Session 6: Jesus chooses his disciples

Jesus started preaching and teaching people about God. Many people followed him to hear his teachings. There were a special group of 12 disciples whom he called, who gave up everything to follow him.

The first disciples whom Jesus called were Simon, Andrew, James and John, who were all fishermen. Let's read the story on how he met them, or watch the following video:

Video 1: Jesus chooses his first disciples (Luke 5:1-11)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWiqXIn9tyg

Source: LifeKids on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWiqXIn9tyg

Jesus later meets and calls Matthew, who used to be a tax collector:

Video 2: Jesus calls Matthew (Matthew 9: 9-13)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nqllVTt1bA

Source: Holy Tales on YouTube at https://youtu.be/0nqllVTt1bA?t=66

Discussion:

What is a disciple?

A disciple is a person who follows and learns from Jesus. When Jesus was on earth, he had many disciples. 12 of them were specially chosen and particularly close to him, called the 12 apostles.

What type of people do Jesus call to be his disciples?

The people whom Jesus call to be his disciples were ordinary men, not learned scholars or religious leaders. Many were fishermen, and some were society's rejects, like the tax collector Matthew. These ordinary men would learn from him and later, empowered by the holy spirit, go on to do great things. We will see in later sessions, how they spread the gospel far and wide. Some of them also went on to write books which are now in the Bible (Peter, John, Matthew).

We are all disciples of Jesus! What does it mean to be a disciple?

Answers will vary. Some examples could be:

Be his student and follower.

Become like him in every way.

Leaves everything to follow him. Put him first in everything.

Spend a lot of time with him, especially in prayer.

Serve and obey him.

Tell our friends about him.

Let's say a prayer to ask Jesus to help us to be faithful disciples!