10.20.19 — Becoming A Disciple of Jesus:

THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE: Matthew 4:18-25

Main Themes: God's Call; Life Purpose; Discipleship; Following Jesus
(See background information below.)

Guide for Crossroads Community Group:

(Previously called Point of Light Group)

1. Welcome: Read the purpose of your group:

   Our goal is to grow as disciples of Jesus and to make disciples of other people by inviting them to our group. Each person here has the potential to start and be the leader of a new group and multiply God's kingdom.

2. Worship: Spend a few minutes singing a worship song. Show a video with the lyrics, such as 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord).

3. Review:

   1. What has God been telling you this week in your personal time with Him?
   2. How did you do with what you wanted to apply from last week?
   3. Who did you share what you learned last week with?
   4. Who did you invite to the group for this week?

4. Opening Question: What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus?

5. Introduction: Read the background information below.

6. Word: Read Matthew 4:18-25 aloud together. (Goal is that everyone understand the Bible story — keep at it until everyone knows the story.)

   1. What key (important) words do you see in these verses?
   2. Tell in your own words what happens in these verses.
   3. What are the details?
   4. What details can you add to what others in the group have said?

7. Discussion: Discuss the questions below together.

8. Application: For these questions, you may want to divide into two groups for males and females.

9. Prayer Time:

   • Pray for an empty chair, representing new people you want to join the group. Think of specific people to pray for by name.

   • Divide into two groups for males and females to pray for the needs of the members of the group.

10. Looking Ahead:

    • Assign group members to do different parts of the meeting as you prepare them (opening question; prayer time; read background info; lead group).

    • Ask each person the name of someone they will invite to the group for next week.
      

Background Information

These verses take place in the very beginning of Jesus ministry. Jesus starts His ministry by calling people to follow Him as His disciples. In verse 19 we see 3 characteristics of a follower of Jesus. First, they make a decision to follow Jesus and make Him the priority of their lives. Second, they allow Jesus to transform or change them (Jesus says, "I will make you fishers of men”). Third, they have a new purpose for their lives—to fish for people, which means to make other disciples.

Then they see what Jesus is doing in verses 23-25: healing broken people; destroying the work of Satan; and telling the good news that they can be saved and become followers of Jesus also.

Key Verse: "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." —Jesus in Matthew 4:19

THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE: Matthew 4:18-25

Discussion Questions

1. What new thing did you discover in the story or verses that you did not know before?

2. What did you learn about God (Father, Jesus or Holy Spirit) from the story?

3. What do you learn about people from the story?

4. What important lessons for us do you see in this story?

5. What will you take away from this discussion?

6. What will you do with what you have learned? (make sure everyone answers this)

7. As a result of this study, what do you need to stop doing?

8. As a result of this study, what do you need to start doing?

Commitment — Obedience — Application

1. Jesus taught you this today because someone in your life needs to hear it. Who in your circle of relationships will you share what you have learned through this study?

2. What specifically will you commit to apply in your life from this study?