The Calling of the First Disciples: A Lesson Plan for Children

This is a lesson plan for children ages 6-11. It is based on the teachings of the Presbyterian Church USA. Great for Sunday School or an after school Christian Education program.

The Focus: Jesus not only calls his disciples but also us.

Scripture: Matthew 4:18-25; Luke 5:2-11; John 1:35-42

Help the students explore the meaning of the word disciple, name the first disciples Jesus called. Read and discuss the scripture.

Activities:
1.Use a magnet to show how it attracts metal objects. Write the word charisma on a board or paper and discuss what it means. Tell the students that Jesus had charisma - like the magnet, he drew people to him. People chose to follow him and his teachings because there was a power that radiated from him that made them want to be with him.

2.Write the word disciple on a board or paper. Explain that the word means "a person who follows a special teacher. Ask the students if any of them are disciples. Ask if they know the name of the special teacher the biblical disciples were following.

3.Ask if any of the students have visited a lake. Discus what they saw and experienced. Read the story again, ask the students to close their eyes and picture a lake. Ask: What did you see as I read the story? What did you hear? Why do you think these men left their fishing to follow Jesus? Tell them that this was at the beginning of Jesus' ministry and he was not well known yet. Remind the students of the magnet.

4.Play the game "4 Corners". Write the names Peter, Andrew, James, and John on pieces of paper. Tape one name to each of the four corners of the room. Invite someone to stand in the center of the room. That person closes his /her eyes and slowly counts to ten. The other students go to one of the corners of the room. The person in the center, with eyes still closed, calls out one of the four disciples' names. All the students in that corner must sit down. The game continues until one person is left standing. That person moves to the center and begins the game again.

Go into the theme of "Fishers of Men" -

Make a fishing pole using a dowel, string, and a magnet. Cut fish out of paper and glue or tape several staples on each fish. The children catch the fish when the magnet on the line attracts the staples on the fish.

Make a bulletin board using blue paper. Have children make fish out of colored paper with their names on each.