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Jesus Calms the Storm Free Lessons, Crafts, and Activities

We’re overjoyed you’re here to explore this dynamic resource on Jesus Calms the Storm from Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, and Luke 8:22-25. This captivating Bible story, where Jesus stills a raging storm with a word, powerfully reveals His divine authority and care for His disciples. Whether you’re a parent, Sunday School teacher, children’s ministry leader, homeschooler, Vacation Bible School coordinator, or passionate about sharing God’s Word, this resource is designed to bring this story to life for kids in a fun, meaningful way!

Quick Reference (click the link to go to that section of the web page)

“Christ’s voice, which stilled the tempest, still speaks peace to the troubled heart.”

— Alexander Maclaren

Video: Jesus Calms the Storm (Craft Stick Bible Story)

BEWARE THE VIOLENT STORM! Join us for the thrilling and heartfelt Craft Stick Bible Story of Jesus Calms the Storm! In this episode, Jesus shows His power over nature by calming a stormy sea, teaching His disciples to trust Him.

The Craft Stick Bible Stories, our cinematic 5-10 minute video series where craft stick puppets and cardboard sets tell the timeless stories of Scripture. Packed with faith, fun, and creativity, this series has delighted kids, families, and Sunday School classrooms in over 50 countries!

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3 Free Jesus Calms the Storm Lessons

Lesson 1: Jesus’ Power Over Nature Reveals His Divinity

When Jesus calmed the storm with the words, “Peace! Be still!” the disciples marveled, saying, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:39-41). Charles Haddon Spurgeon notes that this miracle displays Christ’s divine authority, as only God commands creation (Sermon: “The Waking of Jesus,” 1867). This lesson teaches us that Jesus is not merely a teacher but the sovereign Lord, whose power assures us of His ability to overcome any challenge we face, deepening our trust in His deity.

Discussion Questions

  1. How would you feel if you were in the boat during the storm and saw Jesus calm it?
  2. Why does Jesus’ power over the storm show He is God?
  3. How can knowing Jesus is all-powerful help you when you’re scared?

Lesson 2: Jesus’ Presence Brings Peace in Fear

Despite the storm’s fury, Jesus slept calmly in the boat, showing His trust in God’s care, and then calmed the storm, bringing peace to His fearful disciples (Matthew 8:24-26). John Bunyan emphasizes that Christ’s presence is a believer’s comfort in trials, as He is never absent from His people (The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate, 1689). This lesson encourages us to trust that Jesus is with us in life’s storms, offering peace that surpasses our fears through His constant presence.

Discussion Questions for Lesson 2

  1. Why do you think Jesus was able to sleep during the storm?
  2. How can we feel Jesus’ peace when we’re afraid or worried?
  3. Can you share a time when you felt calm because you trusted Jesus was with you?

Lesson 3: Faith in Jesus Grows Through Trials

The disciples’ fear revealed their weak faith, yet Jesus used the storm to strengthen their trust, asking, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 8:26). George Whitefield teaches that trials are God’s school for faith, where believers learn to rely on Christ’s power (Sermon: “The Lord Our Righteousness,” 1740). This lesson helps us see that challenges can deepen our faith, as we learn to depend on Jesus, who is faithful to guide us through difficulties.

Discussion Questions for Lesson 3

  1. Why do you think the disciples were so afraid, even with Jesus in the boat?
  2. How can hard times, like storms, help us trust Jesus more?
  3. What can we do to grow our faith when things feel scary?

3 Free Jesus Calms the Storm Craft Activities

Craft 1: Storm and Calm Shadow Box (Advanced)

What You Need: Shoebox, blue and gray tissue paper, cotton balls, construction paper (blue, black, yellow), scissors, glue, LED tea light, markers, string, small wooden craft boat, glitter.

  1. Line the shoebox interior with blue construction paper for the sky and sea.
  2. Create a stormy scene on one half: glue crumpled gray tissue paper for waves, cotton balls for clouds, and black paper lightning bolts. Add glitter for rain.
  3. Create a calm scene on the other half: smooth blue tissue paper for still water, yellow paper for a sun, and fluffy cotton balls for clouds.
  4. Cut a small boat from construction paper, glue it to a wooden craft boat, and suspend it with string in the center, tilting toward the stormy side.
  5. Place an LED tea light behind the calm side to glow, symbolizing Jesus’ peace.
  6. Tilt the box to shift the boat from storm to calm, retelling the story.

