Fishers of People: Jesus Calls Us
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Matthew 4:12-23
Wonder Truth
Jesus calls us to follow Him and share His good news.
Memory Verse
"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people." – Matthew 4:19
Lesson Image
Leader Prep
After John is put in prison, Jesus begins His ministry in Galilee, fulfilling the promise that light would shine in the land of darkness. He proclaims, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." Then He calls ordinary fishermen—Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John—to follow Him. They leave their nets at once. This passage shows that discipleship is both direction (follow Me) and purpose (fish for people). As you lead, invite children into the joy of following Jesus and helping others know Him.
Bible Background for Leaders
WHO: Jesus; Simon Peter and Andrew; James and John (sons of Zebedee); crowds in Galilee.
WHAT: Jesus proclaims the kingdom; calls first disciples; heals and teaches as news spreads.
WHERE: Galilee (Capernaum region) by the Sea of Galilee.
WHEN: Early in Jesus' public ministry, after John the Baptist is arrested.
WHY: To reveal the Light in Galilee and gather followers who will join His mission.
KEY TRUTHS: Jesus takes the lead; we respond immediately and progressively; our new purpose is to help people come to Jesus.
Volunteer Connection Tips
- Keep the tone invitational and courageous: Jesus calls real kids with real lives.
- Make "fishers of people" concrete: we do not catch people with nets; we love, listen, tell good news, and include others.
- Celebrate small next steps: prayer, kindness, inviting a friend, telling why you love Jesus.
Key Vocabulary
- Follow: Go where Jesus goes; learn from Him and obey His words.
- Kingdom: God's rule of love and rightness that Jesus brings.
- Fishers of People: Helpers who bring others to Jesus through love and good news.
- Bible (open during story)
- Lightweight "net" (yarn loop or mesh bag) and paper fish with words: kindness, invite, pray, help, listen
- Painter's tape footprints or footprint cutouts
- Heart poster titled "Follow Jesus"
- Index cards; crayons/markers; tape
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes to set footprints toward the story area and prepare paper fish.
Leader Prayer:
"Jesus, You called fishermen and You call us. Give me a ready heart and clear words so children hear Your invitation today. Amen."
Curiosity
Welcome Question (displayed):
"What is a time you had to choose quickly? What helped you decide?"
Before Kids Arrive:
- Place footprint tape/cutouts leading to the teaching space.
- Set the yarn "net" and paper fish in a small tub nearby.
- Pray that kids will sense Jesus calling them personally.
"Follow the footprints to our circle! Today we hear Jesus call friends to follow Him with a new purpose."
Curiosity Activity – Net Toss
Purpose: Picture our mission in Jesus.
- Spread the paper fish on the floor. Each child gently tosses the yarn "net" to gather fish.
- Read the words on the fish together: kindness, invite, pray, help, listen.
- Say: "Following Jesus means using these actions to bring people to Him."
"Let's open the Bible and see how Jesus called His first followers."
Belief
Prayer of Invitation:
"Lord, help us hear Your call and follow You with joy. Amen."
Bible Time Rhyme (with motions)
"Open God's book, let's take a look!
God's Word is true, for me and you!"
Storytelling (Matthew 4:12–23)
- Jesus leaves Nazareth and lives in Capernaum by the lake, fulfilling Isaiah: people in darkness see a great light.
- He begins to preach: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."
- Walking by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus sees Simon (Peter) and Andrew casting a net. He says, "Come, follow Me, and I will send you out to fish for people." They leave their nets at once.
- He goes farther and calls James and John. They leave the boat and their father and follow Him.
- Jesus travels through Galilee teaching, proclaiming the good news, and healing—His fame spreads and many come to Him.
Object Moments – Footprints & Net
- Stand on the footprints: "Following means Jesus leads and we step after Him."
- Hold the net with a few paper fish: "Our new purpose is to bring people to Jesus with love and good news."
Discussion Prompts
- "Why do you think the fishermen followed Jesus right away?"
- "What do you think 'fish for people' means for us?"
- "Where do you see Jesus' light at school or home?"
"Our truth today is: Jesus calls us to follow Him and share His good news. He gives us a new direction and a new purpose."
Teach with motions:
- Hand beckoning ("Come")
- Two fingers walk ("follow me")
- Cast an imaginary net ("fish for people")
Faith
Help kids name simple next steps: pray daily, read one Gospel story, show kindness, invite a friend, serve at church or home.
- "What is one way you can follow Jesus today?"
- "Who could you invite to sit with you at church or school?"
- "How can you show Jesus' love to someone in your family?"
- "What is one habit you could leave behind to follow Jesus better?"
- "What is one habit you could start to follow Jesus more closely?"
- "Who is a friend you can pray for or invite this week?"
Interactive Faith Response – One Next Step
- Give each child an index card. Title: "My Next Step."
- Kids write or draw one step to follow Jesus (pray, read, help, invite, tell the truth).
- Place cards around the "Follow Jesus" heart poster and pray silently.
"Jesus gives us courage to take that next step and to share His love with others."
Identity
Craft – Fish Badge
Supplies: Fish-shaped cutouts, markers, tape/safety pins.
- Write: "I follow Jesus" and add Matthew 4:19.
- Decorate with waves or tiny nets.
- Wear as a reminder to love, invite, and help.
"Because we belong to Jesus, we help others come to Him with kindness and good news."
Closing
"Say it with me: Jesus calls us to follow Him and share His good news."
Practice Matthew 4:19 with motions (beckon, walking fingers, cast net).
Closing Prayer (repeat-after-me)
"Dear Jesus," (pause)
"Thank You for calling me to follow You." (pause)
"Show me my next step." (pause)
"Help me share Your good news with others." (pause)
"Amen."
"May Jesus lead your steps and make you a joyful fisher of people this week."
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