Winter Quarter: Unit II, Lesson 6 – Teachers

As a result of experiencing this lesson, you should be able to do these things:

• Contemplate the story of the miraculous catch of fish.
• Reflect on Simon’s changing attitude toward Jesus as the story progresses.
• Hear Jesus’ instructions and eagerly obey them.

Answering (verse 5)—Greek: apokrinomai (ap-ok-ree’-nom-ahee): to answer, reply, take up the conversation; “answered” (NIV).

Astonished (verse 9)—Greek: thambeó (tham-beh’-o): to be astonished, amazed; amazement.

Hear (verse 1)—Greek: akouó (ak-oo’-o): to hear, learn; “listening” (NIV).

Multitude (verse 6)—Greek: pléthos (play’-thos): a great number; “large number” (NIV).

Taught (verse 3)—Greek: didaskó (did-as’-ko): was taught, directed, admonished.

Was standing (verse 1)—Greek: histémi (his’-tay-mee): was made to stand; “stood” (KJV).

• Refer to the Townsend Press SS Commentary Teacher’s Edition for an additional lesson plan—with word studies, insights on teaching adults, learner matrices, etc.
• Review last week’s student assignments (“Your Life” and Your World!”).
• Thoroughly review your student book for your adult or young adult class.
• Please note that you have the option of using your subscription bundle supplements, i.e., Lesson Scenario, Student Activity Sheet, SSL-AAG Listener and Answer Sheets, etc.

People seek significance and purpose. Are we on earth just to eke out a living, or can we be part of something greater? Jesus called Simon and his cohorts to follow Him and find fulfillment in doing the work of God’s kingdom.

As adults, we are used to working to earn a living. In fact, we are taught early to work and make a living. It is an expectation. Most of us were told to go to school, get an education, and get a good job. This tradition was a basic reminder to work—at school and in our careers. We were also often reminded of the Bible verse that states, “If any would not work, neither should he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Most hope to accomplish something significant in their lives. While many are satisfied enough to work for the money, regardless of what they do to get it, others gain enjoyment from work with a meaningful purpose or positive impact. Charismatic leaders and the movements they inspire often encourage people to work harder. Young people often idolize celebrities and popularity; but, with maturity, people regard others for the meaning, substance, and impact of their work rather than the hype surrounding it. Answering an opportunity to accomplish something important is exciting. And although many take it for granted, the privilege of doing meaningful work is a true blessing.

John records Jesus’ calling of a few disciples who had followed John the Baptist. John, Andrew, and Peter were among the first disciples Jesus called to follow Him (see John 1:35-42). The Scripture does not indicate whether these disciples later returned to their trade as fishermen, after the crucifixion of Jesus. The calling of the fishermen Peter, Andrew, James, and John is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels (see Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-22; Luke 5:1- 11). Jesus called disciples who were already busy demonstrating a positive work ethic. Jesus did not recruit idle or lazy persons to follow Him—He knew that the demands of full-time ministry were too important to be entrusted to those who would not embrace it with diligence and enthusiasm. Jesus called a small group of fishermen to leave their daily work to join Him in ministry and prepare for being sent out as apostles of Jesus (see Matthew 10; Mark 6:6-12; Luke 9:1-6). The same men whom Jesus empowered to preach, heal, and cast out devils were referred to as ordinary guys, “common, unlearned men,” by those who observed them right after the Day of Pentecost and marveled at their boldness (see Acts 4:13). Because of His unlimited power, the Lord can use anyone to make a great impact for the kingdom.

(Choose from the items below.)

1. What professional, personal, or church assignments have given you the feeling that you have a significant purpose in this world?
2. Who are the people you admire because of the substance of their life’s work?
3. Specifically, why do you admire them?

