Big Idea: Jesus helps us sail through the “storms” of life without falling into fear.
Bible Basis: Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25
Key Verse: “You came near when I called out to you. You said, “Do not be afraid.” Lamentations 3:57
OPENING PRAYER
Lord, open now my heart to hear, And through your Word to me draw near. Let me your Word ever pure retain; Let me your child and heir remain. All this I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
THUMBS UP, THUMBS DOWN
Simply ask your child to share one good thing that happened today or this week (thumbs up) and one not-so-good thing (thumbs down). This is a great way to share celebrations and struggles with one another.
BIBLE LESSON VIDEO
ASK THESE QUESTIONS
For younger kids:
What was your favorite part of this story? Why?
If you were in the boat with Jesus, would you have been scared like the disciples were? Why or why not?
For older kids:
What does this story teach you about Jesus?
Why do you think the disciples were scared even though Jesus was in the boat with them?
REFLECT AND RESPOND
After the video, have your child pick one or more of the prompts on the GO! Home Guide.
Prayer Station prompt: Write a prayer to Jesus. Ask Him to be near you and to keep you from being afraid.
Journal Station prompt: Write a letter to Jesus. Tell Him about a “storm” in your life. In other words, tell Him about something bad that happened, then ask Him to keep you from falling into fear.
Bible Station prompt: Read it for yourself: Mark 4:35–41. Draw a picture of the story or write to God about your favorite part of the story. Tell Him why you liked it.
Art Station prompt: What are you afraid of? Draw a picture of it. While you’re drawing, ask Jesus to help you not be afraid.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
+ Freeze Frame Community Builder
- Say: Today we’re starting a brand-new series called “Freeze Frame.” It’s going to be super fun, but more than that, we’re going to hear some really cool stories about the miracles of Jesus. Does anyone know what a miracle is? (Take answers.) Great answers! A miracle is something only Jesus can do. Today we’re going to hear about a miracle that Jesus did in the middle of a monster storm.
- Question: What’s the worst storm you’ve ever been in? Tell us about it.
- Question: If your face was frozen in the same position for your entire life, what face would you want to be making? Show us.
+ Falling into Fear (Application Activity)
- Say: Today we learned that when we hold onto Jesus, it keeps us from falling into fear. We’re going to play a game right now that will help us think about the kind of fears that Jesus helps us overcome.
- Directions: Divide your group into 2 teams. Place 2 paper plates on the floor about 3 feet (1 meter) apart. Choose one kid from each team to stand on a plate. Tell them to face each other and clasp hands with interlocking fingers. When you say “go,” each kid must try to push or pull the other kid off of their plate while remaining on their own plate. The first kid to step off of their plate loses the round. Give a point to the other team. When the round is finished, ask the 2 participants the question below. At the end of the game, count up the points and declare a winner.
- Question: What kind of “storms” have you had in your life? In other words, what kind of bad things have happened in your life that made you worried or afraid?
- Say: That game kind of reminds us of the storms in our life. The plate is like peace and the floor is like fear. The kid that you were battling with is like a storm—the bad things in life that push us and pull us so that we fall into fear. Fortunately, we have someone to hold onto when those bad things happen. We can hold onto Jesus. Holding onto Jesus means that we trust Him and pray to Him. And when we do that, he keeps us from falling into fear.
- Question: Have you ever prayed to Jesus when you were afraid? What were you afraid of? How did praying help you?
+ Bible Verse Tic-Tac-Toe (Bible Memorization Activity)
- Set Up: Using tape, create a tic-tac-toe board on the floor in the middle of the group. The squares should be large enough to fit an 8½ x 11 sheet of paper.
- Directions: Place the Bible verse sign in the middle of the group and read it carefully with your kids several times so they can begin to memorize it. When everyone is ready, turn the sign over so they can no longer read it. Today’s Bible verse says: “You came near when I called out to you. You said, ‘Do not be afraid.’” Lamentations 3:57. Divide your group into two teams. Give one team the “X” papers and the other team the “O” papers. Decide which team will go first. Choose one kid from that team to recite the verse. If she does so successfully, allow her to place her team’s letter on any open square. If she is unable to recite the verse, her team may not place their letter on the board. Next, give the other team a turn. Continue playing until one team has filled three spaces in a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) with their letters or until every space on the board has been filled. If there are still kids who haven’t had a turn, play another round
- Question: How do you think your life would be different if you called out to Jesus with ALL of your fears? What would happen if you never called out to Jesus with your fears?
+ Wear a Prayer (Prayer Activity)
- Directions: Give every kid in your group a Tyvek® wristband and some markers. Tell the kids to spend a few minutes writing their name on the wristband and decorating it however they would like. When time is up, have the kids place their wristbands in a bag or hat. Next, have the kids take turns pulling a wristband out of the bag or hat without looking and read the name aloud. If they happen to pull out their own wristband, have them put it back and draw again. When a name is pulled out, have that person share a prayer request. Everyone should listen carefully to the request, but encourage the person who drew that name to pay special attention. The person who drew the name will wear the wristband over the coming week and pray for that person every time they see it. Continue taking turns until all of the wristbands have been drawn. Finish by closing in a group prayer.
(Due to copyright restrictions, the printable materials described in the activities above are only available to those who have registered for Our Savior’s Kids. To register your child(ren), click the button below)
CLOSING PRAYER
Dear God, Thank you for being with me every day and guarding me against danger. Continue to remind me of your presence so that I know I don’t need to be afraid. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
DURING THE WEEK
Read in the Bible the story that was the basis for this week’s lesson:
Matthew 8:23–27, Mark 4:35–41, Luke 8:22–25
Do more of the activities list above with your child.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LESSON?
Leave them in the comments below!