This lesson teaches children that Jesus is with us even when we are scared, because he has power over storms and fear. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus is always with us, and we do not need to be afraid, because he is stronger than anything that scares us.
Memory Verse
Mark 6:50
For they all saw him, and were troubled. But he immediately spoke with them, and said to them, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.”
(WEB)
Cover your eyes with both hands, then slowly open them and hold your arms wide, like someone who has just seen a friend arrive. Say the verse together while you do it. Repeat it three times, faster each time.
The Story: Mark 6 for Kids
Jesus went home to the town where he grew up, and his friends and neighbors were surprised by how wise he had become. Some of them did not believe he was special, because they had known him since he was a little boy. Jesus was sad that they did not trust him, but he kept teaching and helping sick people in the villages.
Jesus called his twelve special friends, the disciples, and he sent them out two by two. He told them to take only a walking stick and to trust God to take care of them. They went from town to town, telling people to turn back to God, and they helped many sick people get well. Their work was hard, but Jesus was with them.
Sadly, King Herod had put a good man named John the Baptizer in prison. Herod’s wife was angry at John for telling the truth, and she wanted him dead. At a big birthday party, Herod’s stepdaughter danced for the guests, and Herod made a foolish promise. Because of that promise, John was killed, and his disciples came and buried him.
When the disciples came back, they told Jesus everything they had done. Jesus said, “Come away with me to a quiet place and rest for a while.” But a huge crowd followed them, and Jesus felt sorry for the people because they were like sheep without a shepherd. He taught them many things, and when the day grew late, he made sure everyone had food.
Jesus took five loaves of bread and two fish, looked up to heaven, and thanked God. Then he broke the food and gave it to his friends to pass out. Everyone ate until they were full, and there were twelve baskets of leftovers. That night Jesus sent his friends across the lake in a boat, and he went up a mountain to pray alone.
In the middle of the night, a strong wind made the waves crash against the boat, and the disciples were scared. They saw someone walking toward them on the water and thought it was a ghost. Jesus called out to them, “Cheer up, it is I! Don’t be afraid.” He climbed into the boat, the wind stopped, and his friends were amazed.
Read It Together
Mark 6:1-3
1 He went out from there. He came into his own country, and his disciples followed him. 2 When the Sabbath had come, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many hearing him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things?” and, “What is the wisdom that is given to this man, that such mighty works come about by his hands? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judah, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” They were offended at him.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus went back to his hometown, and people were surprised and did not believe in him. Ask the children how it feels when people do not believe us, and remind them that Jesus still kept loving those people.
Mark 6:7-13
7 He called to himself the twelve, and began to send them out two by two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a staff only: no bread, no wallet, no money in their purse, 9 but to wear sandals, and not put on two tunics. 10 He said to them, “Wherever you enter into a house, stay there until you depart from there. 11 Whoever will not receive you nor hear you, as you depart from there, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony against them. Assuredly, I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” 12 They went out and preached that people should repent. 13 They cast out many demons, and anointed many with oil who were sick, and healed them.
(WEB)
Show the children that Jesus sent his friends out to do good work and trusted God to take care of them. Let them say what they would bring on a trip, and talk about how the disciples had to depend on God instead.
Mark 6:41-44
41 He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves, and he gave to his disciples to set before them, and he divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate, and were filled. 43 They took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and also of the fish. 44 Those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.
(WEB)
Point to the part where Jesus took small food and shared it until everyone was full. Ask the children what it tells us about how God can make a little into a lot when we bring what we have.
Talk About It
- What is something that makes you feel scared at night, and how can Jesus help you feel brave?
- When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, what did they think it was at first?
- Why do you think Jesus felt sorry for the big crowd of people?
- What did Jesus say to his friends when they were scared in the boat?
- Who is someone you can tell when you feel afraid, just like the disciples could tell Jesus?
Activity Ideas
Paper Boat and Waves Craft
You will need a sheet of blue construction paper, a small paper boat, and crayons or markers. Have each child draw waves on the blue paper and glue the boat on top. While they work, talk about how Jesus was with the disciples in the storm. Let them draw a small figure of Jesus standing in the boat to remind them he is always with us.
Storm and Calm Movement Game
Ask the children to stand in a open space and stir their arms like waves and make wind sounds. When you call out “Jesus says, be still!”, they freeze and hold their breath. Play a few rounds, changing the speed of the waves each time. Finish by saying the memory verse together while standing still.
Take-Home Bread and Fish Reminder
Give each child a paper plate and a small cracker or piece of bread to take home. Ask them to draw five small circles and two fish on the plate. At dinner, they can tell their family the story of how Jesus fed the crowd. Encourage families to thank God together for the food on the table.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that Jesus has authority over sickness, death, storms, and fear, while also showing deep compassion for hungry and confused people. The disciples’ hearts being hard reminds us that faith grows slowly and that we all need Jesus to help us understand. The chapter also shows how God works through ordinary people who trust him with what little they have.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that God will always calm every storm in our lives the way he calmed the lake. Instead, focus on the truth that Jesus is with us and that we can always bring our fears to him. Be honest that bad things still happen, and let children know they can trust Jesus even when life is hard.
A Prayer to Close
Jesus, thank you for being with us when we feel scared, just like you were with your friends in the boat. Help us remember that you are stronger than anything that frightens us. Teach us to trust you and to share what we have with others. Amen.
