After Jesus called some of His first disciples, He went about teaching and doing many miracles (see Matthew 4:23-8:34; Mark 1:21-45; Luke 5:12-26).

One of the miracles that all accounts of Matthew, Mark, and Luke have in common is the healing of the man with palsy (see Matthew 9:2-8; Mark 2:3-4; Luke 5:18-19).  This was the man who was lowered down through the roof by his friends.  This is also the man through whom Jesus showed another aspect of His deity: the power to forgive sins (Matthew 9:2; Mark 2:5; Luke 5:20).

Now, in my personal opinion, this was important because the very next disciple/apostle that Jesus would call would be a man that many probably thought was beyond the grace of God’s forgiveness.

Matthew was a “publican” (Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27), which simply means he was a local tax collector.  This man was considered a traitor to his people.  Publicans were locals who were employed by the Romans to collect taxes.  People such as these were known for fleecing their own pockets at the expense of their countrymen.  They would collect what the Romans required and then added a little more for themselves, making it all that much harder on those who had to pay.

But there was something in this particular publican that Jesus could see.  While others only looked at him through the lens of his occupation, Jesus saw someone who would be a more than dedicated follower and would write the first gospel of the New Testament.

In Matthew 9:10-13, Mark 2:15-17, and Luke 5:29-32 we see that Matthew (Levi) made a great feast where not only Jesus attended, but others he knew, people whom the world had considered to be of ill repute.

Shocked, the scribes and Pharisees couldn’t believe what they were seeing, and questioned, “Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?” (Luke 5:30; see also Matthew 9:11 and Mark 2:16).  It is here Jesus explains His mission.  He says, “They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance,” (Luke 5:31-32; see also Matthew 9:12-13 and Mark 2:17).

I imagine Matthew was well aware of who he was and who Jesus was, and he was grateful for the call of a changed life.  Jesus took him from “despised” to “disciple” when He called him to “Follow me,” (Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27).

The next name on the list of disciples according to Luke’s account is “Thomas.”  Yes, this is the same Thomas who has been dubbed as “doubting Thomas.”

After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to some of His disciples, and at that time Thomas (also called Didymus) was not present (see John 20:24), and said he would not believe that Jesus rose unless he was able to see and examine by touch the “print of the nails” and “thrust my hand into his side,” (John 20:25).

But people forget that Thomas had another side to his story.  When news came that Lazarus had died and Jesus was going back to “Judaea where the Jews have sought to stone” Him (John 11:7-8), it was Thomas (not Peter, Andrew, James or John) who boldly spoke up and said, “Let us also go, that we may die with him,” (John 11:16).  He loved Jesus, and at this point, he was ready to follow Him to the grave.

Then, we have “James the son of Alphaeus.”  While there is much speculation about this particular James, the Bible only gives us a few details about who he actually is.  He was referred to in Mark 15:40 as “James the less,” probably called such because of his younger age or for being shorter in size in comparison to the other James, John’s brother.  This James also had a mother whose name was Mary.

“Simon called Zelotes” is the next name on the lists of the twelve as recorded by Luke.  In Matthew 10:4 and Mark 3:18 he is referred to as “Simon the Canaanite.”  It is unsure if his name is associated with a radical group who was against the Romans, or if the wording of “Zealots” is referring to his personal character of being very zealous for the Lord.

Nearing the end of this list, we have two Judas’ to deal with.  The first is “Judas the brother of James.”  It is supposed by many that this Judas is also referred to as “Thaddaeus” in Matthew 10:3 and Mark 3:18.

Lastly, the name that always appears in the last position of the lists in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and doesn’t appear at all in the Acts 1:13 list is that of “Judas Iscariot.”  For his acts against Christ in selling Him out to the authorities of the day, Judas’ name is identified by his heinous actions.  He is called “traitor” here in Luke 6.  In both Matthew 10:4 and Mark 3:19, he is known as the man who “betrayed” Jesus.

It was he that went to the chief priests, and asked, “What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you?” (Matthew 26:15).  It was he that betrayed Jesus with a kiss (Matthew 26:47-49).  And, it was he that received “thirty pieces of silver” for his deed against Christ (26:15; 27:3).

Acts 1:16-19 tells of his death.

There we have them.  Twelve men.  Twelve personalities, whose backgrounds varied among them.  Nevertheless, these twelve were called by Jesus to “Follow Me,” and each did just that.  Whatever their life was identified before they became a disciple/apostle, now that they have experienced walking with Jesus during these years of His earthly ministry, their lives will never be the same.

Jesus is still calling for people to follow Him today.  Have you?  If not, will you?

PDF Printable Sunday School Lesson Pack (With easy to read instructions following the P.E.A.R.L. format on how to conduct each lesson with areas for adding personal notes): Sunday School Lesson – Jesus Calls His Followers

Suggested Activities:

Fishing Craft Game: Draw and cut out on construction paper shapes of fish. Glue a metal paper clip on the back of each one.  Use a wooden dowel or a stick from outside and tie a string to it.  Glue a magnet to the bottom of the string.  Use a timer and see how many fish your students can catch.  Use this analogy to describe that’s how enthusiastic we, as disciples of Christ, should be when reaching people or “fishing for people” for Jesus.  We should want to hurry and “catch” as many as we can.  (You can even break off into teams and make it a friendly competition.)

Adult Journal Page: Adult Journal Page – Jesus Calls His Followers

Kids Journal Page: Kids Journal Page – Jesus Calls His Followers

Disciple Acrostic: Disciple Acrostic

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