In this lesson, children learn that Jesus is more powerful than anything they fear, from storms to hunger to unkind people. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the reading, and the activity.
Big Idea
Jesus is always with us, and He can do what we cannot. When we are scared, tired, or hungry, we can trust Him to take care of 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)
Have the children cup their hands over their ears as if they are hearing something frightening, then slowly drop their hands and open their arms wide as if saying “Cheer up!” Repeat the verse together while doing the motion each time.
The Story: Mark 6 for Kids
Jesus went back to His hometown, and His friends followed Him. People there were surprised by how wise He was. Some of them didn’t believe He was special, because they knew Him as a carpenter’s son. Jesus taught in the synagogue and healed a few sick people, but many of them did not trust Him enough to ask for help.
Jesus sent out His twelve friends, the disciples, two by two. He told them to take almost nothing with them, just a walking stick and sandals. They went from town to town, telling people to turn back to God, healing the sick, and making bad spirits leave people. Then King Herod heard about Jesus and became worried. Herod had earlier put a man named John the Baptist in prison, and now he feared John had come back to life.
At a big birthday party, Herod’s stepdaughter danced for the guests. Herod was so pleased that he promised to give her anything she wanted. Her mother told her to ask for John’s head. Herod was sad, but he did not want to break his promise in front of his guests, so he let it happen. John’s friends buried him after that, and it was a very sad day.
After that, the disciples came back to Jesus and told Him everything they had done. Jesus saw how tired they were and said, “Come away with me to a quiet place and rest.” But crowds found them and followed them. Jesus felt sorry for the people, because they were like sheep with no shepherd. He taught them, and when it got late, the disciples said the people should go find food. Jesus told the disciples, “You give them something to eat.”
A boy had five small loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus thanked God for the food, broke it into pieces, and gave it to the disciples to share. Everyone ate until they were full, and there were twelve baskets of leftovers. Later that night, the disciples were rowing in a boat through a strong wind. Jesus came walking toward them on the water. They were frightened and thought He was a ghost, but Jesus called out, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.” Then He climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped.
Read It Together
Mark 6:30-31
30 The apostles gathered themselves together to Jesus, and they told him all things, whatever they had done, and whatever they had taught. 31 He said to them, “You come apart into a deserted place, and rest awhile.” For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus noticed the disciples were tired and invited them to rest. Ask the children how it feels when someone notices they need a break and cares for them.
Mark 6:34
Jesus came out, saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.
(WEB)
Show the children that Jesus felt compassion, which means He cared deeply about the crowd. Explain that sheep without a shepherd are lost and need someone to guide them, and that Jesus is the one who looks after us.
Mark 6:41-42
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.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus took a small amount of food and made it enough for thousands. Remind the children that Jesus can take what seems small and do something big with it when we bring it to Him.
Talk About It
- What did the disciples feel when the wind was strong and the boat was far from shore?
- How did Jesus show the disciples that He was with them in the storm?
- Why do you think Jesus wanted His friends to rest after their busy work?
- What is one thing you feel scared of, and what could you say to Jesus about it?
- How did the boy’s small lunch help so many people, and what small thing could you share with someone this week?
Activity Ideas
Boat and Wave Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a small boat on dark blue paper, then add waves around it. Have them draw Jesus standing on the water near the boat. Encourage the children to tell you one thing they would say to Jesus if they were in a storm.
Cheer Up Freeze Game
You will need a open space and a chair. One child is the disciple sitting in the chair, and the rest of the children are waves moving around the room with wiggly arms. Call out “Cheer up!” and the waves freeze while the disciple gets to pick a new wave to go and calm. Switch roles so every child has a turn.
Five Loaves Take-Home Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and a few crackers or pieces of bread. Write “Jesus can make a little into a lot” on the card and tape a cracker to it. Ask the children to share the card with someone at home and tell them about the boy who shared his lunch. Ask the family to talk together about one small way they could help someone this week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that Jesus has authority over nature, illness, and even death, and that His care reaches into ordinary needs like rest and food. The disciples’ sending out, John’s execution, and the feeding of the crowd all point to Jesus as the faithful shepherd who provides for His people.
Avoid suggesting to children that trusting Jesus guarantees that bad things will never happen to them, because John died and the disciples faced real danger. Focus on the truth that Jesus is with us in hard moments and that He is powerful and caring.
A Prayer to Close
Jesus, thank You for being with us when we feel scared or tired. Thank You for caring about our needs and for being stronger than anything we face. Help us remember that You are always near, and help us trust You every day. Amen.
