Bible moment
The Bible moment
Matthew 4:18–22 describes Jesus calling four fishermen to follow him. First, Jesus calls Simon Peter and Andrew while they are casting a net, and they immediately leave their nets and follow him. Then Jesus sees James and John, the sons of Zebedee, in a boat with their father. They are mending their fishing nets. Jesus calls them, and they immediately leave the boat and their father and follow him. This scene focuses on James and John’s response to Jesus’s call. Matthew gives no farewell speech or added explanation, so the picture and page should stay close to those details.
Look closely
What children can notice
Depict James and John leaving their boat and following Jesus while Zebedee remains respectfully by the boat. The Sea of Galilee setting should remain calm, and the brothers’ response should look immediate but not hurried or dangerous.
Talk together
Talk about it
- What did James and John leave when Jesus called them?
- What might it mean to respond willingly to Jesus?
For families, church, and class
Use this page
Use this page with Matthew 4:18–22 in family worship, Sunday school, church classes, or homeschool lessons. Invite children to notice the boat, the calm sea, James and John, Jesus, and Zebedee. Keep discussion focused on Jesus’s call and the brothers’ immediate response. Avoid adding dialogue, danger, conflict, or later events.
Source note
From this passage
Matthew 4:22 · Calling Peter, Andrew, James, and John
Depict James and John leaving their boat and following Jesus while Zebedee remains respectfully by the boat. The Sea of Galilee setting should remain calm, and the brothers’ response should look immediate but not hurried or dangerous.
