Bible Stories for Kids - Jesus Calms the Storm

One day, Jesus and his disciples got into a boat to sail across a big lake. Jesus was very tired from teaching all day, so he lay down at the back of the boat and soon fell fast asleep.

As they sailed, a strong storm suddenly began. The wind howled, and the waves crashed over the sides of the boat. The disciples were very scared. Even though some of them were fishermen and knew how to handle a boat, this storm was really frightening!

"Oh no!" said one disciple, "We are going to drown!"

Another shouted over the noise of the wind, "Wake Jesus up! Maybe He can help us!"

The disciples hurried to Jesus and shook Him awake. "Teacher!" they cried, "Don't you care if we drown?"

Jesus stood up and looked at the stormy sea. He quietly said, "Peace, be still."

Right away, the wind stopped blowing, and the waves calmed down. The lake became completely still. The storm was gone!

Jesus looked at His disciples and asked, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

The disciples were amazed. "Who is this," they whispered to each other, "that even the wind and the waves obey Him?"

## Activity

### Materials Needed
- Paper plates (one per child)
- Blue paint or crayons
- Craft sticks (one per child)
- Glue
- Scissors
- Small piece of paper for making a boat

### Instructions
1. **Create the Sea:** Have the children color or paint the bottom half of the paper plate blue to represent the sea.
   
2. **Make the Boat:** Cut a small triangle out of the paper for the sail and a small square for the boat's bottom. Glue these onto the craft stick to create a simple boat.

3. **Assemble the Scene:** Glue the boat craft stick onto the painted sea part of the paper plate so that it looks as if the boat is sailing on water.

4. **Retell the Story:** Encourage the children to use their craft to act out the story. They can make stormy waves with the plate and calm them down when Jesus says, "Peace, be still."

## Reflection Questions

1. How did the disciples feel during the storm, and how did Jesus help them feel calm?

2. Have you ever been scared? What do you think Jesus would say to help you feel better?

3. Why do you think it's important to trust Jesus when we are afraid?