This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Matthew 4:18-22, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
One day, Jesus was walking by a big lake called the Sea of Galilee. While he was walking, he saw two brothers named Simon (also called Peter) and Andrew. They were fishing with a big net in the sea.
Jesus said to them, “Come, follow me, and I will teach you how to catch people instead of fish!” Simon and Andrew liked Jesus and wanted to learn from him, so they left their fishing net and followed him.
Then, Jesus kept walking and he saw two more brothers, James and John, in a boat with their dad, fixing their fishing net. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me!” James and John loved Jesus too, so they left their boat and their dad and followed Jesus too.
From that day on, Simon, Andrew, James, and John became Jesus’ close friends and helpers. They traveled everywhere with him, learned from him, and helped him spread God’s love to everyone they met.
Biblical Lessons
- Jesus calls us to follow him and be his friends, just like he did with Simon, Andrew, James, and John.
- When Jesus calls us, we should listen and obey, just like the brothers did when they left their fishing nets and boat to follow Jesus.
Related Stories
Must-Read Christian Books
Mere Christianity
Lewis lays out the core beliefs of the Christian faith with clarity, logic, and imagination, rooted in Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Knowledge of the Holy
Short, powerful meditations on the attributes of God that lift the reader into a bigger, more biblical view of who He is.
View on Amazon
The Cost of Discipleship
A penetrating look at Jesus' call to follow Him, contrasting cheap grace with true, costly discipleship.
View on Amazon
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life
Practical, biblical guidance on disciplines like prayer, Bible intake, worship, and fasting to grow in godliness.
View on Amazon
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
Shows how God's sovereignty in salvation fuels, rather than hinders, faithful evangelism.
View on Amazon
Knowing Scripture
Teaches how to interpret the Bible rightly, emphasizing its clarity and our responsibility to study it.
View on Amazon
Don't Waste Your Life
A passionate plea to live for Christ's glory rather than trivial pursuits.
View on Amazon
Nine Marks of a Healthy Church
Outlines nine biblical priorities for congregations that want to be faithful and healthy.
View on Amazon
Communion with God
Explores how believers enjoy distinct fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
View on Amazon
Trusting God
Encourages believers to trust God's sovereignty, wisdom, and love in every circumstance.
View on Amazon
All of Grace
A simple, powerful explanation of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone.
View on Amazon
The Bondage of the Will
Luther's classic defense of the Bible's teaching on human sin and God's sovereign grace.
View on Amazon
The Westminster Shorter Catechism
Summarizes key doctrines of Scripture in concise questions and answers.
View on Amazon
The Hospitality Commands
Shows from Scripture how vital hospitality is to Christian obedience and fellowship.
View on Amazon
God's Glory in Salvation through Judgment
Argues that God's glory in salvation through judgment is the central theme of Scripture.
View on Amazon
Shepherding a Child's Heart
Biblical parenting that aims at a child's heart, not just outward behavior.
View on Amazon
This Momentary Marriage
Shows how marriage is designed to display the covenant love of Christ and His church.
View on Amazon