Jesus Calms the Storm
(Matthew 8:23-27)
One day, a large crowd gathered around Jesus by the Sea of Galilee. Jesus had been teaching and healing many people. As the sun began to set, Jesus said to his disciples, "Let us cross over to the other side of the lake." The disciples brought Jesus to a boat, and they pushed off from the shore.
Jesus was tired from the long day of teaching. He found a cushion in the back of the boat, laid his head down, and quickly fell into a deep sleep. The disciples rowed the boat across the water. The sky was clear, and the lake was smooth like glass. Everything was peaceful.
Suddenly, without any warning, the wind began to howl. Dark clouds filled the sky, blocking the sun. The waves on the lake grew higher and higher. A fierce storm had come down on the lake. The waves crashed over the side of the boat, splashing water onto the disciples. Water began to fill the boat, making it hard to row and steer.
The disciples were terrified. Many of them were fishermen who had spent their whole lives on this lake. They had seen storms before, but nothing like this. They thought they were going to drown. But where was Jesus? He was still asleep in the back of the boat. The noise of the crashing waves and the howling wind did not wake him up.
Finally, the disciples went to Jesus and shook him awake. They shouted, "Lord, save us! We are going to drown!" They were scared and confused. Did Jesus even care about them? How could he sleep at a time like this?
Jesus stood up in the boat. He looked at the wind and the waves. He was not afraid. Then he spoke. He said to the storm, "Quiet! Be still." Immediately, the wind stopped howling. The waves stopped crashing. The lake became completely calm, smoother than it had been before the storm.
Then Jesus turned to his disciples. He asked them, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" The disciples were amazed. They had seen Jesus heal sick people, but this was different. Even the wind and the waves obeyed him. They asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him." They learned that day that Jesus is not just a teacher. He is the Lord over all creation.
A Curious Question
Why do you think the disciples were still afraid even though Jesus was right there in the boat with them?
Old Testament Connection
Long before Jesus calmed the storm, the Old Testament taught that only God has power over the sea and storms. In Psalm 107:23-30, the Bible describes sailors caught in a terrible storm. They cried out to the Lord, and he calmed the waves and brought them to safety. When Jesus spoke to the wind and the waves, he was doing something only God can do. This showed that Jesus is not just a prophet or a good man. He is truly God, the same God who has always had power over creation since the beginning of time.
Discussion Questions
1. How do you think the disciples felt when the huge waves started crashing into their boat?
2. Why was Jesus able to sleep peacefully during the storm while the disciples were terrified?
3. Can you think of a time when you felt afraid like the disciples? What "storms" in your life can you ask Jesus to calm?
So What? What Can I Do?
When you feel scared or worried about something, what is the first thing you usually do? Do you try to fix the problem yourself, or do you ask Jesus for help? This week, when you feel a "storm" in your life - like a bad dream, a fight with a friend, or fear of a test - remember that Jesus is with you. You can talk to him just like the disciples did. He may not always stop the storm right away, but he will give you peace and courage to get through it.
Memorize God's Word
Psalm 107:28-29
• Then they cried out to the Lord cup your hands around your mouth like you are shouting.
• in their trouble point to your head and wiggle your fingers to show worry.
• and he brought them out of their distress pretend to pull a rope toward your chest.
• He stilled the storm hold both hands out flat, palms down, and lower them slowly.
• to a whisper put one finger to your lips and say "shhh."
• the waves of the sea were hushed make gentle wave motions that slowly stop.
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, thank you that you are more powerful than any storm in our lives. When we feel afraid, help us to remember that Jesus is right there with us in the boat. Please calm our worried hearts and give us your peace. We trust you because you love us. Amen.
Craft or Activity
Storm in a Cup Craft
Materials Checklist:
How to Make the Storm in a Cup Craft:
- Fill the plastic cup about halfway with water.
- Add 3 drops of blue food coloring to the water and stir gently.
- Slowly pour baby oil into the cup until it is nearly full. Watch how the oil stays on top of the water.
- Break an Alka-Seltzer tablet into small pieces.
- Drop one piece of the tablet into the cup. Watch what happens. The blue water will bubble up into the oil like a storm.
- As the storm bubbles, remember that Jesus has the power to say "Quiet Be still" to any storm in your life.
Effective Teaching Techniques
For younger children (ages 4-6), simplify the story by focusing only on the feelings of fear and safety. For older kids (ages 7-9), emphasize the theological point that Jesus is God. To save time, pre-fill the cups with water and oil before class. If Alka-Seltzer is not available, use glitter and shake the cup. If a child is afraid of storms, ask them to draw their own "storm" on paper and then draw Jesus standing next to them to build emotional security.