This lesson teaches children that Jesus is powerful and worth trusting, even when his instructions seem strange. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus can do amazing things, and when we trust and obey him, we get to see his power at work in our lives.
Memory Verse
Luke 5:5
Simon answered him, “Master, we worked all night, and took nothing; but at your word I will let down the net.”
(WEB)
Have children put one hand flat on their chest, then slowly stretch both arms wide like a fisherman casting a net. Do this together each time you say the verse, so the motion and the words stay connected in their minds.
The Story: Luke 5 for Kids
One day a huge crowd pressed in around Jesus beside the lake. So many people wanted to hear him that he had to get into a boat. The boat belonged to a fisherman named Simon, who was tired from working all night and catching nothing. Jesus sat down in the boat and taught the crowd from the water.
When Jesus finished speaking, he turned to Simon and said, “Go out into the deep water and let your nets down for a catch.” Simon might have felt like saying no. He had already worked hard all night. But he answered, “Master, we worked all night and caught nothing, but because you say so, I will let the net down.” So Simon and his friends did what Jesus asked.
Suddenly the nets filled with so many fish that they began to tear! Simon’s friends in the other boat came to help, and both boats were so full that they almost sank. Simon fell down at Jesus’ feet. He said, “Go away from me, Lord, because I am a sinful man.”
Jesus told Simon not to be afraid. He said, “From now on you will catch people.” Simon, James, and John left their boats on the shore and followed Jesus. Later in the chapter, Jesus also healed a man with leprosy, a man who was paralyzed, and called a tax collector named Levi to follow him. Every time, Jesus showed that he had power over sickness, sin, and fear.
Read It Together
Luke 5:4-6
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered him, “Master, we worked all night, and took nothing; but at your word I will let down the net.” 6 When they had done this, they caught a great multitude of fish, and their net was breaking.
(WEB)
Point out that Simon had already worked all night without catching anything, yet he still obeyed Jesus. Ask children what made it hard for Simon to listen and what made him decide to trust.
Luke 5:8-10
8 But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord.” 9 For he was amazed, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish which they had caught; 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid. From now on you will be catching people alive.”
(WEB)
Show children how Simon realized he was not good enough to stand near Jesus. Explain that Jesus did not send him away but gave him a new job, which shows that Jesus welcomes people who admit they need help.
Luke 5:12-13
12 While he was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man full of leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell on his face, and begged him, saying, “Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean.” 13 He stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, “I want to. Be made clean.” Immediately the leprosy left him.
(WEB)
Point out that the man with leprosy trusted that Jesus could heal him. Notice that Jesus reached out and touched him, even though others kept their distance. Explain that Jesus cares about people no one else wants to be near.
Talk About It
- What was one thing Jesus asked Simon to do that seemed strange, and how do you think Simon felt when he first heard it?
- Why do you think Simon said he was a sinful man when he saw how much power Jesus had?
- What did Jesus say to Simon to help him stop feeling afraid?
- When is it hard for you to listen to Jesus or your parents, even when you know they are right?
- What is one way you can show Jesus you trust him this week?
Activity Ideas
Fishing Net Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a lake with a boat in the middle and a net full of fish being pulled in. Let them add Jesus sitting in the boat. While they draw, retell the story and ask them to add one detail the story mentions, such as the tearing net or the second boat.
Cast Your Net Game
You will need a blanket or large towel and some soft balls or rolled-up socks as fish. Spread the blanket on the floor as the lake. Children take turns standing back and tossing the fish onto the blanket, one toss at a time. Call out “Trust Jesus!” before each toss to connect the game with the lesson.
Fish Reminder Card
You will need cardstock or thick paper, scissors, and a marker. Help children cut out a simple fish shape and write Luke 5:5 or the words “Because you say so” on it. Encourage them to tape it to their bedroom door or their school lunchbox, so they remember to trust and obey Jesus each day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that Jesus is more than a teacher. He has authority over nature, disease, sin, and the choices we make. Simon’s response reveals that true faith often begins when we recognize our own weakness and receive grace from God. The chapter also shows that Jesus calls ordinary people, like fishermen and tax collectors, into his mission.
Avoid implying to children that obedience always leads to an easy or visible reward. Simon’s obedience brought an enormous catch, but many faithful followers of Jesus face hardship. Keep the focus on Jesus being trustworthy and worthy of our obedience, rather than presenting obedience as a way to earn blessings.
A Prayer to Close
Jesus, we thank you that you are powerful and that you are kind. Help us to listen to you even when we do not understand what you are asking. Thank you for calling us to follow you. Amen.
