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 the children in your class 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.
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Every week, members of The Gospel Project for Kids team offer guidance to help you as you prepare to teach every session to preschoolers and kids.
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