In Mark 1:17 Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” Learn about his words with this fishers of men craft!
When Jesus called two fishermen brothers, Simon Peter and Andrew, to become his followers, he used a metaphor they would understand. He told them to follow him and he would make them fishers of men!
After his resurrection, in Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus said to his disciples:
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
As Christians, we are called to share the gospel of Jesus with others. (Grab your free gospel poster and memory cards here.)
This fun copywork craft is a great way for your children to learn Mark 1:17.
Mark 1:17 | Fishers of Men Craft
Read Mark 1:16-18 as a family before you begin your craft. In the ESV, Mark 1:17 says:
And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”
As you make your craft, discuss:
- What does a fisherman do?
- What do Christians do when they share the gospel of Jesus with others? Read Matthew 28:18-20 together.
- Jesus used the word picture “fishers of men.” Often, the word “man” or “men” is used to mean humankind. Christians are to share the good news about Jesus with men, women, boys, and girls from all nations!
Talk about what we should tell people when we share the gospel.
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
I Will Make You Fishers of Men Craft
Check out this quick video showing you how to construct your fishers of men craft:
Supplies Needed to Make Your Fishers of Men Craft
You’ll need a few supplies to make your fishers of men craft:
- Who Were the Disciples? by Danika Cooley
- Quilling Paper Strips
- Quilling Pen
- White Cardstock
- Pencil
- Google Eye
- Erasable Pen
- Glue
- Scissors
- Printable Copywork Cards and Templates
Grab your free printable with instructions.
Creating Your Fishers of Men Craft for Kids
1) Print your template and Mark 1:17 copywork card.
Cut out the fish and copywork frame.
2) Create your fish.
Glue an orange quilling strip around the head and body of the fish to the perimeter of the body.
Next, create a long quilling strip by gluing two 4 inch long yellow quilling strips to either end of one 4 inch long orange quilling strip.
Use your quilling pen to roll the strip into a coil by placing one end in the pen slot and then winding the strip around the pen. Leave the outside of your coil loose, as shown.
Glue the coil on the head of your fish, as shown.
Glue short horizontal strips onto the top and tail fins, as shown.
Glue quilling strips in the shape of tear drops, then glue them to the tail between the horizontal strips.
Wind three loose quilling strips, leaving the ends long and straight. Glue those three swirls to the main body of the fish.
Glue quilling strips around the fish’s fins. Then, use tightly coiled quilled paper rolls to fill in the rest of your fish’s fins and body.
Glue a googly eye onto the fish.
3) Copy Mark 1:17 and complete your scene.
Your child can copy Mark 1:17, from the version of your choice, onto either the early writer or developed writer copywork card using erasable pen. Glue the coral and quilled fish to the card.
Display your child’s copywork card somewhere they will see it often, and work on memorizing Mark 1:17 together.
Learn more about the Who What Why series and get your FREE Resurrection Lapbooks here.
Bible Resources for Your Kids
Learn More HereLearn More HereLearn More HereLearn More HereLearn More HereLearn More Here
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.
Grab the autographed Reformation Family Bundle!
More Thinking Kids Posts You’ll Love!
