I Wonder
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
1 Jesus was standing on the shore of Lake Gennesaret, teaching the people as they crowded around him to hear God's message. 2 Near the shore he saw two boats left there by some fishermen who had gone to wash their nets. 3 Jesus got into the boat that belonged to Simon and asked him to row it out a little way from the shore. Then Jesus sat down in the boat to teach the crowd. 4 When Jesus had finished speaking, he told Simon, “Row the boat out into the deep water and let your nets down to catch some fish.” 5 “Master,” Simon answered, “we have worked hard all night long and have not caught a thing. But if you tell me to, I will let the nets down.” 6 They did this and caught so many fish that their nets began ripping apart. 7 Then they signaled for their partners in the other boat to come and help them. The men came, and together they filled the two boats so full that they both began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this happen, he knelt down in front of Jesus and said, “Lord, don't come near me! I am a sinner.” 9 Peter and everyone with him were completely surprised at all the fish they had caught. 10 His partners James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were surprised too. Jesus told Simon, “Don't be afraid! From now on you will bring in people instead of fish.” 11 The men pulled their boats up on the shore. Then they left everything and went with Jesus.
Luke 5:1-11
Memory Verse
Psalm 19:1
1
When you’re interested in something, do you daydream about it? Maybe you imagine you’re seeing elephants splash in the water or that you’re running a sprint in the Olympic Games. When you daydream, your mind fills with wonder. Wonder is the excitement we feel. But we can also continue to wonder by stretching our minds to learn about new things! We can wonder by listening to others and soaking up as much information as possible. We can ask people questions about their lives and experiences and be interested in what they say.
Jesus’ friends were filled with wonder when they witnessed his miracles and teachings. When he told stories, he painted a picture in their imaginations of a better world where there would be no more pain or sadness, a world where people with their whole hearts would love God and love their neighbors. When his friends listened to Jesus speak, they listened carefully to every word. Maybe they closed their eyes and pictured the stories of the shepherd looking for his lost sheep and the tall plants that grew when the farmer planted his seeds on good soil.
Next time you read or listen to a Bible story, try hearing it with wonder. Explore and research what the mountains and seas in Israel look like. Put yourselves in the shoes of Jesus’ friends. Imagine how they felt when they first met Jesus and how fast their hearts beat when they saw Jesus do miracles right before their eyes. When you are interested in the Bible and see it with wonder, you’ll find yourself filled with a wonderful excitement to learn more and more!
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for my sense of wonder. I’m excited to learn more about you by listening to the Bible and asking questions. Help me to listen to others and learn more about your world. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.Related Resources
Areo Keller-Donahue
As soon as Areo could pick up a popsicle stick, she was making puppets and putting on plays that shared her faith with her neighbors. Areo grew up with a strong interest in musical theatre and earned her BFA at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Areo was led to use artistic gifts to share the gospel with young ones, and she became involved in ministry. She has worked in children's ministry at Redeemer Upper West Side and North Way Christian Community and is currently developing a musical live-action series that celebrates faith and fun. Areo and her husband live in Pittsburgh, where they enjoy spending time with their families and adorable cat, Daisy.