Jesus Calms the Storm (NIRV)

35 When evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.” 36 They left the crowd behind. And they took him along in a boat, just as he was. There were also other boats with him. 37 A wild storm came up. Waves crashed over the boat. It was about to sink. 38 Jesus was in the back, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him up. They said, “Teacher! Don’t you care if we drown?”

39 He got up and ordered the wind to stop. He said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down. And it was completely calm.

40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Don’t you have any faith at all yet?”

41 They were terrified. They asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

For the Parents:

This is one of my favorite stories. The disciples had seen Jesus heal people; they had seen Jesus drive out unclean spirits; they had heard Jesus’ amazing teaching! Yet, they were still afraid. Does that sound like anyone we know? Might as well be me!

“Don’t you care [Jesus]?” It’s not just the disciples who felt that way. Even with all we know about God and what we have experienced in our lives, we might be there right now. Don’t you care that I’m losing my job? Don’t you care that I’m losing my 401K? Don’t you care that home schooling is costing me my sanity? Don’t you care that _________! Jesus is telling us even now, “Why are you so afraid? Don’t you have any faith at all yet?” The God who commands the wind and the waves was in charge before this pandemic, and will be in command long after! Still, there are times when we need to cry out to God. Join us this Sunday as Pastor Parker explores the language of prayer in tough times given to us in the Psalms…See you on our YouTube Channel this Sunday!

May be less like the faith deprived disciples and more like sleeping Jesus during this crazy COVID storm.

For the Children: (Use this only as a guide. The important thing here is to read the Bible and spend time together. Whatever works for your family will be ok!)

Enter:

Find a place where your family can sit comfortably together. You can ask questions like these (don’t feel the need to ask all of them!):

• Where did you see God’s power today?

• Where do you wish you could see God’s power today?

Hear:

Read the Bible Passage. For younger children, a picture Bible may be used.

Pause:

This might be hard at first, but take a few seconds, or maybe a minute to sit with the scripture in silence. With little ones, it may be a ten count, but we can sit still and let God’s word work!

Wonder:

Have you ever been in a storm while in a small boat?

How would you feel if you were the disciples?

Why is this story in the Bible?

When would be a good time to remember this story?

Bless:

Affirm what was discussed about the story.

Reaffirm God’s power in the world (from the story) and those parts where we long to see God’s power.

Pray together (you may ask kids what they are thankful for or things they want to pray for/confess before the prayer:

Praise God, Give thanks, Pray for others, confess sins, Praise God!

Example: Thank you God that you control the wind and the waves. We praise you because you are in control even now. We ask you to bless those struggling with health and other things during this pandemic. Forgive us when we have been mean, or rude to one another. Help us to honor you in all we do! Amen!

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