This weekend we helped the children connect with the biblical account of Jesus calling the disciples to follow him. We also helped the children to identify ways that they can follow Jesus and be his disciples in today’s society.

One of the first things Jesus did, according to the writer of the book of Mark, was to gather disciples. Having disciples was not an unusual activity for a teacher in Jesus’ day. Many teachers had disciples who stayed with them for years, learning. Sometimes a teacher would make arrangements for an especially bright student to be a disciple, but more often students asked a teacher for the honor of studying under him.

Jesus gathered disciples in a different way. Not only did he do all his own choosing and calling, but he also looked for disciples in uncommon places, mostly in the workplace. Jesus asked men who had shown no prior interest in spending their days in intellectual pursuits to be his disciples. Jesus’ first disciple was Simon, whose name he changed to Peter, the rock the man who would be important in founding the church. Peter’s brother Andrew was also called to be a disciple. Jesus’ next choice was another set of brothers, James and John. Some Bible scholars feel that because they are identified in the Gospels as the sons of Zebedee, their father may have been an important member of the early church. Peter, James, and John are mentioned at every important juncture in Jesus’ history from this point on.

The Bible does not tell us why these guys followed Jesus. But we do know that whatever their reasons, they followed without question. No, “Where are you going?” or “Who are you?” or “What kind of deal do you have to offer?” They simply followed. It was obvious that they were convinced that what Jesus was calling them to do was more important than what they had been doing up to that time.

Most Bible scholars feel that these men had been acquainted with Jesus prior to his calling them, that they were familiar with his ideas, and that they were not saying yes to a stranger. It is important that children understand that Jesus called friends to be his disciples. Do not let your children get the impression that it is okay to follow strangers because the disciples followed Jesus.

When Jesus invites us to be a disciple, he doesn’t place stipulations on the call. Jesus does not say, “In order to follow me, you must have a healthy bank account, be a certain race, be in a certain profession, or have a Harvard education.” Jesus’ invitation is open to all who are willing to be his disciple.

This week as you interact with your children help them in identifying ways they can be disciples today. And, as their parent, you are an excellent example. That is, you as a follower of Jesus are showing the children how they can follow Jesus too. You are passing on the teachings of Jesus Christ, so never underestimate what you do. As you teach your children, they will grow up and teach their children and others and influence not just their families, but a generation. What an influence! So go forth by the grace of God and fulfill your calling to be a parent. Remember to always pray for God’s guidance as you teach, and pray, too, for the children the Lord has given you.