Huge Catches of Fish

Jesus performed miracles to prove he was the Son of God. He also used miracles to teach and show people God's love for them. Review this story, about how the disciples recognized Jesus's power and Jesus was able to call them to a new job. Like the disciples, we are also called to be "fishers of men." 

Key Themes:
1. Jesus did miracles to convince us he that He is the Son of the almighty God. 
2. A miracle is a special act of God's power. 
​3. Jesus told his disciples to become "fishers of men." 

Memory Verse

John 20:30, 31––“Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.”

Songs

Books of the New Testament
​Apostles Song
Sea of Galilee
Do Lord
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
I Want to Be a Worker for the Lord

Story

Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
 
Open Class in Prayer

Introducing the Story Ideas
1. Fishers of Men Game
Two kids -“fishermen”- hold a sheet between them and dash around the room trying to catch other kids in the group by wrapping them in the sheet. Once caught the “fish” are put in an area designated “the boat”. Very simple – but good to launch a discussion about what Jesus really had in mind.

2. Gummy Worm Gospel
Show kids the gummy worms and share them with the kids. Introduce the idea of fishing. Why does a fishermen put a worm on his hook? (Worms are attractive to fish.) Where does a fishermen go to fish? (Where the fish are!) What does a fishermen of men do? Share the gospel of Jesus (the worm) with people who don't know Jesus (the fish). Ask the kids for ideas about how they can share the gospel! 

Story: Since the days of Abraham, God's people have been waiting for the Messiah--or "Anointed One." The Jews were expecting a mighty warrior king, like David. Jesus was so different from what they expected, many of the Jews didn't even recognize him. God knew it would be important for the His Son to be able to prove that he was the Son of God. He gave Jesus the power to perform miracles. 

One of the interesting things about Jesus, is he didn't choose the high priests, or the wealthy, or the military generals to be his closest companions. His first friends were fishermen. 

Review: What is a miracle? A miracle is not a magic trick. A miracle is a special act of God's power.
-A miracle always had immediate and instant results.
-They were always successful. 
-They were always performed to help someone or glorify God. 
 
READ Luke 5:1-11 in your Bible or tell the children about the Calling of the Four Fishermen. -
EMPHASIZE that:

• Jesus began his ministry by choosing friends to help him. 
• Jesus used the idea of fishing to share his mission here on Earth. 
• We are also called to be fishers of men. 

Visual Aids

Saddleback Kids: Jesus Calls His First Disciples
Life Kids: Jesus Calls His First Disciples
Lumos: Jesus Calls His First Disciples

Review

1. Where was Jesus teaching at the beginning of our story? 
2. What job did the first disciples do? 
3. Is the who the people would have expected the Messiah to call? 
4. What were the names of the first disciples?
​5. What did Jesus say their new job would be? ​

God is...

Connect the story back to God and his character. Explain how this story fits into God's overall story. ​

Activities

​1. Fish Craft from Trueway Kids
2. Fishing Handprint Craft from Busy Bee Kids Crafts
3. Fishers of Men Craft Kit from Oriental Trading