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New Testament · Matthew 4:18-22

Jesus Calls His First Disciples

Jesus calls four fishermen—Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John—to follow him. Simon and Andrew are casting a net in the Sea of Galilee; they immediately leave their nets. Jesus then calls James and John, who are mending nets in a boat with their father Zebedee; they immediately leave the boat and their father and follow Jesus.

Coloring pages: 9Age/complexity: Explore (ages 3–5) · Imagine (ages 6–8) · Discover (ages 9–12)

Lesson resource collection

Color the story, one scene at a time.

Choose individual pages for your group, or print a coordinated story sheet when one is available.

Print Jesus Calls His First Disciples: 4-Scene Story Sheet

Jesus approaching Simon Peter and Andrew as they cast a fishing net beside the Sea of Galilee.

Fishermen Beside the Sea

Matthew 4:18-22

Jesus speaks to Simon Peter and Andrew beside the Sea of Galilee, inviting them to follow him near a fishing net.

Jesus Gives an Invitation

Matthew 4:18-22

Jesus walking beside the Sea of Galilee with Simon Peter and Andrew after they leave their fishing net to follow him.

They Leave Their Nets

Matthew 4:18-22

Jesus sees James and John mending fishing nets in a boat with their father Zebedee near the Sea of Galilee.

James and John Mend Their Nets

Matthew 4:18-22

James and John leave their boat and their father Zebedee beside the Sea of Galilee to follow Jesus, based on Matthew 4:22.

James and John Follow Jesus

Matthew 4:18-22

Jesus walking beside the Sea of Galilee while Simon Peter and Andrew cast a fishing net, illustrating Matthew 4:18.

A Shoreline of Fishermen

Matthew 4:18-22

Jesus calls Simon Peter and Andrew beside a fishing net at the Sea of Galilee while James and John are in a boat with Zebedee.

The Call to Follow

Matthew 4:18-22

Jesus leads Simon Peter and Andrew along the shore of the Sea of Galilee while their fishing net is left behind.

Ready to Follow

Matthew 4:18-22

Jesus calls James and John to leave their boat and follow him while Zebedee remains by the boat at the Sea of Galilee.

From the Boat to the Shore

Matthew 4:18-22

Scripture reference

Matthew 4:18-22

Use this reference as you prepare and read the account with your class.

Talk together

A thoughtful question