Superbook

Lesson:

I will teach you to be fishers of men.

Extras

• Character Profiles

  • Jesus

    Discover More
    

    Jesus

    

    Jesus is revealed in the Bible as the Son of God. He was first given this title by Gabriel, who spoke to Mary, saying: “So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35). After Jesus was baptized by John, God said, “This is my dearly beloved Son, who brings me great joy." As the Son of God, Jesus was all powerful on earth. He healed the sick, cast out demons, walked on water, calmed the sea, and had the authority to forgive sins.

    • Bible References

      • John 3:16
      • Luke 1:35
      • Matthew 3:16-17
      • Genesis 1:1
      • Revelation 19:13
      • John 1:1-5
      • John 14:9
      • Mark 2:5-12
      • John 3:16
      • John 14:6
      • John 14:3
      • Acts 1:11
      • Revelation 19:13

  • Philip the Apostle

    Discover More
    

    Philip the Apostle

    

    Jesus found Philip in Galilee and said, “Come, follow Me.” Philip found Nathanael and told him to come see Jesus for Himself! Philip was one of Jesus' chosen apostles.

    • Bible References

      • John 1:43
      • John 1:43-46
      • Matthew 10:1-3
      • John 6:1-15
      • John 12:20-22
      • John 14:1-11

  • Nathanael

    Discover More
    

    Nathanael

    

    Nathanael was sitting under a fig tree when Philip ran up to him declaring he had seen Jesus of Nazareth. Nathanael was skeptical at first but upon meeting Jesus face to face, he declared that He was the Son of God! Jesus called Nathanael a man of integrity that could be trusted. He soon became one of Jesus' twelve apostles.

    • Bible References

      • John 1:47
      • John 21:2
      • John 1:43-51
      • Matthew 10:3
      • Mark 3:18
      • Luke 8:14
      • Luke 6:12-16
      • John 21:2
      • Acts 1:12-13

  • Peter

    Discover More
    

    Peter

    

    Peter was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. Peter was a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee. When Jesus called Peter to follow Him, Peter's life took a completely different direction. He became a “fisher-of-men." Peter was the disciple who climbed out of the boat to walk to Jesus, and he was also the first disciple to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Peter later became the leader of the emerging church.

    • Bible References

      • Matthew 16:18
      • Matthew 16:17
      • John 1:42
      • Mark 1:21
      • John 1:44
      • Matthew 16:17-19
      • Mark 1:29-31
      • Matthew 8:14-15
      • 1 Corinthians 9:5
      • Luke 5:10
      • Matthew 4:18-20
      • Mark 3:14-16
      • Mark 1:36
      • Luke 22:32
      • Matthew 14:28
      • Matthew 18:21
      • Matthew 16:13-17
      • John 18:10
      • Luke 22:31-34
      • John 21
      • Acts 2:14-41
      • Acts 3:12-26
      • Acts 3:1-11
      • Acts 5:12-16
      • Acts 12:6-19
      • Acts 10
      • Acts 15
      • Galatians 2
      • 1 Peter 1
      • 2 Peter 1

  • John (Young)

    Discover More
    

    John (Young)

    

    Before Jesus called him to be a disciple, he was a fisherman (Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20). John’s relationship with Jesus was so close that he was called “the disciple Jesus loved.” John wrote the Gospel of John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Revelation.

    • Bible References

      • John 13:34-35
      • Matthew 4:18-22
      • Mark 1:16-20
      • Mark 5:37
      • Luke 9:28-29
      • Mark 3:17
      • John 19:26-27
      • John 20:31
      • Revelation 1:9-11

  • James

    Discover More
    

    James

    

    James most likely would have been with the other disciples in Jerusalem when they questioned Peter about entering Cornelius' home. James was the son of Zebedee, and older brother to John. Jesus came to James and John and told them to follow Him and be fishers of people! James and his brother John were one of Jesus' twelve apostles. They were nicknamed the "Sons of Thunder" by Jesus. James, John, and Peter were called Jesus' inner circle and were the closest to Jesus of all the apostles. James was the first apostle to die as a martyr when he was killed by King Herod Agrippa in A.D. 44.

