Unit 24 • Session 3 Walked on Water

BIBLE PASSAGE: ; ; Story Point: Jesus showed He is God by walking on water. KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 40:5 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why did Jesus perform ? Jesus performed miracles to glorify God, to show He is the , and to care for people.

Tell the Lesson Open your Bible to Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 6. Use the Bible storytelling tips on the Bible story page to help you tell the story, or show the Bible story video “Jesus Walked on Water.” Leader • While the disciples were on the sea, Jesus was alone, praying up on a mountain. Jesus’ time on earth would not last much longer. Jesus was getting ready to complete His Father’s plan. Before long, He would die on the cross and rescue people from sin. The disciples were crossing the sea in their boat. Once again, they were having some trouble. Strong winds pushed the boat, and they couldn’t make much progress. Imagine how tired they were when they looked up and saw something that terrified them! What did the disciples see? Look in your at Matthew 14:25-26. [Allow kids to read the verses and respond.] The disciples thought they were seeing a , but the figure was Jesus. Peter wanted to walk on the water too. Jesus told him to come out on the water, and Peter walked to Him. The wind and waves were still strong. What happened when Peter took his eyes off Jesus? Look at Matthew 14:30. [Allow kids to read the verse and respond.] Jesus showed He is God by walking on water, but Peter was afraid and began to sink. He cried out to Jesus, and Jesus reached out and caught him. They got into the boat, and the wind stopped. The disciples worshiped Jesus as the Son of God.

Christ connection Leader • 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.

Preschool Discussion Questions Say • Talk about how the disciples were in a boat on the sea when they saw Jesus walking on the water. They were afraid, but Jesus showed that we can trust Him. His life, death, and resurrection showed that Jesus is who He says He is. When we trust Him, He will save us from our sin. What did Jesus tell His disciples to do while He went to pray? (get into a boat, go to the other side of the sea) In the middle of the night, who did the disciples see? (Jesus) What was Jesus doing? (Jesus walked on water.) Who also wanted to walk on water? (Peter) Who saved Peter when he sank? (Jesus) Why did Jesus perform miracles? (Jesus performed miracles to show He is the Son of God.)

Kindergarten – 2nd Grade Discussion Questions: Distribute a Bible to each kid. Help kids find Matthew 14. Consider using the Israel Map to show the kids where the Sea of is (D6). Remind the kids that the Bible is God’s Word, and everything in it is true. Ask the following questions. Lead the group to discuss: 1. Why did Jesus stay behind when the disciples crossed the lake? (to pray, Matt. 14:23) 2. What did the disciples think they saw when Jesus walked on the water toward them? (a ghost, Matt. 14:26) 3. When did Jesus save Peter from drowning? (immediately after Peter called out to Him, Matt. 14:30-31) 4. How was Peter able to walk on water? Guide kids to discuss how Jesus’ power allowed Peter to walk on water. Remind the kids that impossible things can happen when God’s power is involved. Point out the correlation between Peter’s faith in Jesus while he walked on water and his fear of the storm when he sank. Discuss the importance of faith in our lives. 5. Is there anything we cannot do with God’s power? Discuss the fact that God’s power is unlimited, but that doesn’t mean we can use Him for personal gain. Help kids see that testing the Lord is foolish and that anything He empowers us to do will be in line with His character and plans for the world. 6. When was the last time you trusted God to help you through a hard time? Guide kids to discuss experiences they have had in which God helped them through a difficult situation. Be sensitive to any kids who may disclose abuse or neglect. Report any suspicions according to the laws where you live and your church’s policies. Say • Jesus showed He is God by walking on water. Peter had faith that he could walk with Jesus on the sea, but when he focused on his fear, he began to sink. We can trust Jesus through our fears. He saves us.

3rd – 5th Grade Discussion Questions Distribute Bibles. Guide boys and girls to open their Bibles to Matthew 14. Explain Jesus’ walking on water is recorded in the of Matthew, Mark, and John. Choose a volunteer to read aloud Matthew 14:29-31. Say • Jesus showed He is God by walking on water. This happened on the . [Point to the Sea of Galilee (D6) on the New Testament Israel Map.] 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. Ask the following questions. Lead the group to discuss: 1. Why were Jesus’ disciples afraid when they saw Jesus walking on water? 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.) 2. How can we have courage in scary situations? 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.) 3. How can we encourage others to not give up during difficult times? 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.)