Mark 1:16 to 1:20 Jesus invites ordinary people to follow him and share his love with everyone. Hear how Jesus called four fishermen beside the Sea of Galilee. Understand what it means to be "fishers of people." Choose to follow Jesus with a loving and obedient heart. The Sea of Galilee was full of fish. Strong fishermen worked with heavy nets, catching fish to sell in the busy markets. Fishermen by the Lake Jesus was walking on the sandy shore of the [Sea of Galilee](/bible/explorer/place/sea-of-galilee). The sun was shining on the blue water. He saw two brothers, Simon [Peter](/bible/explorer/person/peter) and [Andrew](/bible/explorer/person/andrew), throwing their large net into the lake. They were hard-working fishermen. Follow Me! Jesus called out with a warm, commanding voice: "Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men!" Instead of catching fish in nets, they would help people find God's love and forgiveness! Immediately, Peter and Andrew dropped their nets and followed Jesus. Two More Friends Join Walking a little further down the beach, Jesus saw two more brothers, [James](/bible/explorer/person/james-apostle) and [John](/bible/explorer/person/john-apostle), sitting in a wooden boat mending their nets with their father Zebedee. Jesus called them too. Right away, they left the boat and followed Jesus. Now Jesus had four faithful friends ready to help him preach the good news! And Jesus said to them, Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men. Mark 1:17 What job were Peter and Andrew doing when Jesus called them? They were fishermen catching fish with nets They were baking bread in an oven They were building stone houses They were tending sheep on a hill They were fishermen catching fish with nets Mark 1:16 tells us they were fishermen casting nets into the sea. What did Jesus promise to make them become? Fishers of men (helping people find God) Captains of giant ships Kings of gold palaces Rich merchants Fishers of men (helping people find God) Jesus said: "Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men." How quickly did Peter and Andrew follow Jesus? Immediately; they left their nets at once They waited ten years They said no and ran away They asked for money first Immediately; they left their nets at once Mark 1:18 says: "And immediately they left their nets and followed him." Be a "fisher of people" this week by inviting a friend to Sunday School or telling them that Jesus loves them. Dear Jesus, thank you for calling me to be your friend and follower. Just like Peter and John, I want to follow you with all my heart. Help me to share your love with my friends at school and at home. In your name, Amen. What does it mean to "fish for people" like Jesus told the disciples? How can you follow Jesus today in the way you treat your friends? Children learn that Jesus calls ordinary people to follow him and become fishers of men by sharing his good news. Show a piece of string net or a toy fish. Ask children what fishermen do, and explain how Jesus called fishermen to catch people with love! Did the disciples ever go fishing again? Yes, they sometimes fished for food, but their primary purpose was now following Jesus and telling people about God's kingdom! 5 min Hook & Prayer, 10 min Story, 8 min Memory Verse Tiles, 7 min Quiz