January 25, 2026 – Jesus Calls Us to Follow

“Come, follow me.” — Matthew 4:19a (simplified)

SECTION 1 – LEADER PREP

Leader Devotional & Invitation (for you, before teaching) In this passage, Jesus begins His public ministry. He moves into Galilee, starts teaching about God’s kingdom, heals people, and calls ordinary fishermen to follow Him. Jesus doesn’t wait for people to be perfect or prepared—He invites them just as they are. “Come, follow me,” is not a demand; it’s a loving invitation into a relationship. This matters deeply for children. Kids often think following Jesus means having all the answers or never making mistakes. This story shows something different: following Jesus means walking with Him, learning from Him, and trusting Him day by day. The disciples didn’t know everything—but they knew Jesus was worth following. As a leader, God may be inviting you to remember your own calling. Jesus didn’t choose experts; He chose people who were willing. Today isn’t about teaching perfectly—it’s about modeling what it looks like to say yes to Jesus and walk with Him faithfully.

Reflection Questions for Volunteers

When did Jesus first invite me to follow Him in my own life? How can I show children that following Jesus is about relationship, not perfection?

Prayer for Leaders

“Jesus, give me clarity as I teach, compassion as I listen, and faithfulness as I lead. Help me follow You as I invite children to do the same. Amen.”

Bible Background for Leaders

WHO: Jesus; Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John; crowds of people. WHAT: Jesus begins His ministry, calls His first disciples, teaches, and heals. WHERE: Galilee, near the Sea of Galilee. WHEN: Early in Jesus’ ministry, after John the Baptist’s arrest. WHY: To announce God’s kingdom and invite people into life with Him. CONNECTION: This passage shows the beginning of Jesus’ mission. He calls followers, brings healing, and points to God’s kingdom—setting the stage for everything that follows in the Gospel.

Volunteer Connection Tip Emphasize Jesus’ invitation, not pressure. Avoid framing discipleship as “giving everything up” in a scary way. Highlight that Jesus chooses ordinary people. Model curiosity, kindness, and willingness to learn. Remind kids that Jesus stays with us as we follow Him.

Key Vocabulary

Follow: To walk with and learn from Jesus Disciple: Someone who learns from Jesus Kingdom of God: God’s way of love and life Repent: To turn toward God and His ways Fisher of people: Helping others know Jesus

Supply Checklist

Lesson Supplies: Bible (open during storytelling) Toy fishing net or rope (optional) Craft Supplies: Paper fish, Crayons or markers, Tape or string Game Supplies: None (game is movement/discussion-based) Prep Time: ~10 minutes to gather supplies, prep craft, and display memory verse card

Welcome Question (displayed): “Who do you like to follow or learn from?”

Before Kids Arrive

Write the Welcome Question clearly on the board, poster paper, or slide so children see it as soon as they enter the room. Place paper fish, and crayons/markers on tables or floor areas for children who prefer to draw their answers. Lay the toy fishing net or rope nearby where it can be easily picked up later during the Bible story. Arrange seating so children can easily move into a circle when it’s time to gather.

Pray quietly over the room

“Jesus, thank You for every child who will walk into this room today. Help them feel welcomed, known, and loved. As we talk about following You, help each child understand that You invite them just as they are. Amen.”

Leader Tip: Younger children (K–2) may not understand the word follow right away. Encourage them to think about people they watch, copy, or learn from. Drawing is often the easiest way for them to respond. Older children (grades 3–5) can write a name or short phrase and may begin to reflect on why they like learning from that person.

As Kids Arrive (Leader Script)

Greet each child by name when possible, at eye level, with a calm smile. “Hi, [child’s name]! I’m really glad you’re here today. When you see our question, you can draw or think about who you like to follow or learn from.” If a child seems unsure, gently prompt with relatable examples: “Is there a teacher, coach, or parent you learn from?” “Do you like following someone who teaches you how to do something new?” “Is there someone you trust and like to watch?” Affirm their responses warmly: “That’s a great person to learn from.” “I like how you thought about that.” “That makes a lot of sense.” For shy or quiet children: “You don’t have to share out loud if you don’t want to. You can just draw or listen today. I’m really glad you’re here.”

