The big ideaThe Bible tells us Jesus called fishermen to be his friends, and they followed him.
How it works
The Bible tells us Jesus called fishermen to be his friends. Simon and his brother Andrew fished on the Sea of Galilee. All night they threw out their nets, but each time they came up empty.
Jesus stepped into Simon's boat and taught the crowd on the shore. Then he told Simon to go to deep water and let down the nets. Simon said they had worked all night for nothing, but because Jesus asked, he would try.
The net was so full of silver fish that it almost tore. Simon shouted for help, and James and John rowed over fast. Both boats sat low in the water.
Jesus told Simon not to be afraid, and to follow him. They left their nets and their boats and followed Jesus. Then he called James and John, and four friends walked with him.
The story in a row.
Example 1: Empty and full
Draw a net with nothing in it.
Now draw the same net full of silver fish.
At first the nets were empty. After Simon let down the net again, it almost tore.
Example 2: Pull together
Pull on a rope or a scarf with a helper.
Heave, ho! Simon needed James and John to pull the heavy net.
Calling for help is a good thing to do.
Example 3: Try something new
Pick something new to try, like a slide or a game.
Trying is easier when a good friend is with you.
Simon was not sure, but he trusted Jesus and tried again.
Words to know
net
A web of rope that catches fish.
Sea of Galilee
The lake where the families fished.
mend
To fix something that is torn, like a net.
follow
To go along with someone.
Watch out
In those days fishermen worked at night and mended their nets by day.
Fishing boats were rowed with oars. There were no engines.
Simon did not go home and give up. He let down the net again.
Jesus called Simon and Andrew, and then he called James and John.
Try it
What was the work of Simon and Andrew?
Where did Jesus sit to teach the crowd?
What filled the net?
What did they leave to follow Jesus?
Answers: 1. Fishermen · 2. In Simon's boat · 3. Silver fish · 4. Their nets and their boats
Try at homeWith a grown-up, think of someone who needs a friend, and ask them to play with you.
For grown-upsDraw the empty net and the full net side by side and let your child say what changed. Then ask what they could try, if a good friend came along.
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