Date:
___________________________
Series: Jesus Takes Care of Me (SAMPLE) (Winter)
Year 2, Lesson 39
Jesus Walks
on Water
Bible Event: Matthew 14:22-33
Take Home Point: *WHEN I’M SCARED – I tell Jesus.
*Repeat this phrase throughout the lesson. The leader will say the first part of the
phrase (CAPS). The children respond with the second part of the phrase (italics).
Jesus Link: I will tell Jesus my problems because he knows
and loves me.
What kids will learn about God in this worship experience:
• Kids will learn that all people – even adults – get scared sometimes. We might be
afraid of something (like a dog) or afraid that something is going to happen (like
getting hurt). No matter what we are afraid of, we can always tell Jesus. When
we pray to Jesus about our fears, he always listens and helps us feel better. Kids
will take home the point: *WHEN I’M SCARED – I tell Jesus.
• Children will respond to God’s love as they pray to him, thanking him for loving
them and giving them Jesus. They will offer him their songs of worship, their
offerings, and their actions of love as they actively learn God’s word.
Lesson 39 - 1
Copyright 2004 Kids Kount Publishing, Omaha, NE 68137, www.kidskountpublishing.com
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture verses are from GOD’S WORD®. Copyright 1995 by God’s Word to the Nations.
Permission to photocopy Kids Church and Kingdom Quest materials granted to purchaser only for local church use.
Welcome Zone: (15–20 minutes)
Purpose: While kids arrive, give them a simple learning readiness activity that
requires minimal supervision. This might include a video, games, blocks, or puzzles.
Video Suggestion: Veggie Tales, Where is God when I’m Scared, produced by Big
Idea Productions, order from: http://store.yahoo.net/yhst54787164184156/whgodwhimsvc.html
Activity Suggestion: Blocks, toys, puzzles, paper and crayons.
Opening Worship: (10-15 minutes)
Children can bring forward the cross, candles, Bible, offering plate, and treasure box.
The treasure box contains the props used to tell or dramatize the Bible event. Open
with a simple prayer, having the children repeat after you. Collect offering and talk
about how God will use it.
Praise Songs:
Choose two or three songs and list them here.
Bible Event: Jesus Walks on the Water
A Visit from a Dramatized Character:
Ask the children to put on their imagination hats so they can imagine they are meeting a character from
the Bible. Then a costumed adult presents the Bible event, telling it from first person point of view. This
can be the presenter or a guest actor. If the presenter performs as the character, then he should make
the transition with a bit of dramatic flair. He takes his costume out of the Imagination Box. Then he turns
his back to the audience and puts on the costume pieces. When he turns back around to face the
audience, he has been dramatically transformed into another character. With new voice inflection he tells
his story.
Supplies: spray bottle, a stool to sit on
Introduction
My name is Peter. I am one of Jesus’ followers, called a disciple. I
knew Jesus. He was my best friend. Everyone needs a friend like
Jesus, especially if they are scared. And, boy, sometimes I really got
scared. Let me tell you my story. It really happened.
In the boat
There were twelve special friends with Jesus. Can you count to
twelve? Count out loud with the children from one to twelve. One, two,
three……eleven, twelve.) We were his disciples and traveled with him
while he helped people. One time we arrived at a big lake. Jesus
Lesson 39 - 2
wanted to spend time alone and pray. He told us to get into the boat
and go ahead of him to the other side. We had learned to trust what
Jesus said and do it.
A little wind and rain
We did what Jesus said and got into the boat and started across the
lake. Make rowing motions.
But it got later and later, soon it became dark. The moon was out. It
was a still night and we happily rowed toward the other side. Then
we began to feel a little wind. I think I can hear it now. Can you make
a wind noise? Make a wind noise, mimicked by the kids.
The wind began to blow harder. Increase your sound of wind and have
the kids imitate you.
Before long the wind was howling and the boat was rocking wildly.
