In Luke 5, Jesus stepped into Peter’s boat and used what Peter already had. Then Jesus asked Peter to trust Him and try fishing again, even after catching nothing all night. Peter obeyed, and Jesus did something amazing—they caught so many fish the nets were overflowing! Peter realized Jesus is powerful and perfect. Instead of pushing Peter away, Jesus invited him to help others know Him. Peter chose to follow Jesus, and his life was changed forever.
Bottom Line: Jesus can use what you have, help you trust Him, and do more than you could ever imagine.
How to Use this Guide
We have prepared this guide with 5 parts: read, respond, pray, and an activity. Please use this only as a guide, knowing that your family may need either more or less depending on your kids' ages. You can choose do this this in one sitting or in multiple days throughout the week.
Our prayer is not that your time would look or sound perfect, but that little and big hearts would be drawn closer to God this week as you seek to follow Him together.
Continue The Journey
Read
Luke 5:1-11, focusing on verse 8 John 12:26 Matthew 16:24-25 1 John 2:6
Respond
Early Childhood
What did Peter do when Jesus called him?
Who do we follow?
What is one way you can follow Jesus this week?
Elementary
What did the disciples leave behind to follow Jesus?
What might Jesus ask us to give up?
Why is following Jesus worth it?
Pray
"Jesus, we want to follow You every day. Help us trust that life with You is better than anything else. Amen."
Activity
Footsteps with Jesus: Cut out footprints and write ways your family can follow Jesus this week.
Follow Jesus Together: As a family, choose one way to serve your community this week. Visit an elderly neighbor, pick up litter at a park, donate food, or write thank-you cards for teachers, first responders, or church volunteers. Talk about how following Jesus means loving and serving others every day.
Read
Luke 5:1-11, focusing on verse 10 John 14:6 John 3:16 Matthew 28:19-20 Matthew 5:16
Respond
Early Childhood
Jesus said Peter would fish for people. Who can you tell about Jesus?
What can you say?
What can we do as a family to share the love of Jesus?
Elementary
What does it mean to be a "fisher of people"?
Who in your life needs to know Jesus?
How can your actions and words point others to Him?
Pray
"Jesus, help us tell others about Your love. Give us courage to shine Your light wherever we go. Amen."
Activity
Fishing for Friends: Draw paper fish and write names of friends or family members on them. Pray for each person.
Share the Good News: Tell one person something you've learned about Jesus this month. It can be as simple as saying, "Jesus loves you," sharing your favorite Bible verse, or inviting someone to church.
Read
Luke 5:1-11, focusing on verse 8 Hebrews 4:15 1 Peter 2:22 Romans 3:23 1 John 1:8
Respond
Early Childhood
Peter knew he had done wrong things. Can you name a time when you made a mistake?
Who is perfect?
Does Jesus still love us we sin?
Elementary
Why did Peter feel unworthy?
What makes Jesus different from us?
Why is Jesus the only one who can save us?
Pray
"Jesus, You are perfect, and we are not. Thank You for loving us and forgiving our sins. Help us follow You. Amen."
Activity
Clean Heart Craft: Draw a heart. Write "Jesus forgives me" inside. Decorate it as a reminder of His love.
Welcome Someone In: Invite a new family, neighbor, classmate, or coworker for dessert, coffee, a meal, or a playdate.
Read
Luke 5:1-11, focusing on verse 7 John 14:26 Hebrews 13:6 Psalm 121:1-2
Respond
Early Childhood
Peter called for help. Who helps you?
Who always helps us?
How can Jesus help you this week? (Spend time to pray for this.)
Elementary
Why did Peter need help?
What does the Holy Spirit help us do?
When have you needed God's help?
Pray
"Holy Spirit, thank You for helping us. Teach us, guide us, and remind us that God is always with us. Amen."
Activity
God’s Helping Hand: Trace your hands and write ways God helps you and ways you can help others.
