Bible Story

Unit 24, Session 1: Jesus Calmed the Storm

After a long day of teaching, Jesus and His disciples got into a boat to cross over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. When their short sailing trip was interrupted by a violent storm, the disciples found themselves in danger with nowhere to turn—except to the One who created all things.

Several of the disciples were experienced fishermen. They had spent significant time on the Sea of Galilee, but this storm was so strong that the waves overtook the boat. The disciples were afraid they would drown. As the disciples panicked, what was Jesus doing? He was sleeping!

The disciples woke Jesus. The situation was out of their control, and perhaps they felt forsaken by God. But their reaction was full of irony: “Teacher! Don’t you care that we’re going to die?” (Mark 4:38).

The disciples obviously did not know why Jesus had come to earth. Jesus had come to rescue people from sin. In dying on the cross, Jesus would truly be forsaken by God. (See Matt. 27:46.) Jesus would die the death the disciples—and all sinners—deserve so that they could live forever with God. Did Jesus care that the disciples were going to die? Absolutely. But He was going to rescue them from something worse than drowning. Jesus would save them from spiritual death.

Jesus calmed the wind and the waves. He displayed His power over creation and demonstrated that He is truly God. God has power over the wind and the waves. (See Job 12:15; 28:25; Ps. 33:7; 107:25-30; Amos 4:13.)

Jesus’ disciples knew Jesus was a good man and a good teacher. But when Jesus calmed the wind and the waves, He showed His disciples that He is also God. God rules the sea and stills its waves. (Psalm 89:9)

Jesus Calmed the Storm
(Matthew 8; Mark 4; Luke 8)

STORY POINT:

KEY VERSE:

BIG PICTURE
QUESTION:

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Family Discussion Questions

What did Jesus say to His friend after He calmed the storm?
What are some things that make you afraid?
How did Jesus show His disciples that He is the Lord?
What do you know to be true about Jesus?
Describe a time you felt peace in a difficult situation.
What fears do you need to trust Jesus with?

Worship

Game Ideas

Is it possible?

-Instruct the kids to form a line in the center of the room.

-You may use masking tape to mark a line for the kids to stand on.

-Read a series of actions and instruct the kids to take a step to the left of the line if it is something they can do or could learn to do.

-Kids will take a step to the right of the line if it is something they could never do.

Suggested actions:
•play basketball
•plant a tree
•control the weather
•lift a school bus
•dance in a talent show

CONNECTION:

Humans can do many things. But one thing we cannot do is control the weather. In fact, we can barely even predict the weather, even with all our modern technology! Today we will learn about a time Jesus showed His power as God by controlling
weather.

Noisy Orchestra

-Guide kids to stand in a line, shoulder to shoulder.

-Explain that you will give them instructions.

-The first kid in line should begin.

-Then the second kid, third kid, and so on until all kids are performing an action.

Then prompt the first kid to begin a new action.

-Kids will join in one by one.

-Complete all the actions to simulate the sound of a storm.

Steps: 1. Rub your hands together; 2. Snap your fingers; 3. Clap hands in a random pattern; 4. Pat hands on legs; 5. Stomp feet; 6. Pat hands on legs while stomping feet; 7. Stomp feet; 8. Pat hands on legs; 9. Clap hands in a random pattern; 10. Snap your fingers; 11. Rub your hands together; 12. Be still.

CONNECTION:

Many of Jesus’ disciples were experienced fishermen, but in the story we will hear today, they encountered a powerful storm on the water and didn’t think they
would survive. We’ll find out how Jesus helped.