Jesus Calms the Storm (by Tim Johnson)
THEME: Teaching the children that trusting in Jesus when there is danger will keep us from being afraid.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Mark 4: 35-41
PROMPT: Hold up vocabulary words on cards or write on large paper or board. Hand motions with song at end of message.
MESSAGE: To begin today's message, I first want to give you our vocabulary. It is important to know what these words mean so that we can understand the story. (hold up flash cards or write on board)
boat-a vessel that floats on water
Disciples-students of a teacher who study and follow the teachers ideas
storm-rain, wind, thunder, lightening, which can be dangerous
scared-frightened or afraid of something that can be dangerous
Jesus-the son of God, a master teacher
safe-protected from harm or danger
Then tell the story from Mark 4:35-41 of the disciples and Jesus going in the boat and a storm coming up. They are afraid and Jesus is asleep. Be animated as you describe the scene. Point out the key words from your list as you talk. End the story with the final verse, “why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”
Bible passage:
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across
to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat,
just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose,
and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.
38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to
him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and
rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased,
and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you
still no faith?”
End the message by teaching the children the hand motions and words to the song. Sing it through 2-3 times and you may invite congregation to join in if appropriate.
SONG: Sung to the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" (with motions)
Row, row, row your boat, even in a storm
(motions of rowing) (motions of waves/storm with hands in air)
Jesus will protect us all and keep us safe and warm
(praying hands) (arms folded across chest flat)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Mark 4: 35-41
PROMPT: Hold up vocabulary words on cards or write on large paper or board. Hand motions with song at end of message.
MESSAGE: To begin today's message, I first want to give you our vocabulary. It is important to know what these words mean so that we can understand the story. (hold up flash cards or write on board)
boat-a vessel that floats on water
Disciples-students of a teacher who study and follow the teachers ideas
storm-rain, wind, thunder, lightening, which can be dangerous
scared-frightened or afraid of something that can be dangerous
Jesus-the son of God, a master teacher
safe-protected from harm or danger
Then tell the story from Mark 4:35-41 of the disciples and Jesus going in the boat and a storm coming up. They are afraid and Jesus is asleep. Be animated as you describe the scene. Point out the key words from your list as you talk. End the story with the final verse, “why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”
Bible passage:
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across
to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat,
just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose,
and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.
38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to
him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and
rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased,
and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you
still no faith?”
End the message by teaching the children the hand motions and words to the song. Sing it through 2-3 times and you may invite congregation to join in if appropriate.
SONG: Sung to the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" (with motions)
Row, row, row your boat, even in a storm
(motions of rowing) (motions of waves/storm with hands in air)
Jesus will protect us all and keep us safe and warm
(praying hands) (arms folded across chest flat)