These men became the disciples of our extraordinary Savior. For three years, they followed Jesus, prayed with him, and learned from him. Then, they shared the Good News of Jesus Christ far and wide–fishing for men, and forever changing the world.
Just as Jesus called each one of his disciples to himself, he calls Christians to him today. We are commanded to follow Jesus–and to become fishers of men.
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!
Fishing for Men Craft Supplies
You’ll need a few supplies to make your fishers of men paper plate craft:
- Cardstock (colored and white)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Pencil
- Permanent Markers
- Paper Plate
- Printable Templates with Instructions
- Don’t forget this fun book that will teach your kids about the Disciples: Who Were the Disciples?
Fishers of Men Verse Craft | Instructions
Your child’s representation of a Christian’s role as a fisher of men is a great way to help them consider what they learn as they read Who Were the Disciples? from the Who What Why series!
1) Print your templates and labels.
Print the fisher of men templates on cardstock. Cut out the pieces and the verse label.
2) Assemble your water.
Lay the background template pieces over three shades of blue cardstock. Trace the pieces on the cardstock and cut out the pieces.
Starting with the top piece, glue the pieces to the plate as shown.
3) Assemble your fish.
Lay the fish template pieces over the cardstock in the colors your child would like to use. Trace the pieces on the cardstock and cut out the pieces.
Glue the fins and the tail behind the round body of the fish, as shown.
Glue stripes on the fish, as shown.
Use a permanent marker to outline the stripes.
Glue a google eye to the fish’s head.
Create a second fish.
4) Assemble your underwater scene.
Lay the sea star, seaweed, and coral template pieces over the cardstock in the colors your child would like to use. Trace the pieces on the cardstock and cut out the pieces. Use permanent markers to outline each piece.
Glue the fish, sea star, seaweed, and coral to the plate to create an underwater scene.
5) Add your label.
Glue the fishers of men verse label to the bottom of the plate.
Display your craft as you read Who Were the Disciples? to remember that Christians are to follow Jesus and become fishers of men!
Learn more about the Who What Why series and get your FREE Resurrection Lapbooks here.
Bible Resources for Your Kids
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Christian Biographies for Kids | Christian History for Kids | Theology for Kids
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.
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