Prayer (5 Minutes)
- Have everyone share one way they want to pray for someone else.
Song (5 Minutes)
Catechism (5 minutes)
Have everyone read aloud simultaneously or allow everyone to try to answer before revealing the answer.
Q34: Since we are redeemed by grace alone, through Christ alone, must we still do good works and obey God’s Word?
A: Yes, so that our lives may show love and gratitude to God; and so that by our godly behavior others may be won to Christ. (1 Peter 2:9–12)
A: Yes, so that our lives may show love and gratitude to God; and so that by our godly behavior others may be won to Christ. (1 Peter 2:9–12)
Questions from: https://newcitycatechism.com/. Go there to start from beginning or to read more.
Scripture (5 Minutes)
Mark 1:14–20 (NLT)
Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News. “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”
One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.
A little farther up the shore Jesus saw Zebedee’s sons, James and John, in a boat repairing their nets. He called them at once, and they also followed him, leaving their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men.
One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.
A little farther up the shore Jesus saw Zebedee’s sons, James and John, in a boat repairing their nets. He called them at once, and they also followed him, leaving their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men.
Fishing Nets
Fishing Boat
Discussion (5-10 Minutes)
You can lead through a teaching or use the following questions to start a discussion:
- How quickly did the disciples respond to Jesus's call? What does this tell us about Jesus? What about their faith?
- What do you think it means to be "fishers of men"? How can we "fish for people" today?
- Why do you think these fishermen were willing to leave everything behind to follow Jesus?
- How is Jesus calling us to follow Him today? What might we need to "leave behind"? What makes it hard sometimes to follow Jesus right away like the disciples did?
Lent Challenge (5 minutes)
What is Lent?
Lent is a 40-day period before Easter when Christians prepare their hearts for celebrating Jesus' death and resurrection. Just as Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, we use these 40 days to draw closer to God through prayer, fasting, and focusing on Jesus.
FAMILY ACTION STEP
Each week, discuss as a family what you could either GIVE UP or TAKE UP during Lent to grow closer to God. Work through the following as a family.
GIVE UP:
TAKE UP:
Lent is a 40-day period before Easter when Christians prepare their hearts for celebrating Jesus' death and resurrection. Just as Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, we use these 40 days to draw closer to God through prayer, fasting, and focusing on Jesus.
FAMILY ACTION STEP
Each week, discuss as a family what you could either GIVE UP or TAKE UP during Lent to grow closer to God. Work through the following as a family.
GIVE UP:
- What takes up a lot of our time or attention?
- What might we pause or set aside to create more space for God?
- How could we use that extra time or attention to focus on Jesus?
TAKE UP:
- What new habit could help us grow closer to God?
- What act of service could we add to our daily routine?
- How could we be more intentional about our faith this week?
Closing Prayer (3 Minutes)
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for calling us to follow Jesus, just like You called the disciples. Help us to respond quickly and faithfully when You call us to do something. Give us courage to leave behind anything that keeps us from following You completely. Make us fishers of men who can help others know about Your love. In Jesus's name, Amen.