Kindness Mission: Look for one way to help someone without being asked. Carry groceries, rake leaves, clean up a shared space, help a sibling, or make a meal for someone who needs encouragement.
Read
Luke 5:1-11, focusing on verse 6 Matthew 19:26 Matthew 17:20 Mark 11:24 Ephesians 3:20
Respond
Early Childhood
Jesus filled the nets with lots of fish!
Can Jesus do big things? (Yes!)
What big thing would you like to ask Jesus for?
Elementary
Why was this miracle surprising?
What impossible situation do you want to trust Jesus with?
How has Jesus done more than you expected?
Pray
"Jesus, You can do anything. Help us believe that You are powerful and able to do more than we can imagine. Amen."
Activity
More Than Expected: Give each family member a handful of small objects (buttons, blocks, pennies, cereal pieces, etc.). Ask, “How many do you think are in your hand?” Count the objects together and compare your guesses. Talk about how the disciples expected a normal catch of fish, but Jesus gave them far more than they imagined. Jesus is powerful and can do amazing things.
Big Prayer Challenge: Ask each family member to think of one person or situation that seems impossible. Pray together every day this week and encourage someone by telling them, "We're praying for you because nothing is impossible for Jesus."
Read
Luke 5:1-11, focusing on verse 5 Prov 3:5-6 Psalm 56:3 John 14:1 Hebrews 13:5-6 Mark 5:36
Respond
Early Childhood
Peter said, "Because You say so, I will." Is trusting and obeying always easy? Why?
Have you ever trusted someone to help you?
Can we trust Jesus? (Yes!)
Elementary
Why did Peter obey even after fishing all night?
When is it hard to trust Jesus?
What does it look like to obey even when you are unsure?
Pray
"Jesus, when we feel afraid or confused, help us trust You and obey what You say. Amen."
Activity
Blind Trust Walk: One person closes their eyes while another gently leads them through the room. Talk about how Jesus leads us safely.
Family Challenge: As a family, choose one thing that requires trusting Jesus this week. It could be praying for a need before you see an answer, showing kindness to someone who isn't kind to you, inviting a friend to church, or helping someone even when it feels uncomfortable. At the end of the week, share how you saw Jesus help you trust Him.
Read
Luke 5:1-11, focusing on verse 4 Hebrews 11:1 Joshua 1:9 Proverbs 3:5-6
Respond
Early Childhood
Jesus said, "Go deeper”, try something new. Have you ever been scared to try something new?
Jesus is with us. What brave thing can you do?
Elementary
Why might Peter have felt unsure about going deeper?
What does faith mean?
What is one step Jesus may be asking you to take?
Pray
"Jesus, help us trust You when You ask us to do something new or scary. Give us courage to take the next step. Amen."
Activity
Faith Steps: Cut out paper footprints. Write one brave step on each footprint (invite a friend to church, pray out loud, help someone). Walk across the room stepping on each one.
Take a Brave Step: Do one kind thing that takes courage. Introduce yourself to a new neighbor, invite someone to church, write an encouraging note, or pray with a friend.
Read one or more of the following
Luke 5:1-11, focusing on verses 1-3 1 Peter 4:10 Exodus 4:2 Ephesians 3:17-8
Respond
Early Childhood
What did Jesus use? (Peter's boat)
What do you have that Jesus can use?
How can we make room for Jesus in our hearts?
Elementary
Why do you think Jesus asked to use Peter's boat?
What gifts, talents, or possessions has God given you?
How can you use those things to help others know Jesus?
Pray
"Jesus, thank You for giving us special gifts and abilities. Help us use what we have for You and make room in our hearts for You every day. Amen."
Activity
Boat of Blessings: Draw a boat. Inside the boat, write or draw things God has given your family (kindness, toys, talents, time, home). Talk about how Jesus can use each one.
Share What You Have: Choose one item you have extra of (a toy, book, baked treat, flowers from your yard, or even your time) and give it to someone who could use encouragement. Tell them, "Jesus loves you, and we wanted to share with you."