    • Bible References

      • Matthew 4:21
      • Matthew 10:2
      • Mark 3:17
      • Acts 1:4-14
      • Matthew 4:18-22
      • Luke 9:51-56
      • Mark 9:2
      • Mark 5:37
      • Luke 8:51
      • Mark 14:33
      • Matthew 26:37
      • Mark 10:37-38
      • Acts 1:4-14
      • Acts 12:1-2

• Adventure Guide

  • 

    Gizmo's Bible Adventures - Your New Journey with God

  • 

    Baptized! - Family Discussion Guide

• Videos

  Philip and Nathanael Share

  • 

    Philip and Nathanael Share

  • 

    Peter Becomes a Fisher of Men

  • 

    Jesus Heals

  • 

    Ellie Declares Jesus is The Son of God

  • 

    Chris, Joy, and Ellie Get Baptized

  • 

    Baptized! - The Salvation Poem

• Q & A

  • What did Jesus mean when He told Peter that He would teach him to fish for people?

    Jesus often taught by using real life situations in parables and by incorporating the actual setting and items people were familiar with and used. This is the case with the boats, fish, fishing nets, and the sea. Simon Peter, James, and John made their living as fishermen. So, Jesus related fishing to making disciples and winning souls.
    Jesus sat in Peter’s boat and preached to the crowds that had gathered on the seashore. When He was done, He told Peter and the others to go out deeper into the sea to catch some fish. Peter did so, even when they had fished all night and came up empty! Shortly after their nets went down, they were filled with fish, to the point of tearing and the boats were on the verge of sinking! Peter, James and John were amazed at this miracle. “Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you'll be fishing for people!” (John:5:10).
    
    The men were so impacted that they chose to leave their family and careers. They decided to leave everything and spread the Gospel to “catch” people instead of fish.
    The Gospel of Christ that we share is like throwing a fishing net into the water. You will catch fish of all kinds with a net. likewise, in fishing for people, you never know who will receive and believe the Gospel. Sometimes the people we least expect will be open to hear about Christ. In Matthew:28:18-20, Jesus tells us to go and make disciples of all nations. He sent the fishermen to deeper waters and he sends us to the ends of the earth to share His message. Peter, James, and John had already fished in the sea and caught nothing. But with Jesus’ help, their nets were full. As we listen to the Holy Spirit, He will lead us to those who are ready to be “caught” or receive the Good News. He is the one who prepares hearts!
    
    On the Day of Pentecost, Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit. That day, his net was filled with people! He boldly preached to the crowd of all nationalities and backgrounds (Acts:2:14-41). Acts 2:41 says, “Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.” 3,000 people that day—what a catch! The church continued to grow and “fish”. Each day, the Lord added more people to their “nets.” (Acts:2:46-47). The disciples now fully understood what Jesus meant to fish for people! Jesus calls us to be fishers of men today, just as He did with His disciples in the Bible. In John 12:32, Jesus said, “And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to Myself.” If we throw out the “Gospel net” and lift His name up, He will draw, or pull the catch in!
    
    
    Discover God's love and plan for you

    • Luke 5:10

  • What does it mean to sharpen another person as it talks about in Proverbs?

    In the video, Peter talks to Chris about how the disciples are strengthened by one another. He quotes Proverbs:27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” So, what does this verse mean; how is it possible to sharpen one another?
    
    Sometimes sharpening one another may mean correcting or re-directing someone in love. 2 Timothy:4:2 says: “Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.” A knife that has been sharpened will shine more because all of the dullness has been rubbed off its surface. Likewise, the light of Christ will shine brighter when our relationship with Him is fresh and current, alive and on “point.”
    As a “sharpener,” we are to look for opportunities to encourage and edify one another. Hebrews:10:24 says: Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” Paul said in 1 Corinthians:11:1 “And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.”. Isn’t that good? We can sharpen others as we closely follow Jesus. And, as we follow someone who is on fire for Christ, we will be challenged and sharpened!
    
    In Ecclesiastes:4:10, the Bible talks about the importance of having someone to help us when we fall: “If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.”
    
    In this world, we are bombarded by so many things that are contrary to God’s will and Word. We need positive influences in our lives to keep us accountable, on track, and sharp in our walk with Christ.
    
    Hebrews:3:13 says: “You must warn each other every day, while it is still "today," so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.” It is dangerous to be spiritually “dull.” Let us always be ready to sharpen and to be sharpened!
    
