The Story of Jesus Walking on Water
The miracle of Jesus walking on water is found in Matthew 14:22–33.
After feeding the five thousand, Jesus sent His disciples ahead in a boat while He stayed behind to pray.
During the night:
- A storm came across the sea.
- The disciples became frightened.
- Jesus walked across the water toward them.
- At first they thought He was a ghost.
- Jesus said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
- Peter asked Jesus if he could come to Him.
- Peter walked on the water until he became afraid and began to sink.
- Jesus reached out His hand and saved Peter.
- The wind stopped, and the disciples worshiped Jesus.
This miracle teaches children that Jesus has power over creation and that they can trust Him even during life’s storms.
Four Truths Children Can Learn from This Miracle
1. Jesus Is Always With Us
The disciples felt alone during the storm.
Even though Jesus wasn’t in the boat, He saw exactly what was happening and came to help them.
Children can learn that Jesus sees them too—even when they’re scared, worried, or lonely.
2. We Can Trust Jesus
Peter stepped out of the boat because he trusted Jesus.
Although Peter became afraid, Jesus immediately reached out to save him.
This reminds children that Jesus never stops caring for us, even when our faith feels small.
3. Jesus Has Power Over Nature
Walking on water isn’t something people can do.
Only Jesus could perform this miracle because He is the Son of God.
This story helps children understand God’s incredible power.
4. Faith Means Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus
Peter began sinking when he focused on the wind instead of Jesus.
Children can relate this lesson to everyday life:
- Being nervous about school
- Feeling afraid at bedtime
- Trying something new
- Facing difficult situations
We can remember to keep trusting Jesus no matter what happens.
Fun Ways to Teach the Story
After reading the Bible passage, reinforce the lesson with hands-on activities.
Some fun ideas include:
Retell the Story Together
Ask children to explain each picture before placing it in order.
Questions like these help build understanding:
- What happened first?
- Why were the disciples afraid?
- What did Jesus say?
- What happened when Peter looked at the waves?
- What happened after Jesus reached out His hand?
Act Out the Story
Use simple props such as:
- Chairs for the boat
- Blue blankets for water
- Cotton balls for clouds
- Paper waves
- A flashlight for the moon
Children love pretending to be Peter walking toward Jesus.
Create Stormy Sea Art
Provide construction paper, tissue paper, markers, and glue.
Invite children to make their own storm scene while talking about how Jesus calmed the disciples’ fears.
Practice the Memory Verse
A wonderful verse to accompany this lesson is:
“Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” – Matthew 14:27
Repeat the verse throughout the lesson using motions or hand actions.
Why Sequencing Cards Work So Well
Many preschool Bible lessons rely heavily on coloring pages.
While coloring has value, sequencing cards encourage much deeper thinking.
Children must:
- Observe each picture
- Remember what happened
- Think logically
- Explain the events
- Retell the entire Bible story
These skills improve both Bible understanding and early academic development.
Sequencing activities also work well for:
- Sunday School
- Christian schools
- Homeschool
- Children’s Church
- Preschool classrooms
- Bible clubs
- Family devotions
Perfect for Preschool Through First Grade
These printable sequencing cards are designed especially for younger learners.
They’re ideal for:
- Preschool
- Pre-K
- Kindergarten
- First Grade
- Homeschool families
- Sunday School teachers
- Children’s ministry volunteers
Simply print, cut apart the cards, and you’re ready to teach.
Laminate them for classroom use or let children cut and glue them into their own Bible notebooks.
Bring the Bible Story to Life
Helping children understand Scripture doesn’t have to be complicated.
Simple hands-on activities often make the biggest impact.
Sequencing cards allow children to interact with God’s Word while developing important thinking skills they’ll use throughout school.
Most importantly, they leave the lesson remembering that Jesus is always with us, no matter how stormy life becomes.
If you’re looking for an engaging, low-prep Bible activity, these Jesus Walks on Water Sequencing Cards are a wonderful addition to your next Sunday School, homeschool, or children’s ministry lesson. The printable is designed for preschool through first grade and helps children retell the miracle in the correct order while reinforcing the truth that they can trust Jesus in every situation. You can find the printable here.