Saturday's Scripture Story
for the Week
Jesus calls first disciples
Matthew 4:18-22
18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.
21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Pondering Point
A note about stories: Telling Bible stories (storying) is one of the simplest ways to share God's Word -- and we can all tell stories. Most people remember stories better than mere details, both in terms of speaking and listening. AND storying does not require one to remember all of the particulars to be effective. The Holy Spirit is quite capable of using us and His Word without direct quotes or perfect reciting of all details.
Today’s story begins a life-long journey for Peter and Andrew, for James and John. It may be good to go back into your own memory banks and reflect with the Lord about His calling on your life: When and where, the how and through whom, etc. Record some of your reflective meditation with God and plan to share it with a fellow disciple. Then conclude with the prayer.
Prayer Prompt
Ask Jesus to help you grow into your life as a disciple. Include conversation about your identity as a disciple, about orienting your life around Him, and about a willingness to re-orient your schedule as He sees fit.
The Sermon on the Mount is one of five major speeches Jesus gives in Matthew, with many similarities between these speeches. What is Matthew doing in his gospel unique from the other gospels? How does it shape his portrayal of Jesus? Jon and Tim discuss how Jesus’ Sermon fits into the larger context of Matthew.
https://bibleproject.com/podcast/sermon-mounts-place-gospel-matthew/