This lesson teaches children that Jesus met His friends after He rose from the dead, cooked them breakfast on the beach, and gave Peter a chance to say he loved Him. It works well for children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
Jesus is alive, He still cares about us, and He forgives us when we mess up. He always gives us another chance to follow Him.
Memory Verse
John 21:12
Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” None of the disciples dared inquire of him, “Who are you?” knowing that it was the Lord.
(WEB)
Have children sit tall and cup their hands together like they are holding a warm bowl of soup. Then have them slowly open their hands and say “Come and eat” with a big smile. Repeat it three times together.
The Story: John 21 for Kids
One morning, some of Jesus’ friends were out on the lake in a little boat. Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James, John, and two others had been fishing all night, but they had not caught a single fish. They were tired, cold, and hungry. Then the sun came up, and they saw a man standing on the beach.
The man called out, “Children, have you anything to eat?” They shook their heads and said no. He told them to throw their net on the right side of the boat. So they did, and suddenly the net was so full of fish they could hardly pull it in. John looked at the beach and whispered to Peter, “It’s the Lord!”
Peter was so excited that he jumped right into the water and swam to shore. The other friends rowed the boat in and dragged the heavy net full of fish behind them. When they got to the beach, they saw Jesus had already built a little fire. There were fish cooking on it, and there was bread too. Jesus said, “Come and eat breakfast.”
After they ate, Jesus turned to Peter. Peter had said he would never leave Jesus, but then he had told people he did not know Him. Jesus asked him three times, “Do you love me?” Each time Peter said, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Each time Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
Jesus told Peter that he would one day help others and follow Jesus even when it was hard. Then Jesus said, “Follow me.” Peter did just that, and he never forgot how kind Jesus had been to him that morning.
Read It Together
John 21:4-6
4 But when day had already come, Jesus stood on the beach, yet the disciples didn’t know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus therefore said to them, “Children, have you anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” They cast it therefore, and now they weren’t able to draw it in for the multitude of fish.
(WEB)
Point out that the disciples worked all night and caught nothing. Then Jesus gave them one simple instruction, and the net was suddenly full. Ask children to notice how Jesus helps when we try our best but still feel stuck.
John 21:9-13
9 So when they got out on the land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.” 11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land, full of great fish, one hundred fifty-three; and even though there were so many, the net wasn’t torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” None of the disciples dared inquire of him, “Who are you?” knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Then Jesus came and took the bread, gave it to them, and the fish likewise.
(WEB)
Show children that Jesus already had a fire and food ready for His friends. He did not wait for them to bring anything. Point out that He took the bread and gave it to them himself, showing that He takes care of us.
John 21:15-17
15 So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you have affection for me?” Peter was grieved because he asked him the third time, “Do you have affection for me?” He said to him, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I have affection for you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.
(WEB)
Explain that Jesus asked Peter three times, matching the three times Peter had said he did not know Him. Stress that Jesus gave Peter a fresh start. Help children see that Jesus wants us to show love by caring for others.
Talk About It
- What did the friends feel like after fishing all night and catching nothing?
- How do you think Peter felt when he saw Jesus standing on the beach?
- What did Jesus do to help His friends before they even asked Him?
- Why do you think Jesus asked Peter the same question three times?
- What is one way you can take care of the people Jesus loves?
Activity Ideas
Paper Fish Net Craft
You will need paper, crayons, scissors, glue, and a piece of yarn. Have children draw and cut out a few fish, then glue them onto a sheet of paper. Tape the yarn across the top to look like a net. As they work, talk about how Jesus filled the disciples’ net with fish.
Shore and Boat Relay
Mark two spots across the room, one as the boat and one as the beach. Give each child a small paper fish or a soft toy. Children carry their fish from the boat to the beach one at a time, shouting “It’s the Lord!” when they arrive. Keep it quick and happy so every child moves and laughs.
Take-Home Breakfast Reminder
You will need a paper plate, a marker, and a small cracker or piece of bread. Let children draw a simple fish on the plate and write or draw “Jesus cares for me.” Send the plate home with a note asking families to share a breakfast talk about Jesus this week. Encourage them to say “Come and eat” at the table.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that the risen Jesus is personally involved in ordinary life, from fishing to breakfast. It also shows that restoration is real: Peter’s three denials are met with three invitations to love and serve. The passage ends by pointing to a lifetime of following Jesus, not just a single moment of success.
Avoid suggesting to children that Peter’s failure makes them unlovable or that they must earn Jesus’ love. Keep the focus on Jesus’ kindness and forgiveness. Be careful not to imply that every hard situation will have a dramatic fish-filled ending.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank You that You are alive and that You care about our everyday needs. Thank You for forgiving us and giving us another chance to follow You. Help us love You and take care of the people around us. Amen.
