(Mark 2-3; Luke 6)
Dear families,
In the early chapters of Mark and Luke’s Gospels, we discover Jesus’ inviting His first disciples to join Him in ministry. Jesus initiated relationships with each of these men, taking the first step to bring them into His inner circle. The type of people Jesus called as disciples may have seemed like odd choices to some; the Pharisees, after all, disapproved at the company Christ kept.
Jesus’ disciples included two pairs of brothers who worked as fishermen, some who joined forces with the Romans, others who abhorred the Romans, a tax collector whose profession was known for dishonest gain, and one who would eventually betray Him in exchange for 30 pieces of silver. It was a ragtag bunch.
Jesus’ critics likely thought He should have picked disciples they deemed more qualified with cleaner reputations. But Jesus has a heart for the lost, sick, and searching, saying, “I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17).
One detail we often overlook is that Jesus spent an entire night in prayer before selecting these men to join His inner circle. He invited them into a close relationship with Himself, knowing the optics of the situation, just as He still brings sinners into His fold. Even today, it’s a wonder why He would call any of us to follow Him. That’s the beauty of His grace.
Jesus was a friend of sinners, while the scribes and Pharisees believed themselves too holy for the likes of such company. When Jesus sensed this disapproval in the hearts of the religious elite, He addressed aloud their cynical concerns by sharing that only the sick need a doctor (Luke 5:31). In other words, only those who recognize their sin and need for the Savior will be able to receive new life in Him.
Just as He spent a night in prayer before calling the disciples to follow Him, Jesus still intercedes for His followers today (Romans 8:34). Pray that your children who are hearing Christ’s gospel invitation will see themselves through the lens of the disciples. Ask the Lord to reveal His love for the lost, along with His desire to restore their relationship with their Father in heaven.
Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.
FAMILY TALKING POINTS
STORY POINT
This is the main point to emphasize from today’s Bible story.
- Preschool: Jesus chose twelve men to follow Him.
- Kids: Jesus invited twelve men to follow Him as disciples.
CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
- Babies & Toddlers: Jesus calls people to love Him, turn from sin, and trust and follow Him.
- Younger Preschool: Jesus still calls people to follow Him. He wants us to stop doing wrong things and trust in Him.
- Older Preschool: Jesus chose the disciples and still calls people to follow Him. Jesus wants us to turn from our sins and trust in Him as Lord and Savior.
- Kids: Jesus chose the disciples and still calls people to follow Him today. He invites all people to turn from their sins and trust in Him as Lord and Savior.
BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
- Younger Preschool: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom.
- Older Preschool: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom.
- Kids: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom. He taught that all Scripture is about Him.
KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
- Babies & Toddlers: Shine your light so others see your good works and give glory to God. Matthew 5:16
- Younger Preschool: Shine your light before others so they see your good works and give glory to God. Matthew 5:16
- Older Preschool: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
- Kids: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
** Next week: The Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12; Mark 2-3; Luke 6)
Imago Dei Church Kids Ministry 