At Start Time (Leader Script)

“Friends, let’s come together in our circle.” Pause until the group is settled. “Thank you for thinking about our question. We all follow or learn from someone — people who help us grow, learn, or feel safe. Today, we’re going to hear a Bible story about Jesus inviting people to follow Him.” Brief emotional connection: “These people weren’t famous or special. They were regular people doing their everyday jobs — just like us going to school, playing, or helping at home.” Curiosity Activity – Game (Follow the Leader):

Leader Instruction

This simple game introduces the idea of following in a fun, low-pressure way. It prepares children to think about what it means to follow someone and trust them. Step-by-Step: Invite children to stand with enough space to move safely. Say: “We’re going to play Follow the Leader. Watch closely and do what the leader does.” Choose yourself or a child to lead simple movements: March in place Stretch arms up high Pretend to row a boat Walk slowly, then stop Switch leaders once or twice if time allows.

End the game by saying: “Following means paying attention and moving together. In our Bible story today, Jesus invites people to follow Him — not in a game, but in real life.”

Leader Tips for Management Keep movements slow and controlled. Praise participation, not performance. If energy rises, pause and say, “Freeze — eyes on me.”

Transition (Leader Script)

“Now that we’ve practiced following, let’s listen to the Bible and hear how Jesus invited people to follow Him — and what that invitation means for us.”

Leader Instruction

This is the heart of today’s lesson. The goal is not just to tell children that Jesus called disciples, but to help them experience Jesus’ invitation. Jesus doesn’t rush, demand, or pressure. He invites ordinary people into relationship and promises to walk with them as they learn. Teaching Focus: Jesus sees people where they are. Jesus invites them to follow Him. Following Jesus begins with saying “yes,” not with knowing everything. Tips for Volunteers: Have children sit close together in a circle to reduce distractions and build connection. Hold the Bible open while telling the story so kids see that this comes from God’s Word. Use your voice intentionally: Calm and steady when Jesus is walking by the sea Warm and inviting when Jesus speaks Curious and gentle when asking questions Encourage movement and imagination, especially for younger children Pause often and allow kids to “wonder out loud.” Repeat the key phrase “Come, follow me” several times. Prayer of Invitation (Leader Script): “Jesus, thank You for inviting people to follow You. Help us listen carefully to Your story today and remember that You invite us too. Amen.” Bible Time Rhyme (say with motions): Say together with motions: “Open God’s Word (pretend to open a big book), Come and see (cup hands around eyes), Jesus calls to you and me!” Encourage kids to do the motions with you: pretend to open a big book, then point to yourself and others on “me and you.” Storytelling (Leader Script): (Have kids sit in a circle. Hold the Bible open while you tell the story. Use props if available — one full plate of food, one empty plate.) Setting the scene “After John the Baptist was arrested, Jesus went to a place called Galilee.” (Sweep your hand slowly across the circle.) “Jesus began telling people about God’s kingdom — about God’s love and God’s way.” Jesus sees ordinary people “One day, Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee.” (Pretend to look out over the water.) “He saw two brothers, Simon Peter and Andrew. They were fishing — just doing their regular job.”

Pause & Ask: “What do you think fishermen do all day?” The invitation “Jesus didn’t walk past them. He stopped.” (Pause.) “Jesus looked at them and said something very important.”

Say slowly and clearly: ‘Come, follow me.’ (Invite kids to repeat quietly.) A surprising response “Right away, the brothers left their nets and followed Jesus.” (Gently set the net or rope on the floor.)

Pause & Wonder: “Do you think that was an easy choice or a hard choice?” More people invited “Jesus walked a little farther and saw two more brothers, James and John.” “Jesus invited them too — and they followed Him.”

