The Parable of the Net - Bible lessons for kids

This lesson explores the Parable of the Net, teaching us about God’s Kingdom. As we read from Matthew 13:47-50, we’ll understand how this parable illustrates the gathering of all people and the final judgment.

Key Points:

God is loving and forgiving, but He also judges correctly.
Jesus offers us His goodness.
We should show Jesus’ goodness in our actions.

The Parable of the Net (UK) pdf

The Parable of the Net (USA) pdf

The Parable of the Net – Baby pack pdf

The Parable of the Net 5+ lesson pack pdf

The Parable of the Net TEEN lesson

Lesson Guide – The Parable of the Net

Start by explaining a parable: a simple story to illustrate an important spiritual lesson. Ask the children if they remember any parables. Introduce the Parable of the Net as a story Jesus told about fishing and how it teaches us about God’s Kingdom.

Read Matthew 13:47-50 together.

Discuss how the net in the parable catches all kinds of fish, similar to how God welcomes all people.

Explain that all people have the opportunity to listen to Jesus and obey him. However, not everyone will choose to follow Jesus.

Share how the Bible teaches that everyone will be separated one day, just like the good and bad fish. Those who love God will go to be with God, but those who do not love God will be separated from Him forever.

Create a simple game with cutouts of different fish. On each fish write a good or bad behaviour. Have the children sort the fish into ‘good’ and ‘bad’ categories.

Explain that the Bible says no one is perfectly good on their own (Romans 3:10). Then introduce the good news that Jesus was perfect and took our sins upon Himself so we can be seen as righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Place fruits and vegetables on a table, some fresh and some bad. Let the children sort them into ‘good’ and ‘bad’. Explain this is similar to how God separates good from bad, but in reality, we all fall into the ‘bad’ category because of our sins.

Discuss how we’re all marked by our wrong actions, like the spoiled fruit. But Jesus offers us salvation so we can become good and perfect enough to enter God’s Kingdom. We can’t be good on our own.

Reinforce that Jesus offers to take our sins and give us His righteousness by placing a baseball cap on your head, but do not give one to your child. Explain that everyone wearing a baseball cap will receive a reward, and those not wearing it will be punished.

Explain that you will take the baseball cap off your head, and anyone who wants it can wear it and have the treat, and you will take the punishment.

Use this to talk about how Jesus takes our sin and punishment and offers to give us His righteousness.

Ask if wearing a baseball cap is secretive or obvious. Explain that it is obvious. Anyone who meets someone in a baseball cap can see that they are wearing it. Share how people often use baseball caps to show a sports team or brand they like. In the same way, Christians should show by their actions that they are different and belong to Jesus.

Allow the children to stand up and act as different animals or fish. Talk about how they move differently to act like sharks or octopuses. Their actions clearly show what animal or fish they are trying to be.

Say that those who follow Jesus should also act in ways that show they love Jesus. Talk about ways to show we love Jesus and act more like Him.

The Parable of the Net – Bible story for kids

Games and activities

Fish Sorting

Set up two baskets labelled ‘Good Fish’ and ‘Bad Fish.’

Scatter fish-shaped cut-outs or toys around the room.

Children rush to collect the fish and decide which basket to put them in based on a quality written on each fish (like ‘sharing’ for good fish or ‘being mean’ for bad fish).

This game helps children understand the concept of sorting good from bad and making choices.

Discuss how Jesus teaches us to be like the ‘good fish’ by making kind and loving choices.

Net Casting Challenge

Create a pretend fishing net using a hula hoop and some strings or a real small net.

Set up a small paddling pool or a blue sheet with toy fish spread around.

Children take turns trying to ‘catch’ as many fish as they can with the net.

This game is a fun way to recreate the fishing scene from the parable.

After the game, talk about how Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven is like a net that catches all kinds of fish, showing that God’s love is for everyone.

Fisherman’s Relay

Set up a relay race where children pretend to be fishermen.

They can run to a ‘boat’ (a designated spot), ‘cast their nets’ (throw a rope or a string), and then ‘gather fish’ (collect objects) before running back.

Make it more fun by adding obstacles or challenges along the way.

Discuss how fishermen in Jesus’ time worked hard and how we to, should work hard at being good and sharing God’s love with others.