This lesson teaches children that Jesus has power over every storm and that they can trust him when they feel afraid. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, a memory verse, and an activity.
Big Idea
Jesus is stronger than any storm, and we can always trust him, even when we are scared.
Memory Verse
Mark 4:39
He awoke, and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” The wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
(WEB)
Stand up tall with your arms stretched out wide, like the wind blowing, then slowly bring your hands down flat and hold them still in front of you. Each time you say “Be still,” do the motion together, and let the class feel the calm settle in.
The Story: Mark 4 for Kids
One evening Jesus was teaching a huge crowd near the lake. He had been telling stories called parables, like the one about a farmer who planted seed. When it got dark, Jesus was tired, and he said to his friends, “Let’s go across to the other side.” So the disciples got into a boat and took Jesus with them, and other little boats sailed along too.
Suddenly a big storm came. Strong winds blew, and huge waves crashed right into the boat until it was almost full of water. Jesus was sleeping on a pillow at the back of the boat. The disciples were so scared they were sure they would drown. They woke Jesus up and cried out, “Teacher, don’t you care that we are dying?”
Jesus got up and spoke to the wind and the sea. He said, “Peace! Be still!” Right away the wind stopped, and the water became perfectly calm. Everything was quiet.
Then Jesus looked at his friends and asked them, “Why are you so afraid? Don’t you have faith?” The disciples were amazed. They said to each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him!”
Read It Together
Mark 4:37-38
37 A big wind storm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so much that the boat was already filled. 38 He himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they woke him up, and told him, “Teacher, don’t you care that we are dying?”
(WEB)
Point out how the storm was very big and the boat was filling with water, and how the disciples felt scared. Ask the children to name a time they felt scared, and remind them that the disciples were honest with Jesus about their fear.
Mark 4:40-41
40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? How is it that you have no faith?” 41 They were greatly afraid, and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
(WEB)
Help the children see that Jesus asked a gentle question about their fear and their faith, and that the disciples were filled with wonder at who he is. Encourage them to think about how Jesus cares for them too.
Talk About It
- What do you think the disciples felt when the big waves started crashing into the boat?
- Why do you think Jesus was able to keep sleeping while the storm was happening?
- What is something that scares you sometimes, and what could you say to Jesus about it?
- When Jesus calmed the storm, what did his friends start to wonder about him?
- How can knowing that Jesus is stronger than every storm help you when you feel afraid at night or at school?
Activity Ideas
Storm and Calm Paper Boat Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a glue stick. Have each child draw a small boat on the bottom half of the paper and dark, swirling clouds with rain across the top. Then have them draw a bright sun peeking out above the clouds, and talk about how Jesus brings calm after the storm. Let the children take their pictures home to remind them of Jesus’ peace.
Freeze Like the Sea Game
Turn on some music and invite the children to move around the room like wind and waves, waving their arms and wiggling. When you say “Peace! Be still!” they must freeze completely like a calm lake. Play a few rounds, and each time you call out, remind them that Jesus can stop any storm with just a word.
Peaceful Promise Jar
You will need a small clear jar, paper strips, and a pen. Ask each child to write or draw one thing they are scared of on a strip of paper and then fold it up and place it in the jar. Pray together that Jesus will be with them in those moments. Let each child take a strip home as a reminder that Jesus hears their worries and is with them.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that Jesus has authority over nature and that his followers can bring their fear honestly to him. The disciples’ question, “Don’t you care?”, is a real cry that Jesus welcomes, and his gentle rebuke invites us to trust him more deeply. The story also reveals a growing recognition of who Jesus is, something the disciples themselves were still working out.
With children, avoid suggesting that faith guarantees that bad things will never happen to them or that prayer will always stop the storms of life. Jesus calmed that storm, but many Christians face hard seasons that do not end quickly. Focus on the truth that Jesus is with us and worthy of our trust, rather than promising a particular outcome.
A Prayer to Close
Jesus, thank you that you are stronger than every storm. When we feel scared, help us to tell you the truth and trust that you are with us. Help us to remember that you care for us. Amen.