At some time in their lives, most able-bodied adults pursue a trade or vocation to support themselves and their families, and to provide a legacy for future generations. Many people, however, engage in legitimate, meaningful work in the home that does not provide financial compensation (e.g., mothering of young children, being a full-time housewife or caregiver, or serving in pastoral ministry for congregations that cannot support a significant salary, etc.). Work is one of the most productive uses of human time and ability; those who work change the world. Second Thessalonians 3:10 states that if a person is unwilling to work, then that person should not eat. Many people work and earn their livelihood doing the work of ministry or pursuing other secular occupations. We can glorify God in any honest labor. Jesus’ disciples left the security of their regular work to follow Jesus full time. We can be sure that none of them ever went hungry or stood lacking or needing anything that Jesus could not provide. Those who do not serve in full-time ministry work should find opportunities to participate in the work that gives glory to God, volunteering and serving others whenever they can. Christians should never be satisfied with only giving their tithes and offerings to support the ministry of the church. They should also freely give their time and talent to support God’s purposes on earth, using whatever spiritual and natural gift God has given them for His glory. We support God’s kingdom when we serve others and serve God with gladness of heart. The success of the ministry depends upon the labors of faithful servants of Jesus Christ who commit their time and resources to God’s priorities over personal pleasures.

Christians must be attentive and sensitive to the call of Jesus as we are serving Him. Those who understand that serving Jesus is an undeserved privilege serve Him with humility and with the best of their ability. God not only looks upon our accomplishes, but He also regards the attitude with which we serve Him and engage others as we sacrifice ourselves for the sake of the Gospel.

Luke 5:1-3

KJV

AND IT came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

NIV

ONE DAY as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God.

2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets.

3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

Jesus framed His calling of the first disciples within the context of a miracle they would never forget. While many imagine that serving God will give them position, power, and the praise of other people, many come to realize that answering God’s call to serve often means engaging in frustrating, difficult work that includes occasional failure—work that often goes unseen or unappreciated by others. But God sees and God remembers (see Hebrews 6:10). In the lesson text, a crowd gathered to hear Jesus teach beside the shores of Lake Gennesaret. Shouting and proclaiming Him to be “Christ, the Son of God” (Luke 4:41), they came with high hopes and expectations of His ministry to them. The Lake of Gennesaret is also known as the Sea of Galilee and the Sea of Tiberias. It is a large body of water, about thirteen miles long and eight miles wide, whose shoreline was surrounded by hills and numerous, heavily populated cities, such as Capernaum and Bethsaida, centers of the fishing industry. The lakefront provided an effective “amphitheater” for Jesus’ ministry. The gentle rising land along the shore offered good acoustics for such a large public gathering. Jesus maximized the advantage of the setting by transforming Simon Peter’s boat into a floating pulpit. Those who gathered to hear Jesus witnessed a sight like no other.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

(Please review the appropriate student lesson for related biblical exposition section.)

• Adult Question:

What are some other reasons why believers gather together if not to hear the Word of the Lord? What can we do to help?

• Young Adult Questions:

How important is the teaching ministry of the church? Share two ways in which the teaching ministry has supported your spiritual growth.

Luke 5:4-7

KJV

4  Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

5  And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

6  And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

NIV

4  When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

5  Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

6  When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.

7  So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

Jesus’ command to go out to the deep was confusing and contrary to the common fishing practice. At night, the fish came closer to the surface to find food. During the day, the fish went deeper to the cooler waters in the deeper parts of the lake. Simon Peter was an experienced fisherman and was skeptical of Jesus’ instructions to try again after he had labored all night, with no success. Nevertheless, Simon obeyed Jesus and took the boat out into the deep as Jesus had directed. Simon and the other fishermen did exactly as Jesus told them to do. When they did, something miraculous happened. They caught so many fish that their nets began to break. In fact, the catch of fish was so large that one boat could not contain it; the men had to call for help from fishermen in another boat. Never doubt what God is able to do in your life, when you submit to the task He has called you to accomplish. Do not give your attention to past failures or the likelihood of success; God can do the impossible. Even more amazing is that the real possibility of the call for other boats to come did not only include Simon’s fishing partners but possibly some rival fishermen as well. The blessings of the Lord and move of the Spirit can cause former rivals to become partners who share the load rather than selfishly hoard the overflow of what the Lord has done for them.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

(Please review the appropriate student book’s related biblical exposition section.)

• Adult Question:

Name some thoughts and hindrances that keep us from trusting God’s Word. How can we grow in obedience and trust?

