This story is featured in a collection of Bible stories for kids called Do Not Be Afraid: Bible Stories for Kids about Hope.
Matthew 8:23–27; Mark 4:35–41; Luke 8:22–25
Jesus Christ brought with him a small group of disciples that he taught separately from the crowds. He often taught them lessons about faith in unexpected ways.
As you read this story, pay attention to the lesson Jesus gives to the disciples in their moment of fear.
After Jesus had taught large crowds of people one day, he said to his disciples, “Let us get into this boat and travel to the other side of the lake.”
The disciples got into the boat and set out into the water. Jesus lay down in the front of the boat and fell asleep.
Suddenly, a storm came upon them. The wind blew harder and harder until the boat was filling up with water.
Jesus continued to sleep through the storm. The disciples tried to wake him. They were very afraid. “Lord, save us! We are going to drown!”
Jesus woke up and stood before the blowing wind and crashing waves. He raised a hand toward the sea and said, “Peace! Be still!”
The wind died down, and the waters became calm again. Jesus turned toward his disciples.
“Why are you afraid? Where is your faith?” he asked them.
The disciples were amazed and said to each other, “What sort of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
Reflection Questions
- Why did Jesus question the disciples for being afraid? What did he expect from them instead?
- When times feel chaotic and out of control, how can you practice faith that Jesus will calm the storm?
- Who do you know that needs comfort and peace right now? How can you help calm their storm?
- Imagine Jesus saying the words “peace” and “be still” to you. How would this make you feel?
Download & Print this Story and Discussion Questions
You can read this story to your kids online or download a PDF printout along with discussion questions here:
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