Big Idea: Jesus has power over our problems, so we can look to Him in times of trouble.
Bible Basis: Mark 6:45–52; Matthew 14:22–36; John 6:16–21
Key Verse: “God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us.” Ephesians 3:20
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?
Why do you think Peter started to sink into the water?
For older kids:
Why do you think Peter started to doubt Jesus?
Would you have doubted a little bit too? Why or why not?
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. Praise Him and thank Him for His incredible power.
Journal Station prompt: What are some ways you can keep your eyes on Jesus this week? Write down some times and places that you can think about Him, pray to Him, and read His Word—the Bible.
Bible Station prompt: Read it for yourself: Matthew 14:22–33. 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: When Peter was in trouble, Jesus reached out to Him. Draw a picture of Jesus reaching out to you. Remember that Jesus is always there to help you with your problems.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
+ Freeze Frame Community Builder
- Say: Can you believe it? Today is the last day of “Freeze Frame.” For the past 4 weeks we’ve been talking about the miracles of Jesus. A miracle is something amazing that only Jesus can do. Do you remember some of the miracles that Jesus performed? (Answers include: calming a storm, driving out evil spirits, healing the sick, raising a girl from the dead, and feeding 5,000 people with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish.) Today we’re going to hear about one more amazing miracle! But first, I want you to answer this question:
- Question: If you could have seen Jesus perform one of these miracles, which one would you want to see? Why?
+ Eyes on Jesus (Application Activity)
- Supplies: “Eyes on Jesus” illusion printout, pen or pencil
- Say: In our story for today, Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and looked at the storm around him. That’s when he began to sink into doubt. The same thing can happen to us when we take our eyes off of Jesus. We’re going to do an activity right now that will help us remember to keep thinking about and praying to Jesus in the middle of our problems or challenges.
- Directions: Give everyone in your group an “Eyes on Jesus” illusion printout and a pen or pencil. Ask the kids what kind of problems or challenges they’re facing right now. Examples might include a hard year at school or a big fight with their brother or sister. For older kids, have them write their problems on the outer edges of the paper as they share them with the group. For younger kids who are still learning to write, have them draw a frowning face on the outer edges of the paper for each problem that is shared. When everyone in the group has had a chance to talk about their problems or challenges, tell the kids to stare at the 3 dots in the middle of their picture for 30 seconds. When the time is up, tell them to close their eyes and ask if they can see the image of Jesus in the darkness. If they can’t, or if they want to do it again, repeat a 2nd or 3rd time.
- Question: After focusing on Jesus, what happened to your problems when you closed your eyes? (Answer: they went away; all you could see was Jesus.)
- Question: How does this remind you of what happens when we keep looking to Jesus?
- Question: Have you ever felt like you were sinking into doubt? In other words, have you ever wondered if your problems are too big for Jesus to help you with? Have you ever wondered if He cares about your problems?
- Question: What’s your plan for keeping your eyes on Jesus this week? When and where could you spend time thinking about Jesus, praying to Him, or reading His Word?
+ Imagine If (Bible Memorization Activity)
- 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. Today’s Bible verse says: Today’s Bible verse says: “Let us keep looking to Jesus.” Hebrews 12:2a. When ready, remove the Bible verse sign and place the 6 “Imagine If” cards face down in the middle of the circle. Choose a kid to turn over one of the cards. The card will ask the kids to imagine if they were something. (For example: Imagine if you were a space alien.) Tell the kids to recite the verse together from memory as if they were that person or thing. Continue until all cards have been used.
- Question: What do you think it means to “look to Jesus”?
- Question: How can you look to Jesus this week
+ Drawing Close to God (Prayer Activity)
- Directions: Place a poster board or piece of butcher block paper in the middle of the group along with a box of markers. In the middle of the poster board or paper, write the word “PRAISE” in large letters. Tell the kids to think about a problem or challenge that Jesus helped them overcome in the past. When ready, have the kids draw a picture of it on the poster board or paper. When everyone is finished, allow the kids to talk about the problem or challenge and how Jesus helped them with it. When everyone has finished sharing, lead the kids in a closing prayer. Encourage the kids to thank and praise Jesus for helping them overcome their problem or challenge.
(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 loving me so much that you would die for me. Thank you for forgiving all of my sins. Help me to trust in you and your power when problems come into my life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
DURING THE WEEK
Read in the Bible the story that was the basis for this week’s lesson:
Mark 6:45–52; Matthew 14:22–36; John 6:16–21
Do more of the activities list above with your child.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LESSON?
Leave them in the comments below!