Jesus' Calling: Disciples Coloring Sheet

Alight, let's delve into one of Christianity's foundational moments: Jesus calling his first disciples. This event, chronicled in all four Gospels, holds profound significance for believers and contains vital lessons for us today.

John's Gospel provides one of the most prominent accounts of this event. Here, we find Jesus on the beach of the Sea of Galilee, seeing two brothers, Simon Peter and Andrew, casting their nets into the sea. Instead of going about their usual business, they'dListener to Jesus' invitation and followed him. Matthew, another future disciple, was there. He describes a similar scenario. Soon, the group would grow to include more ordinary people – fisherman, tax collectors, not society's elite.

The Disciples: Ordinary to Extraordinary

Jesus' choice of disciples raises our first intriguing point. They weren't scholars, kings, or warriors. Instead, they were ordinary people, with humble jobs and presumably limited education. Yet, Jesus saw potential in them.

His choice teaches us that God can use anyone willing to follow, no matter their background. It tells us that our perceived limitations are not barriers to serving God – only our willingness matters.

Jesus' Method: Invitation and Obedience

Jesus didn't demand or coerce obedience; he invited. The disciples came willingly, not dragged along. This reflection of Jesus' method sheds light on how we should follow him today – with willing hearts, not begrudging spirits.

Moreover, their obedience meant they left their jobs and families behind with little notice. But, as believers, they believed Jesus' promises about a future reward, a kingdom.

Jesus' Blueprint: Learning and Teachability

Jesus' call required a blank slate – a willingness to learn and change. The disciples, though experienced in fishing or tax collecting, needed new skills for their new roles. They had to be teachable to learn about God's kingdom and how to spread its message.

Today, that means being ready to change and grow. It means embracing lifelong learning, not just of facts, but also of godliness. We must have teachable spirits, ready to adapt and grow under God's guidance.

Calling and Preparation

Jesus didn't call them just to hang out. He called them to be trained. He spent around three years preparing them for their ministries. After his resurrection and before his ascension, he gave them their final instructions and tasks (Acts 1:1-8).

Today, we also need calling and preparation. God calls us to serve, then he equips and prepares us. We need to seek this preparation diligently, through the Word, prayer, faithfulness, and obedience.

Trained and Sent

After training, Jesus sent them out. They became apostles, spreading the Gospel, performing miracles, and building churches. They weren't perfect; they had flaws and made mistakes, but God used them powerfully.

Today, we also have been called and sent out, commissioned to represent Christ in our families, workplaces, and communities. We might feel inadequate, but God has equipped us with his Spirit. He'll use us too, if we're willing.

So, let's follow Jesus' example. The world still needs ordinary people, willing to be extraordinary, willing to listen, learn, and obey. Join the call, and let's make disciples together.