Jesus Calls His Disciples
Jesus calls fishermen Peter, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him and become fishers of men, demonstrating His power through a miraculous catch of fish that fills their nets to breaking.
Matthew 4:18-22, Luke 5:1-11
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The Story
As Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, He began to gather those who would become His closest followers and witnesses. Jesus saw two brethren, Simon called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishers. Jesus interrupted their work with a startling invitation: 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' Immediately they forsook their nets and followed Him. Going further, Jesus saw James and John with their father mending nets. He called them, and immediately they left the ship and their father and followed Him. Luke's account provides additional detail. The multitude pressed upon Jesus to hear the word of God as He stood by the lake. He entered Simon's ship and asked him to thrust out from land, then taught the people from the boat. When finished, Jesus said to Simon, 'Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets.' Simon answered, 'Master, we have toiled all night and taken nothing. Nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.' When they let down the net, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes, so many that their net brake. They filled both ships until they began to sink. Peter fell at Jesus' knees saying, 'Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.' Yet Jesus said, 'Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.' When they brought their ships to land, they forsook all and followed Him.
Jesus Calls the Fishermen
Kids Version
One day, Jesus was walking beside a big lake called the Sea of Galilee. He saw two brothers, Peter and Andrew, throwing their fishing nets into the water. They were fishermen—it was their job to catch fish every day. Jesus walked up to them and said something surprising: 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men!' Jesus wasn't talking about catching fish anymore. He meant they would help people learn about God. Right away, they left their nets and followed Him. Jesus kept walking and saw two more brothers, James and John. They were in a boat with their father, fixing their fishing nets. Jesus called to them, too. Immediately, James and John left the boat and their father and followed Jesus. Another time, so many people crowded around Jesus that He got into Peter's boat. He asked Peter to push the boat out a little, then taught from there. When finished, He told Peter, 'Row out to the deep water and let down your nets.' Peter was tired. 'Master, we fished all night and didn't catch anything,' he said. 'But because You say so, I'll do it.' Peter and his friends threw out the net—and suddenly, they caught SO many fish that the net started to break! They called for help. Soon both boats were so full of fish they were starting to sink! Peter was amazed. He fell on his knees and said, 'Lord, I'm just a sinner!' But Jesus smiled and said, 'Don't be afraid, Peter. From now on, you'll catch people instead of fish.' When they pulled their boats onto the shore, they left everything and followed Jesus.
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Scripture — Matthew 4:18-22 (KJV)
18And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
19And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
20And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
21And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
22And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.
Memory Verse
“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.”
— Matthew 4:18 (KJV)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story of “Jesus Calls His Disciples” in the Bible?
Jesus calls fishermen Peter, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him and become fishers of men, demonstrating His power through a miraculous catch of fish that fills their nets to breaking. This story is found in Matthew 4:18-22, Luke 5:1-11.
Where is “Jesus Calls His Disciples” found in the Bible?
“Jesus Calls His Disciples” is found in Matthew 4:18-22, Luke 5:1-11, in the book of Matthew.
What can children learn from “Jesus Calls His Disciples”?
This story teaches children about Discipleship, Calling, Obedience, Leaving All to Follow Christ, Miracles. Jesus meets some fishermen by the lake and asks them to follow Him. After He fills their boats with so many fish they almost sink, they leave everything to become Jesus' special helpers!