Follow The Leader
WELCOME TO WEEK 1
Welcome to week 4! Jesus called Andrew and Peter to follow him. He had a special plan for their lives. They had a choice to make just like we have a choice to make every day. We can choose to follow Jesus or we can put it off and continue doing the task we started. Jesus wants each of us to follow him.
BIBLE STORY
Blow up about 10 balloons, or more if desired, and have your child catch the balloons using a large towel or small blanket. See how many balloons they can catch and hold in their net using a 20 second timer. Repeat and play as many times as desired.
This week we are reading a story about Andrew and Peter in the boat fishing, when Jesus called them to follow him. They had been fishing and found no fish, when Jesus told them to cast their nets off the side of the boat. They were experienced fishermen so they knew casting their nets in the morning after fishing all night would make no difference. But they listened to Jesus and when they lifted their nets it was bursting with fish. They couldn’t even pull the fish to shore without getting help from nearby fishermen. They knew they had just witnessed a miracle. When Jesus called them to follow Him and become fishers of man, they immediately followed Jesus. Peter and Andrew were ordinary men living ordinary lives when Jesus called them to something extraordinary. They did not know what it would mean to become fishers of men, but they knew Jesus was worth following. We can also decide that Jesus is worth following. We may not know what the future brings, but we can face it when we know Jesus is with us the entire time.
Materials: balloons, small blanket or towel
Read or listen to the scripture story in Mark 1:14-20 Luke 5:1-11
Where did Jesus go to preach? (Galilee)
What was the message that Jesus was preaching? (The good news, the Kingdom of God was near)
What were Peter and Andrew doing at the Sea of Galilee? (Casting a fishing net into the lake)
What did Jesus say He would make Peter and Andrew? (Fishers of men)
When did Peter and Andrew decide to follow Jesus? (At once they left their nets to follow Jesus)
BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY
Andrew and Peter chose to follow Jesus right away. They dropped everything they were doing to follow Him. Jesus calls each of us in different ways, but He calls all of us to follow Him. We can choose to obey by meeting the needs of others, praying for those in need, or being a good friend to someone who is hurting. We should listen to God’s voice calling us to action and then obey right away.
Activity
Footprint Scavenger hunt. Jesus asked the disciples to follow him and they did. The disciples left their boat and their lifestyle to follow in Jesus footsteps. They wanted to live as Jesus lived and follow the things He would have them do. We can follow in Jesus steps by following His example in how we treat the people around us. Place the following footprints around the room for your child to find. Once they find a footprint, read aloud what is on each footprint and then think of a way they can demonstrate it this week. For example, if the word written on the footprint is share, they will tell you a way they can share this week.
Materials: Printed footprints
Alternate
Jesus called the disciples to become fishers of man instead of fishermen. Jesus knew that they could share the good news of the gospel to the people around them. Jesus also calls us to share the gospel with people around us. Use the following fish outlines to write names of family or friends you would like to pray for and share the gospel with. Place the fish on a large construction sheet and place in an area your child can see and remember to pray for those people they listed each day.
Materials: printed fish outline, writing utensil
Create activity:
Peter thought the boat would sink after all of the fish he caught with Jesus. He knew Jesus did a miracle when he caught so many fish after not catching anything. There were so many fish he needed another boat to help them. Create a boat that can float on water. Using styrofoam cups, straws, tape, and foam sheets, build a boat that you can float on water. Use your imagination and creativity to shape your boat in a way that can hold objects and stay on top of the water. Once your boat is finished, place the boat in a small tub of water and see if it will float. For an extra challenge, add a penny one at a time to your boat to see how much weight it can hold and still float. Other optional materials you can use: plastic wrap, aluminum foil, small craft sticks, disposable plastic cups
Materials: Styrofoam cup, straws, foam sheet, and tape. Alternative options: plastic wrap, aluminum foil, small craft sticks, disposable plastic cups
ARTS & CAFTS
CRAFT 1
Make these accordion paper fish. Cut a rectangle from construction paper and alternate fold it like an accordion or a fan. Leave the top quarter unfolded for the face of the fish. Cut off the corners of the face to make them rounded edges. Cut a small slit in the side of the face for the fish’s mouth. On a separate colored construction paper, cut out its fin and tail. Use a white sheet of paper to cut out its eye and color a black dot on the inside. Glue the fish parts on and then decorate the fish body using a black crayon or marker and adding geometric designs such as lines, circles or dots. Outline the fish if desired, with a black marker or crayon. See the following website for an example and step by step picture instructions.
Materials: white, yellow and other optional colors construction paper, gold glitter, glue, writing utensil
Craft 2
Coloring page
Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons
FOLLOW-UP
What are the things that you think are important in your life? When you watch TV, what are the things they say are important in life. When we watch television or look at some magazines, we are often told the things you need to be happy, or have your best life, are the latest new toy or gadget. We often think if we have the newest cell phone, or all of the toys from our favorite characters we have achieved something great.
There is a lot being said in this scripture, but Paul is saying all the things we have on earth will eventually be gone, we should focus on what is important. We should not focus so much into the successful things of this world but be sure we are focused on what is truly important. The disciples were making a living as fishermen but Jesus wanted something more for them. He wanted their lives to have meaning and purpose and for them to be truly fulfilled. Jesus knew that if they followed him, their lives would be filled with a great purpose. It didn’t mean their lives would be easy, but they would have something greater, Jesus!
As a believer what are some things you can do that would be meaningful in your life and in the lives of others?
Practical Application at Home
Having a meaningful life is more than getting all the things you think you want of need to be happy. Think of the times you have been most content and had a sense of fullness that lasted longer than a few moments or hours. Were they times you received a long awaited gift? A time when you worked hard to give a gift to someone else. Bringing others joy can have a big impact on our own mood. When we have shared something wonderful with someone else, we often feel as if we received a gift as well. We share the joy they have received.
This week look for ways you can share joy with the people around you. Print the following grid and see how many boxes you can complete this week. Some are simple task that do not take any preparation to complete and some task you may need to plan ahead. At the end of the week, take notice of how you feel as well as how you made others feel. Decide if the saying is true, ‘it is better to give than to receive’.
Jesus wants us to be fishers of man and we can do that in the way we treat others around us. Jesus wants them to know His love for them and He wants you to have a meaningful life. A life filled with the love of Jesus, not filled with things that are slowing passing away.
Additional Resources
Outings to Reinforce Lesson
Donate to a local food shelter or toy drive this Christmas season. As a family, volunteer together or pick out toys you think another child your age might enjoy.