Fishing for Men | Matthew 4:19 Craft

Matthew 4:19

Jesus calls his first disciples in Matthew 4:18-22. We read that he was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, where Simon Peter and Andrew were casting a net to fish. Jesus called the brothers to follow him.

In Matthew 4:19, ESV, Jesus says:

And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

The brothers followed Jesus immediately. Then, Jesus called two more brothers, James and John, to follow him, which they did immediately.

Your kids can read all about the twelve disciples, and about what it means to fish for men, in my narrative biography from Christian Focus Publications, Who Were the Disciples?.  The book is a fun way for your kids to learn about what it means to follow Jesus, and to fish for men. They'll learn the individual stories of each of the twelve disciples, too.

This fun craft will allow your kids to construct a scene to remind them of Jesus' words in Matthew 4:19.

Who Were the Disciples?

Ever wondered what it was like to walk alongside Jesus? Dive into this exciting exploration of the twelve disciples - regular guys who became part of the greatest story ever told! With fun black-and-white illustrations throughout, you'll discover how fishermen, tax collectors, and even a former terrorist became Jesus' closest friends and changed history forever.

Follow Peter as he walks on water (and sometimes sinks!), watch Matthew throw a huge party after leaving his tax booth behind, and see how Thomas went from doubting to believing. You'll learn how John went from being called a "Son of Thunder" to becoming known as the apostle of love, and find out why Jesus chose Judas even though He knew what would happen.

Each chapter brings these fascinating characters to life, showing how Jesus transformed ordinary people into extraordinary followers. You'll see their mistakes, their victories, and their incredible courage as they spread the good news across the world - even when it meant facing danger. 

Throughout history, God has often chosen the most ho-hum, ordinary lives with which to do the most extraordinary things. God’s marvelous work in history, you see, does not depend upon the amazingness of the people he chooses to work through. Rather, God’s astonishing work in history is all about how incredible he is.

 

Who Were the Disciples?, Danika Cooley (Christian Focus Publications, 2025), page 7

Fishers of Men Bible Verse Craft

You can help your kids commemorate what they're learning about biblical history in a hands-on way! Check out this fun video of the fishers of men craft!

Christian Biographies for Kids | Christian History for Kids | Theology for Kids

"As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight." - Psalm 16:3, ESV  

Christian History Matters for Our Kids.

History matters. Now, more than ever, we see how important it is for our children to know and understand history and the Bible. Here's why:

• God is the sovereign ruler of all things. It's important for our kids to see his hand in the history of nations and in the lives of both peasants and kings. 
• Christian history is the story of our family history. Our kids get to see how people who love Jesus follow him.
• Understanding history can help our kids learn historic and biblical theology. They learn what the Bible says and what that means for us. They also see when the study of Scripture has taken important turns that have changed the Church.   
• Reading Christian biographies and history can be a wonderful way for kids to think outside their own time and culture. God's Church spans centuries and includes people from every nation.    
• Christian biographies help kids consider their own faith, walk with Jesus, and the impact their witness may one day have on others--and on history. 

Elementary-aged kids need middle grade resources that are fun, a little sassy, and that teach valuable lessons. 

The Who What Why Series is the perfect resource to teach your kids about history, while helping them apply biblical truths to their lives today.