“And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19
Rows of coins, lined up like soldiers on the table, gleamed in the Mediterranean sun. Matthew yawned and smiled to himself. His profits from this day alone would surpass what most men would make in a month. He stretched like a lazy cat, contemplating the wealth he would accumulate in the years ahead.
He was at the top of his career–tax collecting. When his friends thought of money, they thought of him. When his neighbors thought about success, they grudgingly thought of him. There was little he wanted…except for one thing.
He longed to be a part of something bigger than himself, a cause he could give himself to, a person he could believe in.
The Teacher suddenly stood beside Matthew’s table, blocking the light streaming through the awning of his tax collector’s booth. The Teacher smiled. When the priests looked at Matthew they frowned, muttered “sinner” under their breath and looked the other way when passing him in the streets.
The church of the day sidelined people like Matthew. He represented the scorned religious “under class.” He was a cheat and a collaborator with Rome against his own people. His friendship circle was made of those with questionable characters. But Jesus was smiling at him!
Jesus looked at Matthew and said what no other teacher would have said, “Follow Me.” Jesus saw Matthew not only for what he was, but what he could become. He saw a faithful follower.
And so it was that Matthew looked down on his neatly-arranged rows of coins. He stared long and hard at his money, his booth and his comfortable life–and walked away, to follow Jesus.
Mentoring Moments
- Why would you follow Jesus? Explore these Bible passages for reasons to follow Jesus: John 6:35, John 8:12, John 14:6
- Read Matthew 9:9-13. What do you think Matthew gave up to follow Jesus? What do you think he gained?
- How would you follow Jesus today? Read 1 John 2:6 and Psalm 119:105. How is God’s Word described? How would you need to use Scripture so it could actually provide guidance for your life
- What positive results may happen if you were to follow Jesus daily?
Friend, you may have known Jesus for many years, a few months or not at all. I invite you to read the Scriptures to know for yourself how to follow Him. Do not be satisfied to merely hear what others say of Jesus. Read with a hunger to know Him and to follow Him all the way.
Small Group Guide For Chapter 2
Work together to call everyone by their right name.
Ask: Would you rather be a billionaire for a day or a millionaire for a year? Why?
Jesus found you as He found Peter. Every day this week, talk to God about the best and worst part of your day.
Ask: In the last seven days, how did you talk to God about the best and worst part of your day?
Invite everyone to team up in twos and ask each other if they did the challenge and how it went. Remind the students to be encouraging to each other even if someone did not do the challenge. When everyone has had 1-2 minutes to share in twos, ask if there is one or two who would like to share with the whole group.
Ask God to send the Holy Spirit to give wisdom and encouragement to everyone present.
Read the story so your audience can imagine that they are right there in the moment! Consider involving others in your group who like to read.
Read the Word. Discuss the questions.
Jesus calls you as He did Matthew from his tax collecting. Every day this week, follow Jesus wherever He calls You.
Tell a short story from your life that reveals what the challenge means to you personally. Do not be afraid to get real about wins or losses in living the challenge. Challenge each person to live the challenge over the next seven days before the next lesson.
Make this moment the high point of the lesson. “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts” (Zech 4:6). Boldly ask God to pour out His Spirit on each one!
This resource was written by Don Maclafferty as a supporting resource for The Hopeful. The Hopeful was produced by Hope Studios, the cinematic brand of Hope Channel International.
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