Young Adults Bible Study – Lesson 7: Jesus and the Disciples

Bible Passage: Luke 5:1–11; Matthew 9:9–13

Historical Background & Context

Leaders Deep Dive - For the Leader
Jesus began His public ministry not alone, but by forming a community—disciples who would follow Him, learn from
Him, and later represent Him (Luke 6:13–16). The calling of the disciples marks a turning point in the Gospels, shifting
from preparation to active mission (Mark 1:16–20). In Luke 5, Jesus calls fishermen—Simon Peter, James, and John—
after a miraculous catch of fish. In Matthew 9, He calls a tax collector named Matthew (also known as Levi). These were
ordinary men, not religious elites. Fishermen were rough labourers, and tax collectors were despised collaborators with
Rome (Blomberg, Matthew, 1992). Yet Jesus chose them. The radical call to “follow Me” (Luke 5:10; Matthew 9:9)
meant leaving behind jobs, security, and familiar identities. But Jesus didn’t merely call them to walk behind Him—He
invited them into a life of relationship, transformation, and kingdom purpose (France, Matthew, 2007). These stories
reveal both the authority of Jesus—whose word commands obedience—and the grace of Jesus—who calls the unlikely.
The disciples’ immediate and total response models trust, surrender, and mission. This calling also demonstrates both
divine initiative and human response. As Jesus later reminded them, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you” (John
15:16). The grace of God is evident in His calling of the unworthy and His power to awaken faith through His word
(France, 2007). Discipleship, then, is not simply listening to teachings or observing miracles—it is life-altering. The
fishermen left behind their boats and nets; Matthew left behind wealth and reputation. In both cases, following Jesus
brought identity change and kingdom direction (Wright, Luke for Everyone, 2004). Moreover, Jesus redefines holiness.
By eating with tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9:10–11), He shows that the kingdom of God is not reserved for the
self-righteous, but is open to the humble and repentant. His mercy challenges religious boundaries and extends grace to
those on the margins (Blomberg, 1992; cf. Hosea 6:6).

Word Study
• Temptation (πειρασμός – peirasmos) – This Greek word can mean both “testing” and “temptation.” God
allows testing to refine our faith (Genesis 22:1), while Satan tempts with intent to destroy (James 1:13–15).
Jesus' experience shows that testing can lead to spiritual victory (Louw & Nida, 1988).
• “It is Written” (γέγραπται – gegraptai) – This perfect passive verb stresses the enduring authority of
Scripture. Jesus, though the Son of God, relied on the written Word, modeling complete dependence on it
(France, 2007).
• Obedience (ὑπακοή – hypakoē) – Literally “to listen under.” Jesus obeys perfectly where Israel failed
(Romans 5:19), showing that true righteousness involves submission and alignment with God’s will (Strong,
2007).
• Son of God (υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ – huios tou Theou) – Satan challenges Jesus to prove His Sonship through self-
serving acts. But Jesus demonstrates true sonship through obedience and trust (Blomberg, 1992).
• Worship (προσκυνέω – proskyneō) – To “bow down” or “pay homage.” Satan offers Jesus kingdoms without
the cross, but Jesus refuses shortcuts, choosing costly obedience instead (Matthew 4:10; Bruce, 1983).

Cross-References
• Mark 1:16–20 – Parallel calling of Simon, Andrew, James, and John.
• John 1:35–51 – Initial encounters between Jesus and early followers.
• Luke 6:12–16 – List of the twelve disciples.
• Hosea 6:6 – “I desire mercy, not sacrifice…”
• 1 Corinthians 1:26–29 – God chooses the weak and lowly to shame the strong.

Key Takeaway: Why Does This Matter?

• Jesus Calls the Ordinary – He chooses fishermen and tax collectors—not scholars or priests. God can use
anyone (1 Corinthians 1:26–29).
• Following Means Leaving – Discipleship demands surrender—of security, identity, and control (Luke 5:11).
• Mercy over Religion – Jesus values compassion, not outward performance (Matthew 9:13).
• You Are Called – Every believer is invited to follow Jesus, be shaped by Him, and join His mission (Matthew
28:19).

Key Takeaway: Jesus’ call is personal, powerful, and costly. But those who follow Him find purpose,
transformation, and grace.
 1. Introduction
Young Adults Bible Study – Lesson 7: Jesus and the Disciples
Jesus began His ministry not alone, but by calling ordinary people to walk with Him. Fishermen, a tax collector—
unlikely individuals were invited into a life-changing journey. Today’s lesson invites us to consider what it means to
be called by Jesus: to follow Him, to be changed by Him, and to join His mission. Let’s explore how the stories of
Peter, James, John, and Matthew reveal Jesus’ authority, grace, and the radical nature of discipleship.

4x -Model (Passage, Part, Point, Practice): Read a Passage, which Part sticks out, identify the
key-Point, find a way to Practice it in daily life.

SPECS Model (Sin, Promise, Example, Command, Service): As you read, look for a Sin to
confess, Promise to claim, Example to follow, Command to obey, and an area to Serve.

2. Bible Reading
• assage – Luke 5:1–11; Matthew 9:9–13

• art – Which part of the passage did the Holy Spirit highlight.
• oint – What is the main point or lesson from this part.

3. Discussion Questions
1. What stands out to you about the kinds of people Jesus called to follow Him?
2. Why do you think the disciples responded so quickly and completely?
3. How does Jesus’ call to Matthew (a tax collector) speak to God’s grace?
4. What might it look like for you to “leave your nets” or “get up from the booth” in your life today?
5. How does following Jesus change your identity and purpose?

4. Personal Reflection
Take a moment to reflect on today’s lesson. Use the SPECS model to guide your thoughts:
• S – Is there sin to confess?
• P – Is there a promise from God I can claim?
• E – What example can I follow?
• C – What command should I obey?
• S – Where can I serve God or my community today?

Write down your insights and a personal action step to ractice what you've learned. Write down a verse to
memorize and a personal action step you’ll take to resist temptation this week.

5. Closing Thoughts & Prayer

Reflection:
Jesus calls the unlikely, the ordinary, and even the outcast. His call changes everything—not just what we do,
but who we are. Following Him is not a one-time moment, but a daily response to His grace and purpose.

Called by Grace – You don’t earn the call; it’s Jesus who sees and chooses you.
Responding in Faith – The disciples left everything. What might God be calling you to leave or change?
Discipleship is Mission – Following Jesus always leads to joining His work in the world.

Prayer
References

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV). Crossway Bibles, 2016.

France, R.T. The Gospel of Matthew (NICNT). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2007.

Blomberg, Craig L. Matthew (The New American Commentary, Vol. 22). Nashville: B&H
Publishing, 1992.

Marshall, I. Howard. The Gospel of Luke: A Commentary on the Greek Text. Grand Rapids:
Eerdmans, 1978.

Wright, N.T. Luke for Everyone. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2004.

Louw, Johannes P., & Eugene A. Nida. Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based on
Semantic Domains. New York: United Bible Societies, 1988.

Köstenberger, Andreas J., & Robert W. Yarbrough. Understanding the New Testament: A Guide
for Pastors and Students. Wheaton: Crossway, 2014.