Lesson Learned: God performs miracles.
Materials Needed: large bowl of water (a clear bowl works best); various objects from around the house that will float or sink in the water (examples: rocks, milk caps, plastic spoon, marbles)
Bible Verse
Matthew 14:22-31
22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
25During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
27But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
28″Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
29″Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
32And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Talking Points: Jesus walked on water. This is a miracle. A miracle is an extraordinary event that only God can perform. God can do anything, even things that we cannot.
Questions: Do you think you could walk on water? Would you believe Jesus if he told you you could? What do you think Peter started to think when he got scared?
Activity 1
Sing this Song:
Jesus Walks on the Water
(Tune: Ten Little Indians)
lyrics written by Sharon Broome
All the apostles were in a sailboat
All the apostles were in a sailboat
All the apostles were in a sailboat
Out on the deep blue sea.
The waves rose high and tossed the sailboat
The waves rose high and tossed the sailboat
The waves rose high and tossed the sailboat
Out on the deep blue sea.
Along came Jesus walking on the water
Along came Jesus walking on the water
Along came Jesus walking on the water
Out on the deep blue sea.
The apostles thought that Jesus was a ghost
The apostles thought that Jesus was a ghost
The apostles thought that Jesus was a ghost
And they cried out in fear.
Be of good cheer, it is I, don’t be afraid
Be of good cheer, it is I, don’t be afraid
Be of good cheer, it is I, don’t be afraid
Jesus spoke to them
Peter started walking on the water
Peter started walking on the water
Peter started walking on the water
Then he started to sink.
Jesus helped Peter get back in the boat
Jesus helped Peter get back in the boat
Jesus helped Peter get back in the boat
Why did you lose faith?
Activity 2:
Fill a large bowl with water. Let your child drop various objects into the water. As your child drops them into the bowl, ask him or her if they think the object will sink or float. Explain that heavy objects sink and light objects float.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you so much for the many miracles you perform. We love that you can do the impossible in our lives. Amen.