Bible stories come alive in the hearts of children when paired with hands-on, creative, and age-appropriate activities. John 21, which recounts Jesus’ resurrection appearance by the Sea of Galilee, the miraculous catch of fish, and His loving restoration of Peter, is a powerful narrative that teaches children about forgiveness, love, obedience, and purpose. To help guide young learners through this inspiring story, The Kids Point offers a comprehensive collection of engaging Bible activities based on John 21—perfect for Sunday school, homeschooling, family devotions, or children’s ministry settings.
Why John 21 Matters for Kids
John 21 provides an emotional and relatable lesson for children. It teaches:
- Obedience – The disciples catch fish only after following Jesus’ instructions.
- Forgiveness – Jesus gently restores Peter, even after his denial.
- Purpose – Jesus gives Peter a mission: “Feed my sheep.”
- Friendship – Jesus makes breakfast for His friends, showing His ongoing love.
These values resonate deeply with kids who are developing their moral compass, relationships, and understanding of right and wrong.
Interactive Bible Storytelling: “Breakfast with Jesus”
Bring the story of John 21 to life with interactive storytelling techniques that involve all the senses.
Materials Needed:
- Blue fabric for water
- A small fishing net
- Toy fish or cut-out paper fish
- Portable grill prop or paper campfire
- Bread and fish images or toy food
Instructions:
- Set the scene by creating a “beach” area in your classroom or home.
- Use fabric for water, and invite children to “fish” with nets.
- Act out the moment Jesus tells the disciples to cast the net on the right side.
- Allow the kids to count the fish they catch.
- Create a breakfast scene on the beach and “serve” the fish and bread.
Outcome:
Children engage with the story using sight, sound, and touch, reinforcing comprehension and retention.
Sensory Activity: The Miraculous Catch
Use sensory bins to help children explore the concept of the miraculous catch in a hands-on way.
Materials:
- Plastic tub
- Blue water beads or water
- Plastic fish
- Small nets or spoons
Instructions:
- Fill the tub with water beads or water.
- Hide plastic fish inside the tub.
- Let children use nets to try to catch fish.
- Emphasize how hard the disciples worked and how the net filled only when Jesus told them where to cast it.
Discussion:
- Talk about listening to Jesus and how His directions lead to success, even when we’ve already tried our best.
Craft: “Feed My Sheep” Puppets
When Jesus told Peter to feed His sheep, He was giving him a mission to care for others. Help kids remember this message with sheep puppets.
Materials:
- White paper bags or socks
- Cotton balls
- Glue
- Googly eyes
- Markers or crayons
Instructions:
- Glue cotton balls onto the bag or sock to create a fluffy sheep.
- Add googly eyes and draw a mouth.
- Write “Feed My Sheep – John 21:17” on the back.
Use:
Kids can use their puppets to retell the story or perform a mini skit with dialogue between Jesus and Peter.
Memory Verse Game: “Clean Slate”
Focus on the powerful verse 1 John 1:9 that complements the theme of forgiveness in John 21.
“But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins. We can trust God. He does what is right. He will make us clean from all the wrongs we have done.” – 1 John 1:9 (ICB)
Game Instructions:
- Write the verse on a whiteboard.
- Read it aloud together.
- Erase one word at a time and have the children fill in the blanks from memory.
- For older children, challenge them to say the verse backward or with sign language.
Message:
Reinforce that, just like Jesus forgave Peter, He forgives us when we ask sincerely.
Art Project: “Jesus Makes All Things New”
Turn a mistake into a masterpiece with this creative art project that mirrors Peter’s redemption.
Materials:
- Crumpled papers
- Paint and brushes
- Markers
- Cross shapes cut out of paper
Instructions:
- Give each child a crumpled piece of paper and explain how mistakes make things feel ruined.
- Then have them paint or decorate over the wrinkles to make something beautiful.
- Add a cross and write “Jesus forgives and restores.”
Teaching Point:
Mistakes don’t define us. Jesus can make something beautiful out of a broken heart.
Group Skit: “Peter’s Second Chance”
Turn the dialogue between Jesus and Peter into a simple play for children to act out.
Characters:
- Narrator
- Jesus
- Peter
- Other disciples (optional)
Script Outline:
- Narrator sets the scene
- Peter declares he’s going fishing
- Jesus instructs them from the shore
- They catch fish
- Peter swims to shore
- Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?”
Discussion:
Ask, “Why did Jesus ask three times?” and “How did Peter feel?” Help kids see that Jesus gives second chances.
Science Experiment: Sink or Float – Trusting Jesus
Reinforce the message of obedience and trust with a fun water experiment.
Materials:
- Clear bin filled with water
- Objects (coin, sponge, plastic toy, rock, paperclip, etc.)
- A printable sheet to guess “sink or float”
Instructions:
- Have kids guess whether items will sink or float.
- Drop each item in and observe.
- Relate it to how the disciples obeyed Jesus even when they didn’t understand.
Key Message:
Sometimes what Jesus asks us to do may not make sense to us—but when we trust and obey, something amazing happens.
Fishing Game with a Twist: “Follow My Command”
Turn a fishing game into an obedience challenge.
Materials:
- Magnetic fishing game or homemade version
- Paper fish with instructions written on them (e.g., “Jump 3 times,” “Say the memory verse,” “Give someone a high five”)
Instructions:
- Each child “catches” a fish and follows the command.
- Explain that just like the disciples followed Jesus’ instructions to catch fish, we should follow His directions in our daily lives.
Learning Outcome:
Obedience to Jesus brings joy, purpose, and often, surprising rewards.
Prayer Circle: “Peter’s Prayer”
Use guided prayer to help kids understand the emotional and spiritual side of Peter’s story.
Setup:
- Sit in a circle
- Hold a soft toy or stone to pass around
Guide:
Each child, when holding the object, completes a prompt like:
- “Jesus, I’m sorry for…”
- “Jesus, thank you for forgiving me for…”
- “Help me to follow you even when…”
Safe Space:
Let kids know that Peter felt sad too, but Jesus helped him feel better and gave him a new mission.
Snack Activity: “Fish and Bread Breakfast”
Turn snack time into a learning opportunity with a themed treat.
Ingredients:
- Goldfish crackers
- Small loaves of bread or mini rolls
- Juice or water
Instructions:
- Serve snacks picnic-style on a “beach blanket”
- Read John 21:9-13 and discuss how Jesus served His friends
Teaching Point:
Jesus loves spending time with His friends, and He takes care of our physical needs too.
John 21 is a beautiful chapter for children to experience the grace, forgiveness, and calling that Jesus offers. These thoughtfully designed Bible activities allow children to see themselves in Peter—sometimes making mistakes, but always loved and given another chance. Through creative play, storytelling, crafts, and spiritual reflection, kids not only remember the story but absorb its deep truths into their hearts.
At The Kids Point, we are dedicated to helping families, educators, and church leaders create joyful and meaningful Bible learning experiences. We hope these John 21 activities inspire you to bring the story of Jesus and Peter to life in fresh and memorable ways. Whether you’re teaching in a classroom, living room, or backyard, may your time together help kids grow in love, faith, and friendship with Jesus.