Bible Reading: Matthew 4:18–22; Mark 1:16–20; Luke 5:1–11

“Come, Follow Me”

As Jesus walked along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon Peter and Andrew. They were fishermen, busy casting their nets into the water.

Jesus smiled and said,

“Come, follow me, and I will teach you to help gather people into God’s family.”

Peter and Andrew trusted Jesus. They left their nets and followed him.

A little farther down the shore, Jesus met two more brothers, James and John. They were repairing their fishing nets with their father.

Jesus called them too.

Without hesitation, they joined him.

As time went on, Jesus invited more friends to follow him. Some were fishermen. One, named Matthew, collected taxes. Others came from different towns and different walks of life.

Jesus did not choose the richest, the strongest, or the most famous people.

He chose ordinary people with willing hearts.

Together they traveled from village to village. They learned from Jesus, helped people in need, shared meals, prayed together, and discovered what God’s kingdom of love looked like.

Jesus welcomed everyone who wanted to learn—children and grown-ups, rich and poor, those who felt important and those who felt forgotten.

He showed that there is always room for another friend in God’s family.

What Can We Learn?

Jesus invites ordinary people to do extraordinary things through love. We don’t have to be perfect to follow Jesus—we simply need open hearts that are ready to love and serve others.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Invite someone to join you today. Include someone in a game, sit with someone who is alone, or welcome a new person with a smile.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for inviting us to follow Jesus. Help us welcome others with kindness, make new friends, and share Your love wherever we go.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“Come, follow me.” — Matthew 4:19