Bait!

Materials
Various Fishing Lures/bait for different types of fish, fishing pole or net (no hooks for safety’s sake.)

Activity
A fishing line by itself won't catch fish. Even a hook by itself isn't going to ctach fish. Have youth try to identify the hook/bait to catch different types of fish. The youth that correctly matches the most lures with the fish they would attract is awarded a prize.

Debrief
Have a fishing expert select some of the common fishing lures and explain how each is used. Some lures sink to the bottom where catfish and bottom dwelling fish can be found. Others such as a fly float on the surface. Some move through the water and have spinning parts and reflectors to attract the fish. Some look like worms while others look like shrimp or other live creatures the fish like to eat. Some people may not use lures but instead use live bait. Ask the fisherman to display and describe important equipment used in fishing such as fishing rods, waders, floats, weights, and hooks. After the fishing tour and demonstration have youth read Matthew 4:17-22 and then ask:
1) How is telling others about Jesus similar to fishing?
2) Fishing lures are created to be attractive to fish. How can you make the good news about Jesus attractive to your friends?

Application
Jesus said in Matthew 4:19, “Come along with me and I will show you how to fish for the souls of men.” He was sending His disciples out to fish for men, rather than fish. Jesus wants each of us to go fishing with Him every day of our lives. We are to fish for people to bring to the Lord. We are to tell them how Jesus loved them so much that He died on the cross to forgive their sins. We must tell people how they can invite Jesus into their hearts to become their Savior. That way, we become fishers of men and helpers of Christ.

Closing
As a possible closing gesture, give each youth a fishing lure (in which the hooks have been removed for safety) and tape them to a card with a key phrase from the passage.