Fishing for People (Sunday February 6)

READ: As Jesus was teaching how to love each other, he met people whom he invited to join him in his work. Those people are called disciples. One day Jesus was at a lakeside teaching, he saw some fishermen named Simon, James, and John working on their nets. He told the fishermen to go back out on the lake and let down their nets. Simon told Jesus they were tired after a long night of fishing, but they went anyway. And they caught so many fish, their nets almost broke. Everyone was amazed. When they got back to the shore, Jesus told them:
“There is nothing to fear. From now on you’ll be fishing for men and women.” 
They pulled their boats up on the beach, left them, nets and all, and followed him.
        --Luke 5:1-11 (The Message) 
WONDER:
I wonder what Simon and his friends thought when Jesus told them to try fishing again?
I wonder what Simon, James, and John left behind to follow Jesus?
I wonder what part of this story is most important?
I wonder what part of this story you like the best?
I wonder if Jesus still needs disciples?
SAY: In this story we see that Jesus invited ordinary people to help him share God’s news of love and care for the world.
PRAY: Let’s pray. Dear God, thank you for the people who are your helpers, for those who teach us about your love. Help us to share your love with other people. Amen.
EXTEND

• Visit www.bibleodyssey.org and look up “The First-Century Galilee Boat” to learn about an ancient boat archeologists found at the Sea of Galilee. 
  In what ways is that boat similar to boats we have today?
  How is it different?
• Using paper, coloring pencils, scissors, etc., create and decorate fish (pattern).
  As you do, talk about the story. Ask, “I wonder what it means to be fishing for people?”
• Read Little Home Bird by Jo Empson, author and illustrator. In this story Little Bird has difficulties leaving home for the first time to fly south for the winter.​

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First century Galilean boat (Wikipedia)