Here is today’s Bible reading:
Mark 1:16-20 - Jesus Calls the First Disciples
16 As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.
Theme Discussion
The men that Jesus called to be disciples in this story were all fishermen - not ministers or priests or wise men but ordinary people with ordinary jobs. Fish and fishermen are in a lot of stories in the Bible. It was a common job in Jesus’ time.
Why do you think Jesus asked these particular men to follow him?
What do you think Jesus meant when he told the men that they could fish for people?
What are some skills that good fishermen and good disciples have in common?
Did you know that there is a symbol shaped like a fish that reminds us of Jesus? Some people wear this symbol as jewelry, some people put it on their cars.
The first Christians used this symbol as kind of a secret sign to other Christians. There were people who didn’t understand Jesus’ message and thought being a Christian was a bad thing - and so it could be dangerous to let people know you were a follower of Jesus. If they were standing talking to someone face to face, they would make an arc in the sand with their foot. If the other person wasn’t a Christian, they would think nothing of it - but if they were a Christian, they would make another arc to finish the shape of the fish. It was a good sign because no one would think anything of a picture of a fish unless they knew the symbolism.
Response Activity Ideas
Crayon Resist Fish
Materials: white paper, white crayon or oil pastel, water colour paints
Draw a ‘secret’ fish symbol using the white crayon or oil pastel. It works best if you press quite firmly and make fairly thick lines. Then, using the water colour paints, paint a wash of colour over the page to reveal your drawing!
If you have others in your home doing the craft, you could draw the fish and perhaps include a secret message (“Follow Me” - ?) and then paint each other’s to discover what they have done!
Stained Glass Colouring page
Click to print PDF
ICTHYS
Learn more about Christian fish symbol, ICTHYS:
Read more at Christian Symbolism Facts for Kids
Check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkzcNSW1eHg
Or do your own research!
Using whatever art supplies you have, make your own ICTHYS with the Greek letters inside!