This lesson teaches children that Jesus calls ordinary people to follow him, and that he can do amazing things through people who trust him. It is written for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, with time for stories, questions and a simple craft or game.
Big Idea
Jesus is powerful, and he invites us to follow him even when we feel like we are not good enough. When we trust him, he does wonderful things.
Memory Verse
Luke 5:10
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)
Teach the children to hold both hands out in front of them, then pretend to pull a big net toward their chests, one arm at a time. Say the verse together as you pull, and let the motion remind them that Jesus makes people into fishers of people.
The Story: Luke 5 for Kids
One day a big crowd came to listen to Jesus by the lake. There were so many people pushing close to him that he needed some room. He saw two empty boats near the shore, and the fishermen were outside them, rinsing their nets. Jesus climbed into Simon’s boat and asked him to push out a little way from the land. From the boat, Jesus sat down and taught the people who stood on the shore.
When Jesus finished talking, he turned to Simon and said, “Go out to deep water and let your nets down for a catch.” Simon was tired. He and his friends had worked all night and caught nothing. But Simon said, “Jesus, we worked hard all night and caught nothing. But because you asked, I will let the nets down again.” So they did.
Suddenly the nets were full of fish, so many that the nets began to tear! Simon waved to his friends in the other boat to come and help. Soon both boats were so full of fish that they almost sank. Simon fell down at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord, because I am a sinful man.” Simon felt small next to how holy Jesus was. But Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid. From now on you will catch people.”
Simon, James and John brought their boats to shore, left everything behind, and followed Jesus. Later in the chapter, Jesus met a man who had a terrible skin disease called leprosy. The man bowed down and said, “Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out and touched him and said, “I want to. Be clean.” At once the sickness left the man.
Jesus also healed a man who could not walk. Four friends carried him on a mat, but the crowd was too thick to get inside. So they climbed up on the roof, made a hole, and lowered their friend down to Jesus. When Jesus saw how much they trusted him, he forgave the man’s sins and told him to get up and walk. The man stood up at once, picked up his mat, and went home praising God.
Read It Together
Luke 5:4-5
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.”
(WEB)
Point out that Simon was tired and had caught nothing all night, yet he still obeyed Jesus. Ask the children what it feels like to try something hard when you feel like giving up, and remind them that doing what Jesus says often takes courage.
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)
Show the children how the man came to Jesus with humble, honest words. Explain that Jesus was willing to heal him and that he touched a man whom others avoided, which shows how much Jesus cares.
Luke 5:20
Seeing their faith, he said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus saw the faith of the friends who carried the man, not just the man himself. Help the children see that Jesus notices when we bring our friends and our needs to him in prayer.
Talk About It
- What did Simon say to Jesus after he had worked all night and caught nothing?
- How do you think Simon felt when he saw so many fish in his net?
- Why do you think Simon said he was a sinful man, and what did Jesus say back to him?
- What did the four friends do to bring their sick friend to Jesus, and why did they go to so much trouble?
- How can you follow Jesus in your everyday life at home, at school or with your friends?
Activity Ideas
Paper Fishing Net Craft
You will need a paper plate, scissors, yarn, glue, and small paper fish you have cut out in advance. Have each child cut a few slits around the rim of the plate and weave yarn through them to make a net. Then glue the fish onto the net or the table around it. As the children work, remind them that Jesus can fill a net when we obey him, even when we feel too tired to try.
Follow the Leader Game
Play a simple follow the leader game in a open room. Choose one child to be Jesus and have the others follow each step, like walking slowly, reaching out, or lifting a hand. Afterward, ask the children how it felt to follow someone and how Simon, James and John felt when Jesus asked them to follow him.
Take-Home Friend Prayer Card
Give each child an index card and a crayon. Ask them to draw one friend or family member they would like to bring to Jesus, then write or draw a short prayer word on the back. Encourage them to place the card where they will see it during the week, such as on the fridge or a bedside table, and pray for that person each day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that Jesus is the Lord who holds power over nature, sickness, and sin. He calls ordinary, imperfect people to follow him, and he forgives and restores them when they come to him in faith. The call to fish for people reminds us that the good news is meant to be shared.
Avoid overstating to children that a good attitude always brings immediate results, or that God will always give us exactly what we ask for. Keep the focus on Jesus’ power, his compassion, and his invitation to trust and follow him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you that you are powerful and that you care for us. Help us to follow you even when we feel tired or unsure, and help us to bring our friends and family to you. Thank you for forgiving us and making us new. Amen.
