Big Idea: Jesus is with me when I am scared.
Bible Basis: Acts 27
Key Verse: “And you (point forward with both fingers) can be sure (two thumbs up) that I am always with you (hug yourself), to the very end (rock back and forth).” Matthew 28:20 (extend hands like you’re holding a book).
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.
BIBLE LESSON VIDEO
ASK THESE QUESTIONS:
What is your favorite part of this Bible lesson?
If you were Paul, would you have been afraid during the storm? Why or why not?
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Choose one (or more) of these activities to do with your child.
+ Boat Float
- Supplies: Plastic bin filled with water (1), aluminum foil (1 roll), coins (20 or more)
- Directions: Give each child a square of aluminum foil. Show them how to create a simple boat by molding and forming it into a bowl or canoe shape. When finished, have the children put their boat in the bin of water to see if it will float. If it floats, have them place coins in the boat one at a time until the boat sinks. See whose boat can hold the most coins.
- Say: Those were some great boats! But at some point, they all sank. Today’s true story is all about some people on a sinking boat! We’ll hear the story in just a little bit and we’ll learn that Jesus is with us when we’re scared.
- Question: Have you been on a boat before? What was it like?
+ Flying Fears (Application Activity)
- Supplies: Paper (1 piece per child), crayons or markers, bucket (1 per group), “Jesus” printable picture
- Say: Today we learned that Jesus is with us when we’re scared. Let’s play a game that helps us give our fears to Jesus.
- Directions: Give each child a piece of paper and some crayons or markers. Tell them to draw a picture of something that makes them feel afraid or simply draw a scared face. When finished, have the children crumple their paper into a ball. Next, have the children sit in a circle. Place the bucket (with Jesus picture taped to it) in the center of the circle. Together as a group, say, “Jesus is with me when I’m scared,” then have the children try to throw their fears into the Jesus bucket. Count the number of pieces that made it in and announce the number, then try it again. For additional rounds, it doesn’t matter if they get someone else’s piece of paper. Challenge the children to beat their previous high score.
- Question: Tell me about a time when you were afraid. How could Jesus help you when that happens?
+ No Fear Cheer (Application Activity)
- Supplies: None
- Say: In today’s true Bible story, the sailors were afraid of the storm, but Paul wasn’t afraid. That’s because he knew that Jesus was with him. Let’s play a game that helps us remember that Jesus is with us too.
- Directions: Ask the children the following question: “What is something that makes you feel afraid?” After each answer, lead the whole group in the chant below with hand motions. Continue until every child has had a turn answering.
- Song: RWhen I am afraid. (Shake hands to one side.) When I am scared. (Shake hands to other side.) Jesus is with me everywhere. (Hug yourself.)
+ Hot Potato (Bible Memorization Activity)
- Supplies: Ball, music player
- Today's Bible Verse: “And you can be sure that I am always with you, to the very end.” Matthew 28:20
- Directions: Sit in a circle and practice the Bible verse together until the children can remember it. When ready, begin passing the ball around the circle while playing music. When you stop the music, the children must stop passing the ball. If the child holding the ball is a girl, lead all the girls in saying the Bible verse together. If the child holding the ball is a boy, lead all the boys in saying the Bible verse together. Continue playing for as long as time and interest allow.
+ Paper People Party (Bible Story Review Activity)
- Supplies: Story Character Cards
- Directions: Give each child a set of Story Cutout Characters. There will be a cutout for each of the main characters from the story. Ask the children what happened first in today’s Bible story. After sharing, ask them what happened next. As the children retell the story, encourage them to move the cutout characters as if they were reenacting the story with play people. Continue until the children have retold the entire Bible story.
+ Fear Fighters (Response to God Activity)
- Supplies: GO! Home Guide (1 per child), markers or crayons
- Directions: Give each child a GO! Home Guide and some crayons or markers. The sheet will have a space for children to draw. Tell the children to draw a picture of a scared face. When finished, ask the children to show their picture and to tell everyone about something that scares them.
- Say: Today we learned that we don’t have to fight our fear alone. That’s because Jesus is with us when we’re scared. When we feel afraid, we can pray to Jesus and ask Him to help us. That’s what we’re going to do right now.
- Prayer: Begin by asking if any of the children would like to pray. Allow any children who want to pray the opportunity to do so. When they’re finished, close the prayer by asking Jesus to help the children in your group be brave when something scary happens. Pray for the specific situations that were shared by the children. Thank Jesus for helping you when you’re scared.
+ Coloring Sheet (GO! Deeper Activity)
- Supplies: Bible story coloring sheet, markers or crayons
- Directions: Give each child a Bible story coloring sheet and some crayons or markers. While the children are coloring, give them a snack to eat and ask the following questions to help them go deeper into the story.
- Question: If you were Paul, would you have been afraid during the storm? Why or why not?
- Question: What do you do when you feel afraid?
(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 Jesus, Thank you for being with me. When I get scared, please help me be brave. I love you so much.Amen.
DURING THE WEEK
Read the account of Paul being shipwrecked in your child’s favorite Bible storybook.
Say this week’s Bible verse every morning with the actions (see above).
Read the account of Paul gets sp=hipwrecked in the Bible in Acts 27 with your child.
Do more of the activities above!
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LESSON?
Leave them in the comments below!