What following looked like “Jesus didn’t just walk around. He taught people about God’s love.” “He healed people who were sick.” “He cared for people who were hurting.” Big truth moment “Jesus chose regular people. And He stayed with them as they learned.” Engagement Tips Use a few of these naturally during or after the story: “Show me with your body what it looks like to follow.” (Take one step forward.) “What do you think made the fishermen say yes?” “How do you think they felt walking away from their nets?” “Who helps you learn new things?” Whisper together: “Jesus invites me. Optional movement: Have kids gently toss an imaginary net, then drop it and take one step forward when they hear “follow.” Connecting the Wonder Truth (Leader Script): “Jesus didn’t choose people because they knew everything. He chose them because He loved them.” Say slowly, then invite kids to repeat: “Jesus invites us to follow Him, and He stays with us as we learn and grow.” Repeat once more, placing a hand over the heart. Word of Wonder (Memory Verse): “Come, follow me.” — Matthew 4:19a Teach with Motions: Come — motion toward yourself Follow — take a small step forward Me — point to yourself Practice Methods: Whisper it together. Say it in a normal voice. Say it joyfully with the step-forward motion. Optional Engagement Game: Have one child gently lead the motions while the group follows, reinforcing the idea of following together. .

Leader Instruction

This section helps children move from hearing Jesus’ invitation to imagining what it looks like in their own lives. The goal is not to pressure children to “do more,” but to help them see that following Jesus happens in small, everyday ways—learning, growing, and trusting Him step by step. Faith here is about response, not perfection. Tips for Volunteers: Invite everyone to participate. Gently draw in quieter kids and manage talkative ones by saying, “Let’s hear from someone new.” Keep examples concrete and age-appropriate. Kids understand following best when it’s tied to daily routines (school, family, friends). Affirm every response: “That’s a thoughtful answer.” “I like how you explained that.” “That sounds like a good way to follow Jesus.” For K–2, offer choices and examples. For grades 3–5, ask reflective “why” and “how” questions.

Discussion (Leader Script)

Younger (K–2):

Ask slowly, allowing time to answer. Help gently if needed.

“Who did Jesus invite to follow Him?” (Guide: Fishermen. Regular people.) “Did Jesus ask them to know everything first?” (Guide: No.) “What did Jesus say?” (Guide: ‘Come, follow me.’) “What are some ways kids can follow Jesus?” (Guide: Being kind, praying, listening, helping others.) “Who helps you learn how to do the right thing?” (Guide: Jesus, parents, teachers, church.) Smile and affirm: “That’s a great way to follow Jesus.” Older (3–5): Invite deeper thinking. There are no wrong answers. “Why do you think the fishermen followed Jesus right away?” “What do you think following Jesus means for kids today?” “Is following Jesus always easy? Why or why not?” “What’s one way you want to follow Jesus this week—at school, at home, or with friends?” Normalize struggle: “It’s okay if that feels hard. Jesus stays with us while we learn.” Faith Practice Moment – Small Steps of Following Leader Script: “Following Jesus doesn’t mean doing everything at once. It starts with small steps.” Have children place one foot slightly forward. Say slowly, and invite kids to repeat: “Jesus, I hear You.” “Jesus, I want to follow You.” “Jesus, help me learn.” Pause briefly after each line. Then say: “Every step matters when we’re walking with Jesus.” Optional Visual Reinforcement Hold up the fishing net or rope. Say: “The fishermen didn’t know where Jesus would take them. They just trusted Him enough to follow. Jesus invites us the same way.”

Transition (Leader Script)

“Following Jesus isn’t about being perfect — it’s about trusting Him and taking one step at a time. Now let’s think about who Jesus says we are when we follow Him.”