    
    Discover God's love and plan for you

    • Proverbs 27:17

  • Did Jesus pray to God while He was on the earth?

    The Bible tells us that Jesus prayed all night before He hand-picked His twelve apostles. “One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and He prayed to God all night. At daybreak He called together all of His disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles." (Luke:6:12-13). We can learn from this that it is essential to spend time with God before making important decisions or choices. We need God’s wisdom and direction!
    
    Jesus was the Son of God, yet He was also a human on Earth. He lived a victorious life without sin. How did He do it? He was strong in God’s Spirit and He received direction and the Words to speak from His Father through prayer. “So Jesus told them, "My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent Me.” (John:7:16). And, in John:5:19, Jesus said: “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by Himself. He does only what He sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.” Every step Jesus took, and every Word He spoke was intentional in fulfilling the will of God.
    
    As the crowds grew, Jesus made sure He could be alone with God. “But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.” (Luke:5:16). In the Garden before His arrest and death on the cross, Jesus prayed to know God’s will. (Matthew:26:36-46). Prayer was vital to Jesus; it was a priority while on the earth. Hebrews:5:7 says: “While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue Him from death. And God heard His prayers because of His deep reverence for God.”
    
    As followers of Christ, let us imitate Him; consistently spending time with our heavenly Father in reverence and seeking His will and wisdom.
    
    
    Discover God's love and plan for you

    • Luke 6:12

  • How should I respond to Jesus' voice when He asks me to do something?

    Peter, James, and John were professional fisherman—it’s what they did every day. They had spent all night fishing and caught nothing. Jesus came by, whom they didn’t know, and tells them to launch out further and fish--with the nets they had just cleaned! (Matthew 4:18-21) “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if You say so, I'll let the nets down again.” (Luke 5:4-5) By their immediate obedience, Jesus performed a miracle that completely blew the three men away! Their nets were so full that they began to tear. The boats were so full that they were in danger of sinking. (Luke 5:6-10). What will Jesus do in our lives if we do not hesitate to obey? What will we experience if we trust in Him instead of our own wisdom and ability?
    
    The fishermen's trust didn’t stop there; when they reached the shore, Jesus told them to follow Him. They immediately left their nets and did just that! (Luke:5:10-11). Matthew was working at his tax collecting booth when Jesus came by and called to Him to follow. Matthew left his livelihood and immediately followed Jesus. (Matthew:9:9). These men, and others, became Jesus’ chosen apostles, who would take the Good News to all nations! When we obey Jesus, it is always the best choice.
    
    Whether it is His voice speaking to our heart, or through God’s Word we read in the Bible, Jesus will guide us into all that is good and pleases God.
    
    The key is not only hearing the Word, but also acting on it. (James 1:22) says, “But don't just listen to God's Word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” We display our genuine love for God through our obedience to His Word. (John 14:21) says, “Those who accept My commandments and obey them are the ones who love Me. And because they love Me, My Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal Myself to each of them."
    
    
    Discover God's love and plan for you

    • Matthew 9:9

  • How much does God know about me and everyone else in the world?

    John:1:47-48says, “As they approached, Jesus said, “Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity.” “How do you know about me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, “I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.” Jesus knows all there is to know about everyone, from Adam until this world ends, no one is hidden from His sight. Hebrews:4:13 says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountable.”
    
    Yes, Jesus knows all about us; the good and the bad; the successes and failures; the strengths and weaknesses—and He loves us unconditionally, forever! Psalms:147:5 says that His understanding is infinite. There is no limit to what He knows and will know. Matthew:10:30 says that the very hairs on our head are all numbered. Jesus knew Peter would deny Him, and He prayed for Him that his faith would not fail, and when he came through it, he could then strengthen others. (Luke 22:31-34). Isn't that amazing? Jesus even came to Him to call Him back and gave Him a new purpose… to feed His sheep and lambs. (John:21)
    
    Jesus knows all about us, loves us, and gives us the privilege of serving Him and sharing the Gospel with others. David marveled at God’s intimate knowledge of Him in Psalms:139:1-6. “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I'm far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!”
    
    Yes, God knows us inside and out, He looks at our heart, when people only see the outside. He knows us, loves us, and died for us, so we could spend all of eternity with Him. (1 Samuel:16:7)
    
    
    Discover God's love and plan for you

    • John 1:47