Mark 4:35 to 4:41 Jesus has all power over wind and waves, and we never need to be afraid because He is with us. Hear the story of Jesus sleeping in the boat during the storm. See how Jesus spoke with authority: "Peace! Be still!" Learn to trust Jesus whenever you feel scared or afraid. The Sea of Galilee sits low in a valley surrounded by steep hills. Sudden, violent windstorms can rush down the mountains and whip the water into giant waves. The Storm on the Sea One evening, Jesus and his disciples got into a wooden boat to sail across the lake. Jesus was very tired from teaching, so he fell fast asleep on a cushion in the back of the boat. Suddenly, dark clouds rolled in, howling winds blew, and giant waves crashed over the sides, filling the boat with water! Teacher, Do You Not Care? The disciples were terrified! Strong fishermen who knew the sea cried out in panic. They ran to Jesus, woke him up, and shouted: "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" Peace! Be Still! Jesus stood up calmly in the rocking boat. He looked at the raging storm and said: "Peace! Be still!" Instantly, the wind stopped blowing, the giant waves flattened out, and the lake became completely calm and quiet. The disciples whispered in awe: "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" 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. Mark 4:39 What was Jesus doing in the boat when the storm started? He was sleeping peacefully on a cushion He was steering the boat with a big paddle He was eating dinner He was swimming in the lake He was sleeping peacefully on a cushion Mark 4:38 tells us Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. What three words did Jesus say to the storm? Peace! Be still! Blow wind, blow! Row faster, disciples! Look at the clouds! Peace! Be still! Mark 4:39 records Jesus commanding: "Peace! Be still!" What happened right after Jesus spoke to the wind and sea? The wind stopped and there was a great calm The boat sank to the bottom It started snowing The disciples jumped into the water The wind stopped and there was a great calm Mark 4:39 says: "And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." Whenever you feel scared in the dark or during a thunderstorm this week, whisper: "Jesus is with me, and he brings peace." Lord Jesus, you have power over the stormy winds and giant waves! When I feel frightened or nervous, remind me that you are right beside me. Fill my heart with your calm peace and help me to trust you always. In your mighty name, Amen. Why did the disciples feel afraid even though Jesus was right there in the boat with them? What are some things that make you feel scared, and how can Jesus help you not be afraid? Children discover Jesus' sovereign power over nature, learning that we never need to fear when Jesus is with us in the storms of life. Have children rub their hands together to make a gentle wind sound, then stomp feet for thunder. Shout: "Peace! Be still!" and have everyone freeze in total silence! Why was Jesus sleeping during such a big storm? Jesus was fully human and tired after a long day of helping people, and he was completely safe in his heavenly Father's care. 5 min Hook & Sound Effect Game, 10 min Story, 8 min Memory Verse Tiles, 7 min Quiz