Make exaggerated moves to indicate rowing and the up and down motion
of the water.
If that wasn’t enough it began to rain. Pat knees gently and encourage
the kids to do the same.
Can you hear the rain? At first it was just a little and then it was
more. Now it was storming wildly. Encourage kids to intensify the
pounding on their knees.
It was raining and windy. Pat knees and make wind sounds.
The boat was tipping like crazy from side to side and from top to
bottom.
Scared of the storm
You can imagine how we felt now. Jesus must have been far away
because we left him on the shore to pray. And now we were in the
middle of the lake and look what is happening. Show exaggerated
motions of the boat rocking.
We were afraid that we were going to be thrown out of the boat, or
that the boat would turn over and sink.
Jesus walking on the water
I thought we were goners. Just then, I looked through the darkness.
Guess what I saw? It was a ghost! Aaahhhh! What would say if you
saw if you saw a ghost walking on the water? Say it with me.
Encourage kids to say Aaaaahh! If the wind, waves, and rain were not
enough, now ghosts were attacking us!
Lesson 39 - 3
It is I. Don’t be afraid.
We screamed and panicked. But the ghost came closer. Then I
looked through the wind and rain and saw that it wasn’t a ghost at
all. It was a person. It was someone I recognized. It was someone I
knew very well. Do you know who it was? Right. It was Jesus walking
on the water! He said to us, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Wow. Suddenly I was no longer afraid.
Peter asks to walk
Then I thought to myself, if Jesus is walking on the water, maybe I
could walk on the water, too. So I said to Jesus, “Lord, if it is you,
then tell me to come to you on the water.” And Jesus said, “Come,
Peter.” So I did!
Make motions as if you were climbing out of the boat and starting to walk on the water.
Keep your eyes focused ahead of you as if you were looking at Jesus.
I climbed out of the boat and started walking on the water! I didn’t
sink! I took another step and still didn’t sink. I continued walking on
the water all the while looking at Jesus.
Help!
But as I walked to Jesus, I felt the wind blowing. I think I can hear it
now! Have the kids make wind sounds.
And the rain was still coming down. Make the rain noises by patting
knees.
I began to think, I can’t walk on the water. Especially during a storm!
So I took my eyes off of Jesus and I looked down to the water to see
what was happening. At that moment, I started to sink into the water.
First to my knees and then to my waist. I was going under. There was
only one word I could think of. It was “Help.” Drop to knees on “water”
and thrash around.
“Lord, save me!”
Lesson 39 - 4
You of little faith
Then I saw a hand in front of my face. It was Jesus. He was reaching
down to grab my hand. He pulled me up and out of the water. I could
stand with him on the water.
Stand up on the water.
He looked into my eyes. I could see that he loved me so much. Then
he said to me, “Peter, why did you stop believing me? Why did you
look at the big waves and begin to worry? Why didn’t you have faith
in me?” He was right. But I knew that he loved me and just wanted
me to trust him.
Back in the boat
So we walked together on the water. We climbed back into the boat.
All of the other disciples were amazed. Climb back into boat and sit
down.
The wind that we’d been hearing—let me hear it (whistle like the wind),
and the rain that was beating down (pat your knees), suddenly
stopped.
Truly you are the Son of God
Everyone knew it. Jesus could control the wind and the waves. He
could walk on water. He could even help others walk on water, if they
would just believe him. It’s true. Jesus is God’s own Son.
We were back in the boat and continued to row to the other side. But
now we were different. We saw how Jesus hears us when we are in
trouble or scared. We can trust Jesus.
So now *WHEN I’M SCARED—I tell Jesus.
The presenter returns and says:
Boys and girls, maybe you can think of times you’ve been scared,
too. When that happens, whom do you want to tell? Right. Tell Jesus.
Jesus is there even if you can’t see him. He really is God’s Son.
Remember he loves you so much he gave his life for you. He is so
powerful he can control the wind and waves. He can help you not
feel scared. He will be with you.
