Pull Up A Chair – Day Four

Personal Reflection and Discussion

1. Who are two people, whether friends or family of yours, you think should meet someday simply because they would get along  so wonderfully? 
2. Andrew was the first disciple to do something  extraordinary.  Some would say it’s the most difficult.  He was first. He was the first to sign up and the first to have others meet with Jesus, the first invite was extended to the man who was used to write the words we use to allow others to meet Jesus still today.  What firsts do you find to be the most amazing, whether it was first to try or first to do successfully?
3. When you hear the word “disciple,” what thoughts and feelings do you have?
4. A disciple was/is someone who is learning from a master – learning to do what the master does with the same heart, mind and skill of the master. What did that mean for John’s disciples? …Jesus’ disciples? …us as disciples? (see Jn 13:34-35; Jn 14:12; Eph 3:20; Eph 4:32; Phil 2:3-8; 1 Jn 3:16)?
5. Where is Jesus? When Andrew and friend spent the day with Jesus, what do you think they saw, heard and did? If we are to truly follow Him, where will we be and what will we be doing? …doing as He does?
6. To what extent/degree are you actually following and/or willing to follow Jesus?
7. What do you think Andrew meant when he told Peter that they have found the Messiah? What do you think Peter heard in those words?
8. Andrew introduced his brother to Jesus. To what degree is our responsibility one of introducing people to Jesus?
9. Do you spend most of your time “teaching people about Jesus” or “introducing people to Jesus” and how do you differentiate the two?  
10. Why do you think Jesus answered the way he did in verse 39?  How could this response differ from simply just letting them know where He was going

Prayer

Jesus, like Andrew, our job is not so much to teach people “about” You as much as it is to “bring/introduce people to You” in order that they might know and grow in a living relationship with You. It is my prayer that You so use me today. (Mk 5:19; Jn 4:39-42; Acts 1:8; Ro 10:14-17)

Greek Word of the Day

English Word: Teacher | Transliterated Word: didaskalos

An instructor.  During these times, a teacher, or rabbi, was taught not only through lectures, but also were followed by the students who fully immersed themselves in the livelihood of their rabbi. 

Family Engagement Activity

Teach your family skill you’ve never taught them before but without using any words.  Invite them to teach someone else (but they can use words).  Answer together how hands-on/immersion teaching has some benefit over lecture-based teaching.  Talk about how Jesus came down to dwell with us, teaching us as he lived rather than solely using lecture-based practices to teach his people.  Maybe ask your student to teach you something they might be more skilled at than you.  Consider making a list together of other things you can learn from each other through hands-on/immersion teaching.

OR

Play “First To”  as a family!  Sit down and have your family write out 5 things that everyone can do at the house (as fairly as possible).  There are examples below.  Put each idea on one slip of paper.  Fold the paper and put it into a hat.  Then comes the fun!  Have someone pick a piece of paper, read it outloud, while the others race to do that one thing.  Whoever does it first, wins a point.  Go until a certain number has been achieved or until you are out of paper.  Maybe award higher points for more difficult challenges or awards for second and third! 

Explain how important it was that Andrew thought Jesus valuable enough to become a disciple even though no one else was ready yet.  Talk about the difficulties in deciding to do the right thing when no one else is doing it.  Then, talk about how it’s the best thing that probably ever happened to Andrew. 

Examples for the game: First to clean their room, bring back a penny, do 20 push ups, hug a parent, paint a picture for a loved one, fold all their clothes (if laundry needs attention), find something in scripture.

Going Activities To Consider

“And He brought Him to Jesus”.   Today, if you don’t already ave someone with whom you are intentionally meeting Jesus together, consider who God is calling you to meet with Him and proactively make that conversation begin.   You don’t have to take someone to Church to have them find Jesus.  While bringing someone to Church is a kind gesture and could be a valuable witness,  know that you are filled with the same Holy Spirit to BE THE CHURCH wherever you witness Christ!  Tell them about your relationship with Christ.  Tell of your relationship like you would talk about other people you love, but let them know why Christ stands out above all names.  Be real with people!  How was he active in a struggle, in a victory.  How was He a game changer this past week?  What have you seen him do?  Andrew’s witness wasn’t anything special but it became extraordinary as he was used to bring a simple fisherman to be transformed into the person that would witness to us through scripture 2,000 years ago.  And remember, you aren’t responsible for any conversion that may or may not take place  (and you don’t want to be).  Jesus might be gifting you the ability to be a part of another’s story as we join Jesus on His mission.   He wants us to cause a meeting.

OR/AND 

In and journal, write down the different ways Jesus has tried to teach you something that involved another believer walking through a learning process rather than just telling you how to do something.  Thank that friend today.  

OR 

If you felt that Jesus was with you walking through a difficult life lesson, write THAT story down.  Maybe even consider telling a close friend or mentor this testimony of how Christ transformed you through that experience.