• Young Adult Questions:

Have you ever sensed the Lord leading you to do something that seemed unlikely to succeed—where common sense said one thing, nevertheless you responded, “But if You say so, I will do it”?

Luke 5:8-11

KJV

8  When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

9  For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

10  And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

11  And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

NIV

8  When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”

9  For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken,

10  and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”

11  So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

The large gathering of fish proved that Jesus had spiritual power that transcended Peter’s years of natural experience in the fishing business, power far beyond what Peter could have imagined. The amount of fish that Jesus enabled the men to catch overshadowed any success they had accomplished in previous efforts at sea. This masterful demonstration of Jesus’ presence and authority caused Peter to view Jesus and himself in a different light. When we view ourselves in comparison to the glory of God, like Peter, we should declare our unworthiness: “Depart from me for I am sinful.” Jesus had performed an impossible task, yet He had opened the eyes of His future disciples to the possibility and power of God in an everyday situation. Peter recognized his unworthiness to stand in the presence of such greatness. Simon and his partners, James and John, had already become disciples of Jesus but had continued with their business. This encounter revealed a new dimension of Jesus’ greatness: He was more than the teacher who drew great crowds, and more than the healer who had ministered to Peter’s mother in-law (see Luke 4:38-39). Realizing that Peter was overwhelmed by the miracle, Jesus told Peter not to be afraid. Jesus was calling Peter to a life-changing assignment as one of His closest disciples. Without hesitating, Peter left his nets behind and followed Jesus. Peter’s actions and interactions show how God can use ordinary people for significant work for the glory of God.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

(Please review the appropriate student book’s related biblical exposition section.)

• Adult Question:

To do the significant work of God’s kingdom, what is it that you need to release and leave behind?

• Young Adult Questions:

Jesus has called His disciples to participate in catching people for Him. How does Jesus’ call to Simon apply to today’s believers?

• Refer to Adult Book

(See student lesson’s “Your Life” section.)

— This week, pause, pray, and worship God. Make an intentional effort to seek God for clarity of purpose in your life. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you into work that is significant, whether on your current job, as a community volunteer, within your family, or in service to the church. Whatever God leads you to do, trust Him and walk by faith.

(See student lesson’s “Your World!” section.)

— If you know what the Lord has called you to do, find others who share your passion. Jesus called the disciples into work with Him and with one another. He calls us to serve Him in community, not in isolation.

• Refer to Young Adult Book

(See student lesson’s “Your Life” section.)

— When Jesus calls, He does not wait until we have it all together. Jesus calls followers despite any shortcomings, doubts, and personal obligations. When you hear Him calling, do not just listen in fascination; obey Him.

(See student lesson’s “Your World!” section.)

— As Jesus’ followers, you have been called to catch others for the kingdom. You can catch people wherever you are and whatever you are doing. Simon’s call is the Lord’s call to every believer in every place, in every generation: “Come, follow me, . . . and I will send you out to fish for people” (Matthew 4:19, NIV).

The lesson topic for Sunday, January 17, 2021, is “Healing for the Whole Person.” The Devotional Reading is Psalm 103:1-14, and both the Background Scripture and the Printed Text are Mark 2:1-12.

Dear Lord, we are so unworthy of Your presence, yet You call us to service and enable us with everything we need to do Your will. Give us greater humility to submit to Your will as we trust You to transform us for Your glory. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

(January 11-17, 2021)

CALLED TO HEAL

MONDAY, January 11 “Peace and Healing Will Come” (Isaiah 57:14-21)
TUESDAY, January 12: “Healed by Christ’s Wounds” (1 Peter 2:18-25)
WEDNESDAY, January 13: “Canaanite Daughter Healed by Mother’s Faith” (Matthew 15:21-28)
THURSDAY, January 14: “Anoint Sick with Oil and Prayer” (James 5:13-16)
FRIDAY, January 15: “Woman Healed by Her Faith” (Mark 5:21-34)
SATURDAY, January 16: “The Sick Need a Physician” (Mark 2:13-17)
SUNDAY, January 17: “Jesus Heals and Forgives the Paralytic” (Mark 2:1-12)