Bible moment
The Bible moment
Matthew 4:21 describes Jesus seeing James, son of Zebedee, and John in a boat with their father, Zebedee. The brothers are mending their fishing nets when Jesus calls them. This scene is part of Jesus calling his first disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. The account identifies the family members and their ordinary fishing work. It does not give a farewell speech or explain what they were thinking. The next verse says James and John immediately leave the boat and their father and follow Jesus. This passage presents Jesus’ call and their immediate response without adding later events or details from other Gospel accounts.
Look closely
What children can notice
Jesus sees James and John in a boat with their father Zebedee, mending fishing nets, and calls them. Present a calm work scene with the boat near the Sea of Galilee and the family members clearly separated.
Talk together
Talk about it
- What work were James and John doing?
- How did they respond when Jesus called them?
For families, church, and class
Use this page
Use this page to introduce Matthew 4:21–22 in a Sunday school, family, classroom, or homeschool setting. Invite children to notice the boat, nets, family members, and Jesus’ call. Keep discussion centered on the passage and avoid adding dialogue or later events.
Source note
From this passage
Matthew 4:21 · Calling Peter, Andrew, James, and John
Jesus sees James and John in a boat with their father Zebedee, mending fishing nets, and calls them. Present a calm work scene with the boat near the Sea of Galilee and the family members clearly separated.
