INTRODUCTION

In calling men and women to follow Him, Jesus always spoke in words that could be comprehended by the hearers. The message of the Gospel is not veiled to the understanding. Throughout the centuries God has called countless men and women who answered and left all to follow Him. How vital it is to be alert to the calling of God in our own lives, and then to answer that call!

THEME THOUGHTS

Old Testament history paints a colourful picture of God’s dealing with man, but the New Testament brings us to the climax of God’s redemptive work—the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

“Who is Jesus?” is the thought-provoking question which establishes our theme for this quarter. Looking into the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we trace the story of Jesus’ time on earth, including His birth and some of the major events of His life.

We find, as we delve into this story, that the incidents and occurrences recorded in a biographical sketch of Jesus hold many important lessons relevant to our lives today.

Some of the highlights of Jesus’ ministry and His personal example to us are brought out in such lessons as His calling of the twelve disciples, His example in resisting temptation, and His formula for happiness as found in the Beatitudes. The quarter concludes with one of Jesus’ parables which emphasizes the importance of being firmly grounded so that we might be able to grow as Christians.

The purpose of this quarter is to learn about Jesus Christ, not just as a personage of Biblical history, but as a living Savior who wants to be directly and personally involved in our lives.

SUPPLEMENTAL SCRIPTURES

Isaiah 6:8; Mark 3:14-15; Acts 9:15-16; 22:21; Ephesians 4:11-12

QUESTION

1. What circumstances brought about the disciples’ first contact with Jesus?
2. What was the first simple step taken by the disciples?
3. What was Andrew’s reaction when introduced to Jesus?
4. State some of the reasons people might give for not following Christ, or for not answering His call.
5. How did God’s call to salvation come to you?
6. After a person has answered God’s call to salvation, he will undoubtedly be called to do some particular service for God. How does God’s call for service come to individuals?
7. What might be some of the common reactions or feelings of a person when God calls him to do a particular task?
8. God does not ask everyone to do the same task, but there is one thing that every Christian is called to do. Using Psalm 107:2, identify a calling that every Christian shares, and explain how it can be answered.