Note to the Teacher

The key phrase in this Scripture (for this lesson) is “fishers of people.” The Icebreaker invites youth to fish for objects in the room with their makeshift nets. The Discussion encourages conversation about purpose and watching for ways God is working. The Activity allows youth to explore putting down their burdens so that they can be “fishers of people.” Times, based on a 55-minute lesson period, can be adjusted.

Frenzy O’Fish (15 minutes)

Spread the "fish" (which can be balls or small objects) around the play area. Each team stands in a line on one side of the room, which we’ll call the "shore." Teams must use their "nets" (such as towels or sheets) to pick up the fish from the play area and bring them back to their team's bucket. Important: Players can only use their nets to collect the fish — no hands allowed! Each round lasts two minutes. Teams try to scoop up as many fish as they can and carry them back to their bucket. At the end of each round, the fish in the buckets are counted as points for the team.

Option 1:

If you need to make the game a little harder for your students, consider moving their buckets farther away or to harder-to-reach spots.

Option 2:

If you want to make it extra hard, blindfold one team member so that their friend has to guide and fish with them.

Read Scripture (5 minutes)

Our Scripture reading today may be familiar to you. Take a breath. Ready yourself to imagine your role in the story.

Luke 5:1-11

Discussion (15 minutes)

How do you think the disciples felt when Jesus asked them to try the other side of the boat? (Remember, some of the disciples made their living by fishing. They probably thought they knew what they were doing!)
Why do you think Simon Peter responded the way he did?
Can you remember a time when you felt pushed to act on something that didn’t make much sense or about which you were unsure? How did you handle it, and what did you gain from that situation?
What things are you so good at that you would have a hard time hearing advice on how to do those things differently (even if you’re not succeeding)?
If Jesus were to suggest a new purpose or role for you today, what do you think it would be? How do you believe having a clear purpose can make a difference in someone's life?
Jesus chose regular fishers instead of highly educated scholars or religious leaders to be his first followers. Why do you think he made that choice, and what does it tell us about the kind of people God wants to be a part of God’s work?

Activity and Discussion (20 minutes)

Take this lesson to the next level by involving students’ hands and imaginations. Give each participant a small stone and a pen. Ask students to think about a fear, doubt, or disappointment that makes it hard to “cast your net” in faith. Have them write a word on their stone that represents this. Invite students to come forward silently, one by one, to place their stone into the jar of water and watch it sink. Explain that Peter was weary and uncertain after a night of empty nets, but he chose to trust Jesus. The stones sinking in the water represent releasing our burdens, doubts, or need for control into the “deep” and allowing God to fill those empty places. After everyone has placed their stone in the jar, distribute paper fish cutouts.

Invite students to reflect on God’s calling or blessings in their lives, noting qualities, gifts, or dreams God has given them. Have them write a word on their fish that represents an area where they sense God calling them or a blessing God has given them. Invite students to tape their fish around the outside of the jar, ultimately covering the jar. The fish represent the purpose God offers when we let go and trust God.

Points for discussion:

Ask everyone to look at the jar. The stones inside are not seen, but the fish that represent blessings and our life’s purpose are still visible.
When Peter decided to let go of his own plans and trust in Jesus, he discovered something greater than just fish. He found a new reason to live by becoming a “fisher of people.”
When we let go of what holds us back, God brings us new purpose, hope, and direction.

TOTAL TIME: 55 minutes