Jesus picked out 12 Disciples

         Have you ever needed a helper? (Wait for answers.)

         How did you choose who you would get as a helper? (Wait for answers.)

         Today we will learn that Jesus also asked for help.

         Jesus had already started preaching to the people when he decided that it was already time for choosing His Disciples.

         Hey! What’s a “disciple” anyway? Disciples are “learners” and “helpers.” Some of them were fishermen and worked every day by a big lake in their boats. One of them was named Simon, who had a brother named Andrew. There were also two brothers named James and John.

         One day, Jesus was teaching the crowds of people down by the lake. There were so many people that they almost crowded Him into the water. So, Jesus hopped in Simon’s boat and asked him to push back from the edge of the land a little. From there it was easier for Jesus to talk to the crowds. Jesus finished his preaching and then started talking to Simon and his brother. He told them: “Come, follow me”!

         Matthew was a tax collector. He collected taxes outside the city of Capernaum. People who came by him had to pay taxes for average items they traded.

         At this time, Jesus was picking them as His first disciples and told them that from now on they would be fishers of men (like a little play on words… but Jesus meant it.) He didn’t mean that they would try and catch men like fish, but that they would be like Jesus, telling people all around how God loves us and cares for us.

         Jesus chose His disciples to be His helpers and also to learn all of the things He was to teach them about God, the Father. What an exciting thing to be chosen by Jesus to follow Him! The men left their nets and followed Jesus!!