Today we are kicking off a new series called 2.5. Two feet five inches is the length of an adult’s average walking step. We’re not focusing on literal “walking” as much as talking about what it means to “walk by faith and not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7) Spiritually speaking, what could be your “next step” as you commit to growing as a follower/disciple of Jesus Christ? Jesus’ invitation to His disciples becomes the invitation we hear as well: “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 

Matthew 4:18-25

18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. 21 And going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John His brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and He called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him.

23 And He went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. 24 So His fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought Him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and He healed them. 25 And great crowds followed Him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.

For Adult Homes & Groups

1. What age were you when you first remember becoming a believer and follower of Jesus Christ? Do you remember a time when your “walk with the Lord” became more intentional?  

2. Read Matthew 4:18-25. What insights or words jumped off the page or provoked a comment or question? 

3. Read also Luke’s version in Luke 5:1-10. What led the fishermen to leave their nets “at once and follow Jesus”? What was it that moved so many others to follow Jesus (see verses 24-25)? What would lead a person to follow Jesus today? 

4. Take some time to share your possible “next steps” in your Christian walk as a disciple of Jesus Christ who is called to Get the Life of Jesus through a personal relationship (worship, devotions, prayer), Experience the Life with Others (in a small group), or Give the Life Away (time, talents, and treasure) as you join Jesus on His mission. 

5. Take time to reflect on the good news of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. What good news (healing, forgiveness, freedom from the past) do you need most from God today? Close as you make those requests out loud to God in prayer for each other. 

For Families with Kids

1. Read Luke 5:1-11 together. To be a disciple of Jesus means we walk with Him in faith where He wants us to go. That also means we can use our imagination with Him. 

2. Answer these questions individually together to spark imagination and faith! If Jesus came to spend the day with you, what would you do with Him? What miracle would you like to see Jesus do? What is your favorite thing about Jesus? What is your favorite way to spend time with Jesus and learn about Him? What is your favorite way to worship Jesus?