Jesus’ life

When Jesus grew up, he began to teach. He said God’s kingdom had come near. He told people to turn away from their sins and believe the good news.

One day Jesus walked by a lake called the Sea of Galilee. He saw Simon and his brother Andrew fishing with a net. Jesus said, “Come and follow me. I will send you out to fish for people.” He meant they would help bring people to God. Straight away, they left their nets and went with him. James and John left their boat to follow him too.

One evening, Jesus and his followers were crossing the lake in a boat. Jesus was asleep on a cushion when a wild storm blew up. Waves crashed over the boat. His followers woke him and asked, “Don’t you care if we drown?” Jesus told the wind and waves, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind stopped, and all was calm. His followers asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Jesus made many sick people well, so thousands followed him. A boy had five small loaves and two small fish. How could that feed them all? Jesus thanked God and handed out the food. It was a miracle! Everyone had plenty, and there were twelve baskets of leftovers.

Once, people brought little children to Jesus. His followers told them off. That made Jesus angry with his followers. “Let the little children come to me,” he said. “God’s kingdom belongs to people like them.” Then he held the children in his arms and blessed them.

So who is Jesus? He is God’s own Son. He is God too! He showed people what God is like: powerful, kind and welcoming. Soon he would give his life to rescue people from sin.