Lesson 39 - 5
A second option for Bible Presentation:
Show the video, The Miracles of Jesus produced by Nest Family Entertainment.
Order from: http://www.nestfamily.com/store/product_detail.asp?productID=MJD.
Begin Time:
Begin Cue:
End Cue:
Clip Duration:
18:30 minutes after the opening credits.
Peter says, “How can we…we are just fisherman?”
The disciple says, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
7 minutes
Lesson 39 - 6
Action Zones:
(20-30 minutes)
Purpose: Children move at their leisure to the activities according to their interest.
Adults are assigned to oversee each of the zones, watching for safety, assisting
any activity, and helping the children connect to the lesson of the day. All zones are
introduced at the beginning of Zone Time. Suggested zones are included below.
Choose those that best fit your time constraints. It is usually best to have all
children go to the Snack Zone first. Sing a blessing song or say a snack prayer
together before dismissing to the zones. During the Zone Time, children may arrive
from mid-service dismissal. If this is an option at your church, be prepared to welcome the children and
invite them to choose a zone.
Snack Zone:
Provide each child with a small amount of blue Jell-O (regular or a
jiggler square). Give the children a gummy bear and have them “walk” it across the
“water” before eating. A simpler option is to have the gummy bears walk across blue
napkins.
Drama Zone:
Using a boat (or box made into a boat), a blue tablecloth or towel,
and robes, allow children to reenact the scene.
Puppet Zone: Let the children use puppets to tell each other things they are afraid
of and have them pray for each other.
Felt Zone:
Use felt board materials to show the story of Jesus walking on water
from today’s Bible event. (For example, use Lesson #122, “Peter Saved From
Drowning,” from Betty Lukens Through the Bible in Felt.)
Craft Zone: Create a storm bottle. Each child will need a small, empty water bottle
with lid. (Removing the water bottle label is preferable, but not essential.) Fill bottle
approximately half-full of water and drop 1-2 drops of blue food color into each bottle.
(Or have blue water already prepared to pour into the bottles.) Have small triangles precut out of sponge, roughly 1 and 1/2 inches long and 3/4 inch wide at the base. Let
children drop one sponge “boat” into their bottle. Have an adult place one drop of
Superglue into the lid before securing the lid to the bottle. Once lids are tightly fastened,
attach a pre-made label, “Jesus rescued Peter – Jesus rescues me.” Allow children to
shake and swish their bottles to create stormy conditions for their “boats.”
Play Zone: Provide tubs of water with boats, water toys, and various
sinking and
floating objects.
Quiet Reading Zone:
Basket of books. Include any that feature the story of
Jesus walking on water.
Music Zone: Your choice of music.
Coloring Zone:
“Jesus Walks on Water” coloring page
Lesson 39 - 7
Closing Worship: (20 minutes)
Purpose: As you empty the zones and clean up, begin the music so the children can
start wandering over.
Worship Songs:
Choose one or two songs and list them here.
Puppet Presentation Wrap Up:
Purpose: The puppet demonstrates the need that’s being addressed in today’s lesson. The scripts are
not written verbatim, but give a story line in which the group leader can interact with the puppet.
Judy comes out wearing a baseball cap. She is going to start T-ball pretty soon and she
is scared. Bubba is a good baseball player and she does not know if she will be as good
as he is. She is afraid of lots of things. What if she swings and misses the ball? What if
she doesn’t know the rules? What if she throws the ball to the wrong spot?
The presenter comforts Judy and tells her he understands what it is like to be afraid. He
asks the kids if they know what to do when you are feeling scared. He explains that the
best thing to do is to tell Jesus and ask for help. The presenter invites the kids to help
tell Judy about the time Peter was scared and asked Jesus for help.
The presenter concludes by explaining that we all are scared sometimes – even grownups. When we pray and tell Jesus we are scared, he can comfort us and take our fears
away. Jesus always listens to us, especially when we’re scared. Always remember:
*WHEN I’M SCARED – I tell Jesus.
