Discipleship Pathway: Jesus Calls His Disciples

DISCIPLESHIP LESSON – THE WAY – WEEK 2

Encountering Jesus

1. Jesus calls His disciples
2. Some were introduced by others John 1:40-42, John 1:45-46

• What did Andrew do?
• What did Philip do?

2. Some were directly called by Jesus. John1:43, Matt.9:9

• Who did Jesus call directly, without a human mediator?

3. Some responded after witnessing a miracle. Luke 5:4-11

• Which disciples were moved to follow Jesus after seeing His power at work?

4. Some started skeptical but were convinced by Jesus. John 1:46-49

• Who was skeptical at first but changed after encountering Jesus?

5. What does this teach us about how Jesus calls people today?

• Jesus calls people in different ways—some gradually, some instantly, some through others, and some through personal encounters or miracles.

1. How did encountering Jesus changed their lives?
2. They moved from ordinary lives to a divine calling.

Matthew 4:18-22 – Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, and John while they were fishing.

• Before Jesus: They were working-class men, focused on daily survival.
• After Jesus: They left their nets immediately to become “fishers of men.”

2. They went from fearful to bold.

John 20:19 → Acts 2:14 – The disciples were afraid and hiding after Jesus’ crucifixion.

• Before Jesus’ resurrection: They ran away in fear (Mark 14:50).
• After Jesus’ resurrection & Pentecost: They boldly preached, even under threat of death.

3. They shifted from being self-focused to serving others

Mark 10:35-45 – James and John once asked for positions of power in Jesus’ kingdom.

• Before Jesus: They were concerned about personal status.
• After Jesus: They learned that true greatness comes through servanthood.

4. They moved from doubt to strong faith.

John 20:24-29 – Thomas doubted the resurrection until he saw Jesus for himself.

• Before Jesus: He refused to believe unless he had proof.
• After Jesus: He declared, “My Lord and my God!”

5. They went from being disciples to making disciples.

Matthew 28:19-20 – Jesus commanded them to make disciples of all nations.

• Before Jesus: They were learners, following Jesus’ teachings.
• After Jesus: They became leaders, teachers, and church planters—taking the gospel worldwide.

III. What does Spiritual Transformation look like in the lives of believers today?

1. A new identity in Christ

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new is here!”

• Before Transformation: Finding identity in achievements, relationships, or past mistakes.
• After Transformation: Understanding that your identity is secure in Christ as a child of God.

2. A renewed mindset

Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

• Before Transformation: Thinking according to the world—fear, negativity, selfish ambition.
• After Transformation: A renewed way of thinking—faith, hope, gratitude, and Christ-centered priorities.

3. A changed heart & character

Galatians 5:22-23 – The fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

• Before Transformation: Struggles with anger, selfishness, impatience.
• After Transformation: A growing ability to love, forgive, and show grace.

4. A desire to follow God’s will

Luke 9:23 – “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

• Before Transformation: Seeking personal comfort and self-interest.
• After Transformation: A willingness to surrender to God’s plan, even when it’s difficult.

5. A passion for sharing the gospel

Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go and make disciples of all nations…”

• Before Transformation: Faith is personal and private.
• After Transformation: A growing boldness to share the love of Christ with others.

6. A life of spiritual growth

Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

• Before Transformation: Stagnation, going through the motions.
• After Transformation: Ongoing growth through prayer, Bible study, and obedience.

Discussion Questions A:

1. In John 1:40-42 and John 1:45-46, we see that some disciples met Jesus through the testimony of others. How can we actively introduce people to Jesus today?
2. Nathanael was skeptical at first but changed after encountering Jesus (John 1:46-49). What are some modern-day obstacles to faith, and how can we help those who struggle with doubt                       The Disciples’ Transformation

Discussion Questions B:

1. Peter, Andrew, James, and John left their jobs immediately to follow Jesus (Matthew 4:18-22). What does it mean for us to “leave our nets” to follow Jesus today?
2. The disciples went from being fearful (John 20:19) to boldly preaching the gospel (Acts 2:14). What does this transformation tell us about the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
3. What Does spiritual transformation look like in the lives of believers today?
4. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says that in Christ, we are a “new creation.” What are some signs that someone’s life has truly been transformed by Jesus?
5. Romans 12:2 speaks of the renewing of the mind. What are some practical ways believers can renew their minds daily?