15 Jesus Calls His Disciples Coloring Pages That Teach Kids Purpose & Obedience
What if the most important thing about the disciples wasn’t who they were — but that they were ordinary?
When we think about Jesus calls His disciples coloring pages, it’s easy to focus on boats, nets, and the Sea of Galilee. But the heart of Matthew 4:18–22 is this: Jesus invites everyday people into extraordinary purpose. These printable pages help children see that following Jesus isn’t about being famous or perfect — it’s about saying yes.
Whether you’re teaching a 12 Disciples Sunday School lesson, planning a Jesus calls His disciples craft, or looking for a disciples coloring page to pair with your Bible study for kids, this set was created to make that invitation feel personal.
A Note from Louisa (Founder of MyKidColors)
When I picture Jesus calling His disciples, what moves me most isn’t the shoreline — it’s who He chose.
This story is part of something bigger…
Inclusive Bible Moments Coloring Book
If your child connected with this story, they’ll love the full collection.
This isn’t just coloring.
It’s quiet, faith-filled moments where kids see themselves in Scripture.
Inside you’ll find:
- 25 hand-drawn Bible scenes rooted in real stories
- Representation that helps children feel seen and included
- Devotional-style pages that invite calm, reflection, and conversation
- Easy, print-and-use pages for busy days
Less screen time. More soul time.
Fishermen. Ordinary men. People with worn hands and everyday responsibilities.
I’ve always been taught that Jesus uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
About a year into the pandemic, while pregnant and working in pharmacy, I felt a quiet nudge to step back from the professional setting. There was no dramatic moment — just a decision to slow down, to focus on home, blogging, and caring for my family. I haven’t returned to that traditional path since.
When I read that “they left their nets and followed Him,” I think about that season. Sometimes obedience isn’t loud. Sometimes it’s simply responding when you feel the tug.
When children color Jesus calling His disciples, I want them to understand this: they are chosen too. They have purpose woven into their ordinary days. And following Jesus begins with listening.
Conversation Corner: 3 Questions to Ask While Coloring
Turn this activity into a bonding moment. While your child colors, try asking these questions:
- For “Quiet Work” (Page 4): “These fishermen are just doing their normal, everyday chores. Why do you think Jesus chose ordinary workers instead of rich kings to be His closest friends?”
- For “Decision Pause” (Page 8): “This fisherman is looking back at his boat before he leaves to follow Jesus. Has there ever been a time when doing the right thing felt a little scary or hard to do?”
- For “Hero Page” (Page 15): “Jesus said He would make them ‘fishers of men.’ What do you think it means to ‘catch’ people with God’s love?”
These questions help turn your Jesus calls disciples activity into a faith-building moment.
The Collection: 15 Free Jesus Calls His Disciples Coloring Pages
We have organized these into three sets to help you teach the story of Matthew 4—from simple shoreline scenes for toddlers to highly detailed, reflective pages for older kids.
For Little Hands: The Shoreline & The Invitation (Pages 1-5)
Best for toddlers and preschoolers. These pages focus on bold lines, calm water, and the gentle introduction of Jesus’ invitation.
- Everyday Work: A fisherman kneeling by the shore with a net (Page 1) and men quietly mending their nets together (Page 4) — the perfect foundation for a Jesus calls His disciples craft preschool lesson.
- The Gentle Calling: Jesus walking calmly along the soft shore (Page 2) and gently speaking to the fishermen with open hands (Page 5), which makes a beautiful 12 disciples coloring page.
- Peaceful Creation: Birds resting near the fishing nets (Page 3) to round out your Jesus disciples activity page collection.
Inclusive Work & The Big Decision (Pages 6-10)
Perfect for elementary kids. These pages visualize the tools of the trade, inclusive community, and the physical act of stepping away.
- Symbols of the Sea: A “Scrapbook Core” page featuring icons like a boat, net, water, and sandals (Page 6) that doubles as an interactive 12 disciples worksheet.
- Inclusive Calling: A seated fisherman with mobility support working on his nets (Page 7) to show that God calls absolutely everyone.
- Stepping Out in Faith: A thoughtful fisherman looking back at his boat (Page 8) and men stepping away from their worn tools (Page 10) in a beautiful Jesus chooses His disciples coloring page design.
The Full Story: Ordinary Work & New Beginnings (Pages 11-15)
Designed for older kids or quiet reflection. These scenes include detailed storytelling elements, calloused hands, and deep scriptural truth.