Craft Activity – “I Can Follow Jesus” Fish Supplies: Construction paper (pre-cut fish shapes if possible) Crayons, markers, or colored pencils Stickers (optional) Tape or string (optional for display)

Leader Instruction

This activity helps children move from what Jesus did to who they are. The fish symbol reminds children of the fishermen Jesus called — ordinary people who were invited into a new life with Him. The goal is not to suggest that following Jesus means doing everything right. The goal is to help children understand this identity truth: Jesus sees me. Jesus invites me. Jesus stays with me as I learn. Age Guidance: Younger children (K–2): Focus on drawing and naming simple ways they follow Jesus with help. Older children (Grades 3–5): Invite reflection on how following Jesus shapes who they are becoming. Classroom Management Tips Set a clear, gentle time frame: “We have about 5 minutes to work on our fish.” Move around the room and engage quietly: “Tell me about your fish.” “What did you draw to show following Jesus?” Affirm effort, not appearance: “I love how you thought about that.” “That shows you’re really listening to Jesus.” Keep the environment calm and encouraging. Step-by-Step Instructions Give each child a paper fish and coloring supplies. Say clearly and warmly: Leader Script: “In today’s story, Jesus saw people who were fishing and invited them to follow Him. He didn’t choose them because they were perfect — He chose them because He loved them.” Invite children to decorate their fish with: Pictures of kind actions (helping, sharing, praying) Words like follow, listen, Jesus Symbols like hearts, crosses, or smiling faces As children work, gently repeat: “Jesus sees you.” “Jesus invites you.” “Jesus walks with you.” When time is almost up, invite 1–2 children (only if they want) to share what they put on their fish. Age Differentiation K–2 Suggestions: Draw a heart and say, “Jesus loves me.” Draw themselves and Jesus together. Have an adult write words as the child explains. Grades 3–5 Prompts: “What does following Jesus look like at school or at home?” “What is one way Jesus helps you grow? “How can you remember Jesus is with you this week?” Leader Script (Identity Connection) “Look at all these fish. Each one is different — just like each of you.” Pause and look around the group. “Jesus didn’t call everyone to be the same. He called them to be with Him. When you follow Jesus, you are someone He sees, someone He loves, and someone He walks with every day.” Optional closing sentence before moving on: “You don’t follow Jesus alone — He stays right beside you.”

Leader Instruction

Bring the children back together into a close, calm circle. Sitting close helps signal that the lesson is ending and creates a sense of safety and belonging. Use one clear, gentle signal to gather attention: Clap a simple rhythm and have the kids echo it. Say slowly and calmly: “Hands on your knees, eyes on me.” Lower your voice slightly and wait for quiet before continuing. If the group is energetic, pause for a full breath together: “Let’s take one deep breath in… and out.” Explain softly: “This is our quiet moment to remember what Jesus taught us today and to thank God together.” Review Wonder Truth (Leader Script) “Before we go, let’s remember today’s Wonder Truth.” Say slowly and clearly, then invite the children to repeat: “Jesus invites us to follow Him, and He stays with us as we learn and grow.” Repeat it in different ways: Whisper voice: say it quietly together. Strong voice: say it confidently together. Add motion: Take one small step forward and place a hand over your heart — a reminder that following Jesus starts with a willing heart. Affirm the group: “You did a great job remembering that.” Memory Verse Review (With Motions) “Let’s say our Word of Wonder one more time.” “Come, follow me.” — Matthew 4:19a Do it together with motions: Come — motion toward yourself Follow — take one step forward Me — point to yourself Optional encouragement: “Jesus’ invitation is gentle and full of love.” Blessing (Leader Script) (Look slowly around the circle, making gentle eye contact with each child.) “May you know that Jesus sees you. May you hear His loving invitation to follow Him. And may you remember that wherever you go, Jesus walks with you.” Pause briefly. “Amen.”

Closing Prayer (Repeat-After-Me)

Let’s pray together. I’ll say a line, and you repeat it after me. “Dear Jesus, (pause) “Thank You for inviting me. (pause) “Help me follow You. (pause) “Every day. (pause) “Amen.”

Leader Tip (Optional Closing Line)

End with warmth and affirmation: “I’m really glad you were here today. Jesus loves each one of you so much.”