Let Down the Nets

Luke 5:1-11

The Big Idea

When Jesus guides us, we can trust him and respond faithfully, even when we feel disappointed or tired.

The Bible Story

The Miraculous Catch of Fish

Luke 5:1-11 tells how Jesus taught people beside the Lake of Gennesaret from Simon’s boat. After teaching, Jesus told Simon to put out into deep water and let down the nets. Simon explained that they had worked hard all night and caught nothing, but he would lower the nets because Jesus said so. The nets then caught a great number of fish and began to break. Simon and his partners, James and John, called for help from the other boat. Both boats filled with fish. Simon responded with awe and humility. Jesus reassured him, saying not to be afraid, and gave Simon a new purpose: from then on, he would catch people. Simon, James, and John brought their boats to shore, left everything, and followed Jesus.

Themes

Awe and humility before Jesus Leaving everything to follow Jesus Responding to Jesus’ call Trusting Jesus’ direction

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Look closely

What children can notice

Jesus directs Simon to take the boat into deep water and lower the nets. Simon responds faithfully despite having worked hard all night and caught nothing.

Talk together

Talk about it

Why did Simon lower the nets?
How can you respond when Jesus guides you?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page to help children retell Luke 5:1-11 in sequence. Invite them to notice Simon’s disappointment, his trust in Jesus’ word, and the reassuring call that followed. Keep the emphasis on trusting Jesus’ direction, responding to his call, and approaching him with awe and humility. It can support a Bible lesson, classroom conversation, family reading, or a simple drawing activity showing the boat and nets.

Source note

From this passage

Luke 5:4-5 · The First Disciples in Luke

Jesus directs Simon to take the boat into deep water and lower the nets. Simon responds faithfully despite having worked hard all night and caught nothing.