- Shoreline Stories: A highly detailed Wimmelbilder scene showing the busy shoreline and diverse reactions to Jesus (Page 11) — a phenomenal option for your 12 disciples activity sheets folder.
- The Beauty of the Ordinary: A close-up of calloused hands holding a rope-textured fishing net (Page 12) representing the dignity of hard work.
- Devotional Truths: Jesus and the disciples walking together in the golden hour (Page 13), boats left quietly on the shore (Page 14), and our stunning Hero Cover showing Jesus walking ahead of His diverse disciples (Page 15) to cap off your twelve disciples coloring page set.
Perfect for Sunday School & Homeschool Ideas
Teachers and parents love using these as Jesus calls His disciples activities and easy lesson extensions. Here are a few ways to use them:
- The “Fishers of Men” Net Craft: Print the Scrapbook Core (Page 6) or the Close-up Hands (Page 12) to use as a Jesus calls the disciples craft. Have the kids color the page, then cut pieces of real twine or yarn and glue them over the drawn nets to create a tactile 3D experience!
- Scrapbook Symbols Lesson: Use the Scrapbook Core (Page 6) alongside a 12 disciples word search printable. Have your students color the symbols (boat, sandals, water) while discussing what the disciples had to leave behind to follow Jesus.
- A “Follow Me” Footprint Path: Print the Hero Page (Page 15) as the centerpiece for a Jesus calling His disciples craft bulletin board. Have each child trace their own shoe on construction paper, cut it out, and write their name on it to show they are choosing to follow Jesus too.
Why We Choose Hand-Drawn Over AI
When Jesus said, “Follow Me,” He wasn’t making a mass announcement. He was speaking to real people with rough hands, tired feet, and ordinary lives.
That’s why we don’t generate these pages with algorithms.
When your child colors “They Left Their Nets,” they’re not just filling in shapes — they’re imagining what it feels like to step into purpose. When they color “Jesus Calls Everyone,” they’re quietly asking, Would He call me too?
Hand-drawn illustrations carry human imperfection — textured lines, thoughtful expressions, small details in the boats and nets. They feel lived-in. They feel believable. And belief is what opens a child’s heart to the idea that God still calls ordinary people today.
These pages were created slowly and intentionally, because purpose is not mass-produced — and neither is the story you’re building with your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I use these pages to explain what “Fishers of Men” means to preschoolers?
Little ones understand physical actions best! Use Page 1 (Fishing by the Sea) to explain how fishermen use nets to gather fish and bring them into the boat. Then, use Page 5 (The Invitation) to explain that Jesus wants us to use our love and kindness to gather people and bring them closer to God. This makes for a wonderful 12 disciples lesson for kids.
Are there pages that work well as a quiet reflection activity for older children?
Yes! The “Reflective” scene of the boats left quietly on the shore (Page 14) or the detailed “Ordinary Work” hands (Page 12) are wonderful Jesus activity pages for older kids. They encourage deep thought about what it means to leave old habits behind to embrace a new beginning.
Can I print these to use alongside our church’s VBS (Vacation Bible School) curriculum?
Absolutely. Whether you are searching for a Jesus calls His disciples craft, supplemental Sunday School coloring sheets, or an engaging Jesus disciples activity page, you are completely welcome to print these for your entire children’s ministry!
How can I use these for a full 12 Disciples Sunday School lesson?
Start with Pages 1–5 for storytelling. Use Page 6 as a labeling activity. Then introduce the names using a 12 disciples worksheet or twelve disciples word search printable. End with the hero page as a devotional reflection.
Download Your Free Set
When Jesus said, “Follow Me,” He wasn’t making a mass announcement. He was speaking to real people with rough hands, tired feet, and ordinary lives.
That’s why we don’t generate these pages with algorithms.
When your child colors “They Left Their Nets,” they’re not just filling in shapes — they’re imagining what it feels like to step into purpose. When they color “Jesus Calls Everyone,” they’re quietly asking, Would He call me too?
That moment deserves care.
Hand-drawn illustrations carry human imperfection — textured lines, thoughtful expressions, small details in the boats and nets. They feel lived-in. They feel believable. And belief is what opens a child’s heart to the idea that God still calls ordinary people today.
These pages were created slowly and intentionally, because purpose is not mass-produced — and neither is the story you’re building with your child.
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