Jesus Walked on Water
Bible Passage: Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 6
Kids Church: August 23, 2020
Volume 8: Jesus the Servant. Unit 24: Jesus the Miracle Worker. Session 3 of 4
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Volume 8: Jesus the Servant. Unit 24: Jesus the Miracle Worker. Session 3 of 4
Jesus Walked on Water
Jesus had just fed more than five thousand people on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. After sending away the people and directing His disciples to go back across the sea, Jesus went to a mountain to pray. It was late, and He sought to be alone with His Father. Jesus was preparing to fulfill His Father’s plan. Before long, He would die on the cross and rescue people from sin.
While Jesus prayed, the disciples struggled to cross the sea. A storm came and tossed their boat up and down. They didn’t make any progress against the waves. Then, in the early morning hours, they saw a figure walking toward them on the water. They thought it was a ghost, but it was Jesus!
Peter asked Jesus to command him to come out on the water, and Jesus called to him. Peter walked on the water too—until he remembered the storm. Peter took his eyes off of Jesus, and he began to sink. Peter cried out to Jesus, “Save me!”
Jesus took Peter by the hand, and they got into the boat. The wind and waves calmed. Though Peter had doubted, the disciples worshiped Jesus. Clearly He was no ordinary man; this was the Son of God—the promised Messiah!
Jesus proved that He can be trusted. His miracles, teaching, death, and resurrection showed that He is who He says He is. As you teach kids, encourage them to look to Jesus in faith every day. We can seek Him for our salvation and for help as we live in this world. Even in the midst of fear and doubt, we can hold out our empty hands and cry, “Lord, save me!” He will answer, and we can respond in worship of our Lord and Savior.
Christ Connection: Jesus proved that He can be trusted. His miracles, teaching, death, and resurrection showed that He is who He says He is. Only Jesus can save us when we look to Him in faith.
Praise God for His attributes: holiness, greatness, grace, mercy, etc.
Thank God for His goodness, provision, etc.
Ask God for His Holy Spirit to prepare our hearts, minds, and spirits to worship God and learn the lesson He has for us today.
You may ask all the kids to take turn to pray as well.
King David also wrote these words in Psalm 31. The Lord directs our lives and has the power to rescue us from our enemies. Like Peter, we can look to Jesus for salvation. He is the faithful Miracle Maker, and He loves us. Let’s sing together “Miracle Maker.”
Share praises from this past week of what you see God's been doing in your lives.
Confess and repent of our sins. Pray to God for His holiness and purity in our lives.
Ask God to forgive us, and ask the Holy Spirit to help to control us.
Share prayer requests with each other. Pray for each other.
Thank God for school starting!
Ask God to give wisdom for parents, school teachers and kids about in person or online school this coming semester.
Distribute Bibles. Guide your children to open their Bibles to Matthew 14. Explain Jesus’ walking on water is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John.
Choose a volunteer to read aloud Matthew 14:19-31.
LEADER SAY • This happened on the Sea of Galilee. [Point to the Sea of Galilee on the New Testament Israel in the Time of Jesus Map below.] Peter wanted to walk on the water too. Jesus commanded Peter to come out of the boat. Peter walked on water, but he began to sink when he saw how strong the wind was.
(Take your time to ask, ponder and answer the following questions)
Lead kids to recall that the disciples first thought Jesus was a ghost. They knew they were witnessing something no ordinary person could do. Jesus again showed His power over creation as the Son of God.
(Option: Choose a volunteer to read Isa. 40:26.)
Remind kids of Jesus’ words to His disciples: “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Assure kids that they are not alone. Jesus is with them through the Holy Spirit. Encourage kids to keep their eyes on Jesus. We can rely on Him for strength and courage when we need it.
(Option: Choose a volunteer to read Ps. 27:14.)
Help kids identify Jesus’ power and strength even when we are weak. Point out that when Jesus got into the boat, the wind stopped. Assure them that all believers can persevere in trials with the hope that one day, Jesus will return and bring ultimate peace, making every wrong thing right. We can pray for others and remind them of the truth about Jesus.
(Option: Choose a volunteer to read James 1:12.)
Praise and thanksgiving to God that His Son was born to save and redeem us.
Protection from the COVID-19.
Productive at home this week.
For others who are sick.
Wisdom for government officials and President Trump and VP Pence.
Wisdom for Governor Greg Abbott of Texas.
Wisdom for church leaders about ministering online, and future reopening of church gatherings.
From the Superbook studio production. HD animation!
Stop Motion Animation! This is tedious, labor of love work from the "old" days.