(Start making the fishing rod as you tell the story).  One day Jesus was standing by the Sea of Galilee, when He saw two fishing boats and some fishermen mending their nets.  Jesus climbed into Simon's boat and said to him, "Please row out a little from shore."  Peter did so, and then rested on the oars as Jesus began to teach the people.  When Jesus had finished, He turned to Simon and said, "Pull out into deep water, and let down your nets for a catch."

Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night long and haven't caught a thing, but because You say so, I'll let down the nets."  As he lowered the nets over the side, he probably grumbled, "What does He know about fishing?"  It's always wise to obey Jesus as He knows what is best for us.  How Simon must have gasped when he saw his net full of wriggling fish.

He was horrified as the net began to break!  "Come and help me!" he yelled to his partners in the other boat, "Or we are going to lose our net."  James and John rowed over as hard as they could.  "Quick, help me pull in the net" he gasped, and they struggled to pull the net over the side of the boat.  Soon both boats were so full of fish that water started to pour in over the sides and the boats began to sink!

Simon Peter was astonished at the size of the catch of fish they had taken and so were his partners.  Falling down at Jesus' knees he said, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!"  But Jesus already knew this and had a great plan for Simon's life.  Jesus also has a great plan for each of one of us today.  It does not matter how bad you have been, for Jesus died for every person.  The Bible says that we have all sinned and fallen short of God's standard.

But what did Jesus do?  He just looked lovingly at that rough fisherman and said:

"Don't be afraid - from now on you will catch men" (Luke 5:12b)."

Simon rowed ashore.  With his brother Andrew, and James and John, they pulled the boats up onto the beach and left them - boats, fish and nets and all!  And they followed Jesus to become His disciples and to serve Him all the rest of their lives.

We too can have our lives changed, just as Jesus changed Simon Peter and made him into a great preacher.  (Finish the rod).  Look, I've made a fishing rod.  (Show the finished rod).  I will tie on some line and do some fishing!  (Tie on the balloons to make the fishing line).  Do you like my rod?  I hope I can catch some whopping big fish with it!  (Start making the fish).

Jesus told us to go into the world and make disciples (Matthew 28:16-20).  He wants to make each one of you into a "Fisher of Men" by helping you to tell others that Jesus loves them.  You can tell them what God has done for you, how Jesus came into your heart and changed you into one of God's children.  You can pray for and care for your friends and it won't be long before some of them come to love Jesus!

(Finish the Fish and tie it onto the fishing line).  See, I've caught a fish!  Are you willing to be a "Fisher of Children"?   If you are, why not ask Jesus to make you into one, right now?

God bless!