Looking Back: The Day He Said 'Follow Me'
Month 3: Come, Follow Me · Family Worship
Today's Scripture
Read together: John 1:43; Mark 1:17; Luke 5:11
43 The next day Jesus decided to set out for Galilee. Finding Philip, He told him, “Follow Me.” — John 1:43
17 “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” — Mark 1:17
11 And when they had brought their boats ashore, they left everything and followed Him. — Luke 5:11
Memory Verse
““Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.””— Mark 1:17 (BSB)
📖 Bible-in-a-Year (optional)
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 21-23
Reading the whole Bible in a year — do this when you have extra time. (Around Day 89 of 365 — David's mighty men and his song of deliverance.)The Heart of It
A whole month ago we stood with John the Baptist. He pointed and said, "Behold the Lamb of God!" Tonight let's look back over the trail Jesus walked. To Philip He said two small, world-changing words: "Follow Me" (). To fishermen mending their nets He promised, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men" (). And after the boat-sinking catch, those same men "forsook all and followed Him" (). It was one invitation, given again and again, to one person at a time. And ordinary lives turned completely around.
Notice what Jesus did not say. He didn't say, "Get your life cleaned up, then follow Me." He didn't say, "Be smart enough, brave enough, holy enough first." He simply said, "Follow." Then He offered to do the making Himself. That is grace. His kindness reaches out before we have anything to offer. But notice this too. The men still had to answer. They could have stayed in the boat. In fact, some people did walk away from Jesus (). These men left their nets because they said yes with their feet. Following Jesus is always like that. His call comes first, and then a real choice follows. Tonight, as a family, we get to keep saying yes.
Around the Table
Jesus looked at people and said, "Follow Me!" And they got up and went with Him. He says it to us too.
Let's do it: Play follow-the-leader around the room. Then say together: "Jesus, we follow You!"
Jesus called Philip, then fishermen, then a whole boatful of men, one by one. He always invites. We always get to answer.
Let's talk: What is one way our family has followed Jesus this past month?
Jesus called people before they had cleaned themselves up. But they still had to say yes and leave their nets. Grace comes first, and then a real choice follows.
Let's go deeper: Why is "Follow Me" both a gift and a decision? What might Jesus be asking you to leave behind in the boat?
💬 Conversation Starter
Imagine Jesus walked up while you were doing your favorite thing and said, "Follow Me." What would be the hardest thing to put down and leave behind?
🛡️ Defending the Faith
Some say the disciples were just brainwashed followers. But the Gospels show men who asked hard questions, who doubted, and who even argued. Yet they still chose to follow once they saw who Jesus was. Faith in Jesus has never meant switching off your mind. It means following the One you have good reason to trust ().
For Dad · Go Deeper
A month of "Follow Me" is worth pausing over. Discipleship is not a single dramatic moment. It's a direction you walk daily. Jesus called the same men more than once. There was a first meeting (), then a call by the sea (), then a deeper call after the great catch (). Following is layered. The Lord keeps inviting us further in. That should free you as a father. You don't have to expect one perfect "conversion night" for your kids. Instead, you can lead them on a long obedience in the same direction. So ask yourself honestly. In what area am I still standing in the boat, admiring Jesus but not yet leaving the net? Your children will follow a father who is himself following.
Draws on: Eugene Peterson, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction.
Let's Pray Together
"Father, thank You that Jesus came looking for us and said, 'Follow Me.' Tonight, as a family, we say yes again. Give us the courage to let go of anything that holds us back. Help us follow You all our days. In Jesus' name, amen."
Jesus called me before I had it all together. Following Him is a yes I get to say again today.