Jesus Calls His Disciples - Bible Lessons for Kids
The story of Jesus calling His disciples is a powerful moment in the Bible that shows how Jesus invites ordinary people to follow Him and be part of His mission. Fishermen like Peter and Andrew left their nets to follow Jesus, beginning a journey that would change their lives forever. Wherever you are (home, Sunday School, or faith-based school), teaching this story can be both meaningful and fun. These creative activities and simple crafts were designed to help children understand what it meant for the disciples to follow Jesus—and what it means for us today.
the bible story - jesus calls his disciples
Luke 5:1-11 outlines how Jesus called His first disciples. Shorter versions can be found in Matthew 4:18-22 and Mark 1:16-20.
Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret when He got into Simon Peter’s boat and taught the crowd from the water. Afterward, Jesus told Simon to let his fishing nets down. Simon wasn’t convinced this would work because he had been fishing all night and caught nothing. But when he lowered the nets, they filled with fish! Simon called his friends, James and John, to help.
After this, Jesus told Simon, “From now on you will fish for people”. Simon, Andrew, James, and John left their boats on shore, left everything, and followed Jesus.
Jesus Calls His Disciples - Bible Lessons for Kids
Are you looking for an effective and simple way to teach kids about how Jesus called His disciples? Be sure to check out our scripted lessons, complete with discussion questions, activities, and printable crafts.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT JESUS CALLING HIS DISCIPLES
Jesus chose 12 men to become His disciples, who followed Him closely and learned from Him. These men are often referred to as “The Twelve” or “The Apostles.”
The names of the twelve men can sometimes be confusing because some had the same name, and some had a couple of names. Their names were Simon (also called Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew (also called Nathanael), Matthew, Thomas, James, Thaddaeus (also called Judas), Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot.
Some of the men were brothers, like James and John, as well as Simon Peter and Andrew.
“Fishers of Men” is a phrase Jesus said when He called Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John to follow Him. These men were fishermen, so Jesus was repurposing their skill for a heavenly purpose. Instead of catching fish, they would be drawing people into the Kingdom of God.
WHAT IS A DISCIPLE?
A disciple was someone who followed a teacher, wanted to learn from them, and become more like them. Jesus was the teacher, and He invited people to come and follow Him. Anyone who follows Jesus (including us) can be called a disciple.
fishing for men CRAFT
Jesus told His disciples that they would become “fishers of men”. So a craft that includes fish is a fabulous way to connect to the story!
For older kids, directed drawing is a great way to help kids feel successful when drawing. When a drawing project is broken down into step-by-step instructions, it’s much easier for kids to follow and draw the image. In Jesus Calls His Disciples for Older Kids, you will find a directed-drawing craft where kids draw a fish following the instructions. Then they will attach the fish to a printable fishing rod with a piece of string.
Younger kids will enjoy a similar craft. However, directed drawings are not necessarily age-appropriate and can frustrate young learners who are just beginning to grasp drawing. So, they will complete their craft by coloring a printable fish and attaching it to a printable fishing rod with a string. For template pieces, check out Jesus Calls His Disciples for Preschool.
As they work, remind kids that Jesus told His disciples that they would be “fishers of men”.
OTHER CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE STORY “JESUS CALLS HIS DISCIPLES”
Fishing Games: Invest in some fun fishing games where kids have a toy fishing rod, and they catch fish, whether it’s magnets, a hook or velcro.
Follow the Leader: Play a simple game of Follow the Leader and help kids connect this to how Jesus’ disciples followed Jesus.
Fishing Relay: Crumple up pieces of paper or use beanbags to be fish, and use a basket as a pretend fishing net. Challenge kids to run their beanbags, one at a time, to a basket at the end of the room. The team that can fill their “net” the fastest with “fish” wins.
Fish Crafts: There are so many fun fish crafts to do, like this paper plate fish craft from Easy Peasy and Fun or these painted fish by Hands On as We Grow.
Fish Directed Drawings: Art for Kids Hub has some fabulous directed-drawings of fish. Check out this Art Hub fish for younger kids, and this Art Hub fish for older kids.
For more ideas, check out the Miraculous Catch of Fish Bible Lessons for Kids.
YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT JESUS CALLING HIS DISCIPLES
YouTube can be a great resource to help kids visualize Bible stories and help capture their attention. But, before showing your kids any videos, be sure to preview them for content and to ensure they are age-appropriate. Here are a few suggestions:
God’s Story: Jesus Calls Disciples by Crossroad Kids’ Club: This video goes into how Jesus called all 12 of His disciples.
WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT stories from the LIFE OF JESUS?
This lesson is part of an eight-week series on the life of Jesus. Other lessons in this series include Jesus is Tempted in the Desert, Jesus the Good Shepherd, Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet, Jesus and the Children, The Great Commission, Zacchaeus, and The Transfiguration.
For more Life of Jesus Bible Lessons, check out: