The Gospel Project Unit 24:1 Jesus Calmed a 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)
As you talk with your kids, seize the opportunity to share the gospel. Help them understand the truth the disciples did not yet fully grasp. Who is this man? He is the Messiah, the Savior, and the Son of God.
Big Picture Question:
Why did Jesus perform miracles? Jesus performed miracles to glorify God, to show He is the Son of God, and to care for people.
Key Passage:
Psalm 40:5
You have multiplied, O Lord my God,
your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
none can compare with you!
I will proclaim and tell of them,
yet they are more than can be told.
Worship ideas that connect with today’s lesson:
- Deep Cries Out- Bethel Kids
- My Lighthouse by Rend Collective
- Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)- Rend Collective
Bible Story Lesson:
Family Discussion Questions:
Distribute a sheet of paper to each child. Ask the kids to write about or draw a picture to answer the following questions:
What does this story teach me about God or about the gospel?
What does this story teach me about myself?
Whom can I tell about this story?
Elementary-
What was Jesus doing when the storm hit the boat? (sleeping, Mark 4:38)
How did Jesus calm the storm? (by speaking, Mark 4:39)
How did the disciples react to Jesus’ miracle? (They were terrified and asked who Jesus was, Mark 4:41)
Why do you think the disciples were afraid? Direct the kids to think more deeply than the simple answer of the storm they faced. Help them see that their fear came from a lack of understanding of and trust in who Jesus is. If they had known who Jesus is and trusted Him completely even in the storm, they would not have been afraid.
How do you react to scary or hard situations? Guide kids to answer honestly. Discuss when it is hard or easy to trust God. Be sensitive if any kids share about abuse or neglect, and ensure you follow all proper reporting procedures according to the laws where you live and your church’s policies.
How can we know that Jesus is trustworthy no matter what? Prompt kids to provide ways we can know Jesus is trustworthy. Remind them that God’s Word is true, and it teaches us to trust Jesus. Jesus is God the Son, and the Bible teaches us that He has control over all of creation. We also know that God only does what is good and right. Everything He does is for His glory and our good.
Say • Jesus calmed a storm to show the disciples He is God. When we understand who Jesus is and put our faith in His work on the cross, God forgives our sins and gives us eternal life with Him.
Preschool-
What was Jesus doing in the boat? (sleeping)
What came while Jesus was asleep? (a storm)
Why did Jesus’ friends wake Him? (They were afraid.)
What did Jesus say to the wind and the waves? (“Silence! Be still!”)
What did the wind and waves do after Jesus spoke to them? (The wind stopped blowing, and the waves stopped crashing.)
Why did Jesus perform miracles? Jesus performed miracles to show He is the Son of God.