INTRODUCTION

PETER AND ANDREW MEET JESUS

Bible Point:

Jesus is our friend.

Key Verse:

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

Big Picture:

Learn how to grow in your friendship with Jesus and help others to know the love of Jesus.

Peter and Andrew Meet Jesus

John 1:35-42

Friends mean a lot. You notice who’s close, who’s drifting apart, and who’s feeling left out. Friendships are becoming a big part of your life as you start to grow more independent. This week, you’ll explore what it means to have a real friendship with Jesus, a friendship that grows stronger every day. You’ll also learn how that friendship can shape the way you treat and care for your other friends.

PLANTING THE SEED

John the Baptist was telling people some pretty amazing things. One day as Jesus walked by, John said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” Two of John’s disciples heard what John said, so they started following Jesus instead. They must have figured if John said Jesus was the one to follow, it was a good idea to follow him! Jesus turned around and asked what they wanted. Then he invited them to spend some time with Him. The Bible doesn’t tell us what was said when they were together, but it must have been awesome! One of the disciples, Andrew, went to tell his brother Simon about Jesus. In fact, Andrew was so excited, he told Simon they had found the Messiah and took Simon to meet Jesus right away. When Jesus saw Simon, he changed Simon’s name to Peter (which means “rock”). But that’s not all— Jesus changed Peter’s life! (John 1:35-42)

• How has knowing Jesus changed your life?

• Why is it important to show others Jesus’ love? Family Fun

• What’s hard about talking about Jesus? How can you make it easier?

FAMILY FUN

As a family, make a list of each family member’s friends. Then write reasons why each of those people is a friend, such as “Amy listens” or “Bob helps me.” Then talk about how Jesus is our friend. Do that by substituting the name of Jesus for the people’s names on the reasons why they’re friends. For example, instead of “Amy listens,” say “Jesus listens.” Instead of “Bob helps me,” say “Jesus helps me.” You’ll find that Jesus shows almost every quality of a human friendship—and a lot more. Post your list of how Jesus is your friend on your refrigerator or other place everyone can see it. Every day look at the list and choose one of Jesus’ friendship qualities and thank Him for it. Jesus is your friend!

READY, SET, GROW!

Help others know Jesus as a friend this week:

• Write down all the ways you can think of that God shows friendship to you. As you write them down, thank God for each one of those ways. Then share what you’ve learned with someone else.

• Take time to just listen to someone this week, and build a relationship with that person. Ask questions, listen to that person’s story, and pray for them. Be a Jesus kind of friend to that person.

• Deliver the invitation you made, and invite your friend to join you for church the next time you come.