They Leave Their Nets

Matthew 4:18-22

The Big Idea

Jesus calls people to follow him, and Simon Peter and Andrew responded right away.

The Bible Story

Jesus Calls His First Disciples

Matthew 4:18–22 tells how Jesus called fishermen to follow him. First, Jesus saw Simon, called Peter, and Andrew casting a net into the Sea of Galilee because they were fishermen. He told them to follow him and said he would make them fishers of people. They immediately left their nets and followed him. Jesus then called James and John, who were mending nets in a boat with their father, Zebedee. They also immediately left the boat and their father and followed Jesus. This page focuses on Simon Peter and Andrew leaving their nets, as described in Matthew 4:20. The passage presents their response as immediate and willing. It does not describe later ministry, miracles, or additional conversation.

Themes

Immediate response Jesus calls people to follow him Leaving ordinary work and possessions to become disciples

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Look closely

What children can notice

Simon Peter and Andrew immediately leave their nets and follow Jesus along the Sea of Galilee. Show the nets set down behind them and the three figures moving together in a willing, peaceful response.

Talk together

Talk about it

What did Simon Peter and Andrew leave behind?
How did they respond when Jesus called them?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page for a Bible lesson on Matthew 4:18–22, especially immediate response and following Jesus. Invite children to notice the nets behind the disciples and retell only what Matthew’s account says. Encourage thoughtful discussion without adding a farewell scene or later events.

Source note