Reading the story of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee can be a powerful way to strengthen our faith. Introduce your students to this story and help them replace any fears they have with a greater faith in Jesus Christ with this short lesson and collection of activities.
Jesus Calming the Storm Lesson Plan
Lesson Objectives
- Students will be able to (SWBAT) summarize the story of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee.
- Students will feel comforted by their faith in God during times of fear and doubt.
Hook: Listen to “Be Still and know that I am God.”
Begin your lesson with a reflection on this beautiful song by Steven Warner based on Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.”
Some questions to ask:
- How often do you take the time during the day to “be still”?
- What are some ways you can “be still” or quiet or calm during the day?
- Why is it easier to feel close to God when we are still?
What is a lesson hook? Learn more here.
Read the Storm: Jesus Calms the Storm
Begin the lesson by reading together the story of Jesus calming the storm (Mt 8:23-27, Mk 4:35-41, Lk 8:22-25).
You can read a kid-version of the story and find discussion questions here: Jesus Calms the Storm Printable Bible Story for Kids.
Present: Jesus Calms the Storm (Meaning & Reflection) Video
What does the story mean for us today?
Have students watch this video to understand more deeply the meaning of the story of Jesus calming the storm:
A printable graphic organizer worksheet for this video is available to members here.
Practice: From Fear to Faith Meditation
Lead the students in a simple meditation. Ask them to pick one of these three situations. They are common fears among young people.
- Performance: You stand alone in front of a large group of students in your school to give a speech or give a performance.
- Sickness: Someone seriously close to you is sick and in the hospital.
- Silent Treatment: A friend is so angry with you that they haven’t spoken to you in days.
Jesus Calms the Storm Meditation
- Close your eyes and imagine what it would feel like to be in this situation. What do you feel?
- Why are you afraid? What are you really afraid of? Think of the specific things that could go wrong in this situation.
- Now really picture yourself experiencing this situation. Where are you standing or sitting?
- Imagine Jesus is there with you. Look closely at him. He offers peace within the storm.
- He whispers to you, “Be still.”
Prayer: Be Still
Now ask the students to reflect on their lives right now. Are they worried or anxious about anything (no matter how small)?
Ask the students to take some slow deep breaths.
Then have them repeat after you:
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Lesson Assessment: Stick-figure Story Summary
Pass out notecards or have students write on half-sheets of paper.
Give them two minutes to draw a picture of the scene of Jesus calming the storm with stick figures and speech bubbles.
Other Jesus Calms the Storm Activities & Crafts
Jesus Calms the Storm Printable Bible Story for Kids (JaredDees.com)
Jesus Calms the Storm Craft and Activity Ideas (Faith Sprouts)
Jesus Calms the Storm Craft (123 Homeschool 4 Me)
Jesus Calms the Storm Craft (Meaningful Mama)
