Part 1: The Work Begins

Matthew 4:17-19

As the morning sun rose over the ancient land, whispers of a new beginning stirred in the countryside. Jesus, recently baptized, embarked on his mission. Filled with purpose and determination, he journeyed through the cities, ready to share the good news of God's love.

With each step, Jesus searched for hearts ready to hear, and for anyone, young or old, willing to accept His invitation to embrace a brand new way of living.

Part 2: The Calling of the First Disciples

Matthew 4:18-20

One day, by the sandy shores of the Sea of Galilee, where the air was filled with the salty scent of the sea breeze, Jesus spotted two fishermen. One was named Simon, which is a funny name that means “a reed wavering in the wind.” He was with his brother Andrew. They were hardworking young men, not older than eighteen.

They may not have been the best students in their school, but Simon and Peter had their own expertise. They knew nets, bait, boats, and waves. On that day, as they cast their nets into the waters in search of their next catch, they were unaware of the watchful eyes of someone on the shore.

Sensing the hidden potential within these young fishermen, Jesus approached them. His voice was strong and clear, saying, "Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of people!".

Simon and Andrew looked up from their work and saw the stranger with an unwavering gaze. This man’s eyes were somehow strong and gentle. The brothers immediately placed their trust in this man Jesus. Irresistibly drawn to his call, they abandoned their nets and followed him, embracing a life that would soon change the world.

Part 3: The Calling of James and John

Matthew 4:21-22

Not far from where Simon and Andrew had been fishing, two other brothers worked by the water. Their names were James and John, sons of a fisherman named Zebedee. These brothers were known to be a little wild. Actually, very wild. So wild they had earned the nickname "Sons of Thunder" because when they got excited it was like a a thunderstorm rolling through.

James and John were busy fixing their fishing nets with their dad when they saw Jesus approaching with Simon and Andrew. It was clear that something special was happening.

Jesus walked up to their docked boat, stopped and looked directly at James and John with that look. After a moment of quiet staring he smiled and said "Come, follow me," just as he had said to Simon and Andrew.

Feeling a powerful stirring deep in their hearts, they knew they couldn't ignore the invitation to join this extraordinary man in whatever it was he was about to do.

Without hesitation, James and John left their dad, their boat, and their nets behind and followed Jesus, joining their fellow fishermen in this new adventure. Their lives, too, would be transformed as they became part of something much bigger than they could have ever imagined.

Part 4: Gathering More Followers

Matthew 9:9-13; Luke 6:12-16

In the days and months that followed, Jesus continued to gather more followers. Among them was Matthew, a tax collector, someone who wasn't even liked by most people. He left his job to follow Jesus, who showed him kindness when others wouldn't. There were also the passionate Simon the Zealot, the devoted Philip, and the faithful Bartholomew.

One night, under the vast, starry sky, Jesus climbed a nearby mountain to pray. He sought God's guidance in choosing the individuals who would become his closest allies. After hours of prayer and communion with his Father, Jesus selected twelve men, known as the twelve apostles, to stand by his side as he set out to share the message of the Good News.

These twelve disciples—Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot—were not the strongest, brightest, bravest, or even kindest. They were simply the ones who said “yes” when Jesus showed up in their lives.

Together, they would travel from town to town, sharing meals with each other and the incredible news of God's love and forgiveness with anyone who would listen. They’d spend their days witnessing firsthand the life-changing power of faith in this man Jesus.