Bible Application:
Maybe you can think of a time when you were scared or worried.
Who would like to come up and tell about a time you were scared or
worried.
Collect different stories from the kids and even share some yourself. Use a
microphone if available.
Did you know that Jesus knows you? And knows the times you
might be scared? He wants you to tell him about it, so he can help
you and be with you. The Bible says, “Call upon me in times of
trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor me.” Psalms 50:15
Lesson 39 - 8
Prayer Time:
Purpose: Allow children to contribute their own prayers. This will teach them to turn to God in both good
times and in times of trouble. End with the Lord’s Prayer.
“Children Pray” Options: (select one from the options below)
_____ Prayer Train Option: Children line up and take turns stepping in front of
the microphone and speaking their brief prayers of thanksgiving.
_____ Prayer Chair: Children stand in a circle around one child sitting on a chair
in the middle. All children in the circle will lay a hand on the child sitting in the
chair as they say a prayer together.
_____ Popcorn Prayer: The leader moves through the crowd with a
microphone. As he taps children on the head, they stand and speak their prayer.
Lord’s Prayer:
Lead the children through the Lord’s Prayer, phrase by phrase, or
let them pray the entire Prayer along with you.
Blessing:
May God, who is all around you,
pour his love upon you.
(Beginning at the bottom of the circle, slowly
make a large circle with your hands. Finish by
bringing your hands down and wiggling the
fingers to resemble rain.)
And Jesus, his life a sacrifice,
walk right there beside you.
(Slowly make a large sign of the cross. Then
move your hands out to the sides.)
And may God’s Holy Spirit,
the one who lives inside you,
(Cross your hands over the heart.)
keep you strong,
comfort, lead and guide you!
(Move to a “strong man” position. Then
cross your arms with the hands on
corresponding upper arms to communicate
comfort. Bring one hand forward with “lead”
and the other with “guide” to complete the
blessing.)
Song of Sending:
Choose one song and list it here.
Closing Zones:
Purpose: Children go to an activity zone such as the coloring zone, quiet reading
zone, or children’s Christian music video zone, as they wait for their parents.
Lesson 39 - 9
Supplies:
Welcome Zone:
• blocks, toys, puzzles, paper, and crayons
• video: Veggie Tale Where is God when I’m Scared, produced by Big Idea
Productions—order from http://store.yahoo.net/yhst54787164184156/whgodwhimsvc.html
Opening Worship:
• cross, candles, Bible, offering plate, and treasure box—the treasure box contains
the props used to tell or dramatize the Bible event
• robe or headpiece for Peter
• boat or box made into a boat
• blue tablecloth or towel
Option:
• video, The Miracles of Jesus by Nest Family Entertainment—order from
http://www.nestfamily.com/store/product_detail.asp?productID=MJD
Action Zones: Choose your options.
Snack:
• blue Jell-O or blue Jell-O jigglers
• gummy bears
Drama:
• robes and headpieces
• boat or box made into a boat
• blue tablecloth or towel
Craft:
• small, empty water bottles, with or without labels
• blue food color
• pitchers of water
• sponges, pre-cut small triangles roughly 1 and 1/2 inches long and 3/4 inch wide
at the base
• superglue
• pre-made label “Jesus rescued Peter – Jesus rescues me”
Play:
• tubs of water
• water toys including toy boats
• towels
• floating and sinking objects
Quiet Reading:
• basket of books
Music:
• your choice of music
Puppet:
• various puppets
Felt:
• materials to reenact story (For example, use Lesson #122, “Peter Saved From
Drowning,” from Betty Lukens Through the Bible in Felt.)
Coloring Page:
• “Jesus Walks on Water” (Located in “God Talk at Home” file)
Lesson 39 - 10
Closing Worship:
• Judy, the puppet
• baseball cap
Closing Zones:
• colored pencils
• paper
• basket of books
Lesson 39 - 11