Luke 8 v 22 – 25

Matthew 8 v 23 – 27

Lesson Aim

To show that Jesus has power over nature

Hook 1: Large box

Get a large box, the largest you can obtain to act as a boat. Make sure that the sides are not too high for younger children to see over (or cut the sides down). Place cushions in the rear of the boat. Lift the children into the box, they will easily imagine that it is a boat. When you reach the storm in the story rock the boat from side to side. Refer to the cushions where Jesus slept during the journey.

Hook 2: Object

If you cannot obtain a large box then use any large container that two or more children could sit inside e.g. a large wash basket, case or storage box.

Hook 3: Questions

Have you ever been in a boat? Did you rock the boat from side to side so that people thought that they would fall into the water?

Hook 4: A boat

If you can borrow a real boat then have it placed in the car park. Tell the story from the real boat, this will add a lot of atmosphere to the story.

Hook 4: King Canute

With older children you can compare the story of King Canute telling the waves to retreat, which did not obey him and the story of Jesus who had power over the waves. A grid with comparative words (king, ordered the waves, ignores him and obeyed him etc.) works effectively to illustrate these stories.

Story tips:

Check that the sides of the box are not too high for young children, I say this from experience. I placed a child in a large box and he could not see over the sides!

Application

The wind and the waves obeyed Jesus’ commands. Even the disciples, many of whom were fishermen and were used to sailing on this sea, were amazed by his power.