This lesson teaches children that Jesus has power over sickness, storms, and even evil spirits, and that we can trust him every time we feel afraid. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the discussion and activity.
Big Idea
Jesus is always stronger than anything that scares us, and we can trust him to take care of us.
Memory Verse
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
(WEB)
Have children place both hands over their hearts when they say “refuge,” then spread their arms wide on “strength.” Then have them lift both hands up high on “very present help.” Repeat it together three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: Matthew 8 for Kids
One day Jesus came down from a mountain, and a huge crowd followed him everywhere he walked. A man with a terrible skin sickness called leprosy came near. He knelt down and said, “Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out and touched him, which many people would not do. “I want to. Be clean,” Jesus said, and right away the sickness was gone.
Later, a Roman officer, called a centurion, came to Jesus to ask for help. His servant was lying at home, very sick and in great pain. Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.” But the officer said, “Lord, I am not good enough for you to come into my house. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Jesus was amazed by how much this man trusted him. He told the officer, “Go home. It will be done for you because you believed.” The servant was healed that very hour.
Jesus went to the house of his friend Peter, and found Peter’s mother-in-law sick in bed with a fever. Jesus took her hand, and the fever left her. She got up and began to serve everyone a meal. That evening, many sick people and people held by evil spirits were brought to Jesus, and he made them well and sent the spirits away.
Next, Jesus and his friends got into a boat. Suddenly a big storm came, and the waves splashed over the sides. Jesus was asleep. His friends were scared and woke him up, crying, “Save us, Lord! We are going to drown!” Jesus stood up and told the wind and the waves to be still. Right away, everything became calm. His friends looked at each other and asked, “Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
When they reached the other side, two men who were held by evil spirits ran out from among the graves and shouted at Jesus. Jesus told the spirits to leave the men, and they went into a herd of pigs, which then ran down a hill into the lake. The people of that town were so frightened that they asked Jesus to leave their area.
Read It Together
Matthew 8:3
Jesus stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, “I want to. Be made clean.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus reached out and touched the man, even though people often stayed away from someone with leprosy. Ask the children what this tells them about how much Jesus cares for people who are hurting or left out.
Matthew 8:25-26
25 They came to him, and woke him up, saying, “Save us, Lord! We are dying!” 26 He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm.
(WEB)
Show how the disciples cried out in fear while Jesus was right there in the boat with them. Help children notice that Jesus calmed the storm with just his word, which shows he is powerful over everything.
Matthew 8:13
Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way. Let it be done for you as you have believed.” His servant was healed in that hour.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus healed the servant because the officer trusted him, even without seeing him in person. Explain that trusting Jesus means believing he can help us even when we cannot see what he is doing.
Talk About It
- What was the man with leprosy brave enough to say to Jesus, and why do you think he said it?
- How do you think the officer felt when Jesus said he would heal his servant from far away?
- What scared the disciples in the boat, and what did they do about it?
- What is something that makes you feel scared, and how can you remember that Jesus is stronger?
- When Jesus calmed the storm, what did his friends start to wonder about him?
Activity Ideas
Calm Sea Jar Craft
You will need a clear jar or plastic bottle, water, a few spoonfuls of glitter glue or glitter, and a little dish soap. Let children fill the jar with water, add the glitter and a drop of soap, then seal the lid tightly with tape. Shake the jar hard like the storm, then set it down and watch the glitter slowly settle, just like Jesus calmed the waves. Talk about how Jesus brings peace.
Storm and Stillness Game
Have children stand in a open space in the room. Call out “Storm!” and they wiggle, shake, and stomp their feet as loudly as they can. Then call out “Jesus says, be still!” and they freeze in place with calm faces. Play a few rounds, and each time the children freeze, remind them that Jesus is stronger than any storm.
Take-Home Trust Card
You will need an index card or a small piece of paper, a pencil or crayons, and a family member nearby. Have each child draw one thing that makes them feel scared, then draw a small picture of Jesus standing next to it. Encourage them to show the card to a parent or grandparent at home and explain how Jesus helps them feel brave. Keep the card somewhere they will see it.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that Jesus has authority over sickness, nature, and evil spirits, and that he invites people to trust him with real needs, whether they are sick, afraid, or faithful but unsure. The contrasting responses of the leper, the officer, and the disciples help us see that faith is often expressed in humble requests and simple trust, even when we do not fully understand.
Avoid promising children that prayers for healing will always be answered in the way they hope. Instead, focus on the truth that Jesus is powerful and good and that he is with us in every situation, including the ones where we feel afraid or where help does not come right away.
A Prayer to Close
Lord Jesus, thank you that you are stronger than every storm and every fear. Help us trust you when we feel scared, and help us remember that you are always close to us. Thank you for caring about us. Amen.
