Fishing for People
Theme: Telling others about Jesus.
Scripture: Matthew 4:18-23
Complete Supply List
● A rod and reel or other fishing equipment
● “Fishing for Friends” video lesson
● Something to play the video
● 1 bag of Pull N Peel Twizzlers
● Long pretzel rods
● Goldfish crackers
● Small cups
The Children’s Sermon:
You’ll Need:
● A rod and reel or other fishing equipment
Do This:
ASK: Do you enjoy fishing? Have you ever caught a fish?
SAY: I need you to help me with our Bible lesson today. Show me your best motion
for fishing. (pause) That’s great! Whenever I say the word “fishing,” you’ll do your
motion. Ready?
Fishing (pause) is a great sport, and if you have ever been fishing (pause) and have
caught a fish, you know that there’s a great feeling of excitement when you catch a
fish. One of the things that makes fishing (pause) such a great sport is that it
doesn't matter if you’re young or old...you can still be good at fishing (pause).
ASK: What does it take to be good at catching fish? (Allow time for responses.) First
of all, you need to be properly equipped. You can't just get a piece of string, put a
hook on it, and tie it on the end of a stick and expect to catch many fish, can you?
No. If you’re serious about fishing (pause) , you’ll make sure you have all the right
equipment. You’ll want a nice rod and reel like this one I have this morning.
The next thing you need to know is that you have to go where the fish are to catch
fish!
Finally, if you want to be good at fishing (pause), you must be patient. Sometimes
the fish just aren't biting. You have to wait patiently.
Our Bible lesson today has something to do with fishing (pause). One day, Jesus was
walking along the seashore when he saw two brothers named Peter and Andrew.
Jesus knew they made their living by fishing (pause), so He called out to them,
"Follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!" Do you know what they did?
They laid down their fishing (pause) nets and followed Jesus.
Jesus wants you and me to fish for people, too. That means that Jesus wants us to
tell others about what He has done for us and what He wants to do for them.
Fishing (pause) for people is a lot like fishing (pause) for fish.
First, we need to be properly equipped. We need to know what the Bible teaches
and learn how to share it with others.
Next, we go out where the people are and tell them about Jesus.
Finally, we must be patient.
If we do these things, we can really become fishers of people like Jesus wants us
to be. If you think there is a great feeling of excitement in catching a fish, just
imagine how exciting it must be to bring someone to Jesus!
PRAY: Dear Jesus, help us become fishers of people. Help us tell others what You
have done for us and what you want to do for them. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Fishing for People Video Lesson
You’ll Need:
● “Fishing for People” video lesson
● Something to play the video
Do This: Show the video.
ASK:
● What did you learn about fishing from this video?
● How do you think this video is like or unlike how the disciples may have felt
when Jesus said He would teach them to fish for people?
● Chip thought he would fish for fish with a frying pan. What’s one way you
would NOT want to fish for people for Jesus?
Fishing Rod Snack
You’ll Need:
● 1 bag of Pull N Peel Twizzlers
● Long pretzel rods
● Goldfish crackers
● Small cups
Do This:
Help children make the Fishing Rod snacks by following these steps:
● Pour Goldfish crackers in the cup.
● Peel two strands off the Pull N Peel Twizzlers.
● Lay one end of one strand at the end of the long pretzel rod.
● Wrap the other strand around the end of the above strand.
● Place the other end of the pretzel rod in the cup of fish.
● Enjoy.
