03 Family Worship Guide:

Book of Mark, Day Three, Lesson Three

Dear Family Worship Magazine Community,

Family Worship Guide: Book of Mark, Day Three, Lesson Three

Opening Prayer:

"Gracious and loving Father, we come into Your presence with hearts full of gratitude for Your Word that guides us, teaches us, and shows us the way of truth. As we study the life of Your Son, Jesus Christ, help us to grow in our love for Him and to follow His example. Open our hearts to receive what You have for us today. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen."

Scripture Reading: Mark 1:14-20 (ESV)

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.

Reflection and Teaching:

In this passage, we see the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and the calling of His first disciples. After John the Baptist’s arrest, Jesus steps forward with a powerful message: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” His message was simple yet profound—calling people to turn away from their sins and to trust in the good news of salvation.

Jesus then calls His first disciples, beginning with Simon (Peter) and Andrew, followed by James and John. These men were ordinary fishermen, busy with their daily work, but Jesus saw in them the potential to become His closest followers and leaders in the early church. His call to them was clear: “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” Immediately, they left everything behind—their boats, their nets, even their family—and followed Jesus.

This teaches us about the nature of true discipleship. To follow Christ means to leave behind our old ways and to commit ourselves fully to His mission. It requires faith, obedience, and a willingness to put Christ above all else in our lives.

Discussion Questions:

For Younger Children (Ages 10-13):

  1. What was the message that Jesus began to preach when He started His ministry?

  2. How did Simon and Andrew respond when Jesus called them? Why do you think they followed Him so quickly?

  3. What does it mean to be a “fisher of men”? How can we be “fishers of men” in our lives today?

For Older Children (Ages 14-18):

  1. Jesus proclaimed, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand.” What do you think He meant by this, and why was it important?

  2. When Jesus called His first disciples, they immediately left everything to follow Him. What does this tell us about the cost of discipleship?

  3. Reflect on the call to “repent and believe in the gospel.” How does this command challenge us in our daily walk with Christ? Are there things in your life you need to leave behind to follow Him more fully?

Application:

  • For All Ages: Consider what it means to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Are there things—habits, distractions, or fears—that you need to let go of to pursue Him more faithfully? Pray as a family for the courage to follow Jesus without hesitation, just as the first disciples did.

  • For Older Children: This week, think about how you can be a “fisher of men” in your own context—whether at school, with friends, or in your community. Pray for opportunities to share your faith or to be a light for Christ in the lives of others.

Closing Prayer:

"Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to be Your disciples. Help us to hear Your voice and to respond with willing hearts, ready to leave behind anything that hinders our walk with You. Make us faithful followers who proclaim Your gospel and live for Your glory. Strengthen us to be fishers of men, bringing others to know the joy of salvation. In Your precious name, Amen."

Hymn or Song:

Conclude with a hymn or song that focuses on following Christ, such as “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” or “Jesus Calls Us, O’er the Tumult.”

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