I heard that this last Sunday, Pastor Beau of Emmaus Road Church focused his sermon on these five verses. I also was told that he introduced this text by illustrating God’s calling upon men in the Old Testament, like Abraham, Moses, and Elisha.

I do believe that these verses are crucial for the foundation of vibrant Christian discipleship in Idaho Falls.  Here are some questions related to the text.

Observation (questions for the head)

1. Where is the Sea of Galilee?
2. Who is Simon’s other brother?
3. What was the brothers’ work occupations?
4. What did Jesus command the brothers to do?
5. What was their response?
6. Who was the father of James and John?

Interpretation (questions for the head and heart)

1. Why was Simon called Peter?
2. What gives Jesus the authority to issue such commands?
3. What does Jesus have the power to do with a simple fisherman’s life?

Application (questions for the heart and hands)

1. Are you convinced in your head that Jesus is worth following?
2. In the Lord’s calling in specific times in my life, I have been absolutely overwhelmed.  What would give you the encouragement to trust His calling in your life?
3. Do you think that Jesus is able to transform and equip you for what He wants you to do?
4. What would happen to the city of Idaho Falls if all believers in Jesus became obedient “fishers of men”?
5. Could you share a story of how you immediately dropped something that you were doing to pursue a calling by the Lord?  What did your family think about this?  What did your friends say to you?  Did they think that you were crazy?
6. A Christian friend made an engraved wooden sign for our family that says these words:  “The Woods – God’s will cannot lead us where His grace will not keep us.”  Would you agree with that?
7. Are you struggling or fighting with what Jesus wants you to do?