Jesus Walks on Water
(Matthew 14:22-33)
After a long day of teaching and healing people, Jesus did something amazing. He fed over 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. Everyone had plenty to eat. When the meal was finished, Jesus told his disciples to get into a boat and go to the other side of the lake. Then Jesus went up on a mountain by himself to pray.
As evening came, the disciples rowed their boat across the water. But the wind started to blow hard. The waves grew higher and higher. The disciples rowed and rowed, but the wind was against them. They struggled all night long. The boat was tossed back and forth by the storm. The disciples were tired and scared.
Early in the morning, just before the sun came up, something unbelievable happened. The disciples saw a figure walking toward them on top of the water. They screamed in fear, "It's a ghost." But then a familiar voice called out to them. Jesus said, "Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid."
Peter, who was often bold and impulsive, said, "Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you on the water." Jesus said one word: "Come." So Peter climbed out of the boat and started walking on the water toward Jesus. For a few steps, Peter kept his eyes on Jesus and walked on the waves just like his teacher. But then Peter looked around at the howling wind and the crashing waves. He became frightened and began to sink.
"Lord, save me," Peter shouted. Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand and caught Peter. Jesus said, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When they both climbed into the boat, the wind stopped blowing. The waves became calm. The disciples worshiped Jesus and said, "Truly you are the Son of God." This was a powerful lesson about keeping our eyes on Jesus and trusting him even in life's storms.
A Curious Question
Why do you think Peter was able to walk on water at first, but then he started to sink?
Old Testament Connection
This story reminds us that God alone controls the waters. In the Old Testament, God parted the Red Sea so Moses and the Israelites could walk on dry ground (Exodus 14). God also calmed storms and showed his power over creation. The prophet Isaiah wrote, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you" (Isaiah 43:2). By walking on the stormy sea, Jesus showed he is God—the same powerful Lord who has always ruled over the wind and waves.
Discussion Questions
1. How do you think the disciples felt when they saw Jesus walking on the water? What would you have thought?
2. Peter did a brave thing by getting out of the boat. What made him start to sink?
3. When you feel scared or worried in your life, how can you keep your eyes on Jesus like Peter should have done?
So What? What Can I Do?
• When I feel afraid, I can stop looking at my fears and start praying to Jesus instead.
• When I doubt, I can remember how Jesus immediately reached out his hand to save Peter and will do the same for me.
• When life is stormy, I can worship Jesus like the disciples did, knowing he is more powerful than any problem.
Memorize God's Word
Matthew 14:31 - "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"
• You of little faith hold up your pinky finger to show something small.
• why did you doubt shrug your shoulders and make a confused face.
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, thank you that Jesus is more powerful than any storm in our lives. Help us to keep our eyes on you when we feel afraid. When we start to sink into fear or doubt, reach out your hand and save us. Give us courage to trust you like Peter tried to do. We love you, Lord. Amen.
Craft or Activity
Walking on Water Diorama
Materials Checklist:
How to Make the Walking on Water Diorama:
- Cover the inside of the shoebox with blue construction paper to look like water.
- Glue cotton balls at the top of the box to make storm clouds.
- Place the toy boat inside the box on one side.
- Stick the small figure of Jesus on the opposite side, standing on the blue paper to show he is walking on the water.
- Place the Peter figure halfway between the boat and Jesus, as if walking.
- Use the diorama to retell the story to your family.
Effective Teaching Techniques
For younger kids: Act out the story by placing a long blue blanket on the floor as the "sea." Let children take turns being Peter, stepping onto the blanket and then pretending to sink into a pile of pillows while Jesus rescues them.
Memory help: Use hand motions for the memory verse every time you transition between activities. Repetition with movement locks the words in their brains.
Discussion tip: When kids share their fears, never say "don't be afraid." Instead, say "Let's tell Jesus about that fear right now" and pause to pray briefly.