This Sunday School lesson for children focuses on Luke 5:1–11, the story of Jesus calling the first disciples. In this passage, Jesus invites ordinary fishermen to trust Him and follow Him. This lesson helps children understand that Jesus still calls people today, including kids, to follow Him with love and faith.
This lesson fits well within the Epiphany season and helps children see how Jesus is revealed through His words and actions.
Scripture Focus
Luke 5:1–11 – Jesus Calls the First Disciples
Jesus meets fishermen who are tired and discouraged after catching no fish all night. Even so, they listen when Jesus tells them to try again. Their nets suddenly fill with fish. The fishermen are amazed and a little afraid, but Jesus speaks kindly to them and tells them not to be afraid. He invites them to follow Him, and they leave everything to go with Jesus.
Jesus loves us and invites us to follow Him, no matter who we are.
Opening Icebreaker
Ask the children:
- Have you ever worked really hard at something and wanted to give up?
- What helped you keep going?
Bible Story Time
Discussion Questions
- Why were the fishermen surprised?
- How do you think Jesus made them feel?
- What does it mean to follow Jesus today?
- How can kids follow Jesus at home or at school?
Key Points for Children
- Jesus knows when we feel tired or discouraged.
- Jesus asks us to trust Him, even when things feel hard.
- Jesus does not shame us when we make mistakes.
- Jesus invites us to follow Him with love and courage.
- We can follow Jesus by being kind, helping others, praying, and telling the truth.
Memory Verse
They left everything and followed Him.
Luke 5:11
Activity Ideas
Full Net Craft
Have children draw or create a fishing net and add paper fish. On each fish, they can write or draw one way they can follow Jesus, such as being kind, helping others, praying, or telling the truth.
Follow Me Action Game
Play a follow-the-leader game. Explain that following Jesus means paying attention and choosing loving actions.
Why This Story Matters
This story matters because it shows children what Jesus is really like. The fishermen were tired, discouraged, and unsure, but Jesus did not shame them or send them away. Instead, He invited them to trust Him and follow Him. Kids need to know that Jesus meets people where they are and calls them with kindness and love. Luke 5:1–11 teaches children that following Jesus does not require being perfect. It begins with listening, trusting, and taking small steps of faith each day.
Read More:
- Jesus Is Our Light: John 1:10–18
- Baptism of Jesus: Luke 3:22
- Come and See Jesus: John 1:29–42
- Following Jesus: Mark 1:14–20
- Jesus Has Authority and Power: Luke 4:31–37