Why It Helps: This advanced shadow box vividly contrasts the storm and calm, helping kids visualize Jesus’ power to bring peace, with the glowing light reinforcing His divine presence.

Craft 2: Wave Motion Spinner

What You Need: White paper plates, blue and green paint, markers, scissors, string, beads, brass fastener, cotton balls.

  1. Paint two paper plates with swirling blue and green patterns to resemble waves.
  2. Cut one plate into a spiral, leaving a small circle at the center for a boat.
  3. Draw and cut a small boat from construction paper, gluing it to the spiral’s center.
  4. Attach the spiral to the second plate with a brass fastener, allowing it to spin.
  5. Glue cotton clouds and a yellow paper sun on the base plate, writing “Peace! Be still!” (Mark 4:39).
  6. Thread string with beads through the top to hang, spinning the waves to “calm” them.

Why It Helps: The spinning waves creatively depict the storm’s chaos turning to calm, engaging kids with the story’s transformation through Jesus’ command.

Craft 3: Printable Puppets

What You Need: Printable puppet templates (provided at the end of this guide), scissors, crayons or markers, tape or glue, optional craft sticks or straws.

  1. Color and cut out the puppet templates of Jesus and His disciples (optional: make a paper or cardboard boat!)
  2. Tape or glue them to craft sticks, straws, or leave them as paper figures.
  3. Encourage kids to retell the story based on Matthew 8:23-27.

Why It Helps: Helps kids engage with the story actively, reinforcing the characters’ actions and words through play.

Printable Puppets and Coloring Page

Free Jesus Calms the Storm Printable Puppets

(Click the image to download)

Free Jesus Calms the Storm Coloring Page

(Click the image to download)

Bonus Content

Memory Verse

“And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” — Mark 4:39

Tip: Practice by writing the verse on a paper wave and repeating it while decorating with drawings of boats or Jesus, then display it to review throughout the week.

Fun Fact About the Story

The Sea of Galilee, where Jesus calmed the storm, is known for sudden, violent storms due to its unique geography—surrounded by hills that funnel winds into the low-lying lake, creating fierce waves. The disciples, many of whom were experienced fishermen, knew these storms well, yet their fear shows how severe this storm was, making Jesus’ instant calming of the wind and waves all the more miraculous. This vivid setting emphasizes Jesus’ divine power over creation.

In Jesus’ time, the sea was often seen as a symbol of chaos and danger, as seen in Psalms like 107:23-29, where God alone calms stormy waters. The disciples’ question, “Who then is this?” reflects their realization that Jesus is more than a rabbi—He is the Lord who rules over chaos, fulfilling Old Testament promises of God’s sovereignty. This deepens the story’s impact, showing that Jesus’ power brings order and peace to any chaos we face.

Bible Verses for Further Study

  • Psalm 107:29: God stills the storm, echoing Jesus’ miracle.
  • John 6:16-21: Jesus walks on water, showing His authority over the sea.
  • Romans 10:17: Faith comes from hearing the word, connecting to the disciples’ growth.
  • Hebrews 13:8: Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, reinforcing His power.

Jesus Calms the Storm Story Summary

In Jesus Calms the Storm, Jesus and His disciples cross the Sea of Galilee when a fierce storm threatens to swamp their boat. While Jesus sleeps, the terrified disciples wake Him, crying for help. With a word, “Peace! Be still!” Jesus calms the wind and waves, leaving the disciples in awe of His power, asking, “Who then is this?” This story, shared to reveal Jesus’ divine authority, teaches three key lessons: Jesus’ power over nature reveals His divinity, His presence brings peace in fear, and faith in Him grows through trials. These truths encourage children to trust Jesus’ power, seek His peace, and grow in faith through challenges.

Good Words to Know

  • Divinity: Jesus’ nature as God, shown by His power over creation.
  • Peace: The calm and comfort Jesus gives, even in scary times.
  • Faith: Trusting Jesus, even when we’re afraid or unsure.
  • Miracle: A powerful act of God, often supernatural, like Jesus calming the storm.

References

  • The Bible, Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25.
  • Spurgeon, Charles Haddon, “The Waking of Jesus,” Sermon #743, delivered January 20, 1867, Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, Volume 13.
  • Bunyan, John, “The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,” 1689, Public Domain.
  • Whitefield, George, “The Lord Our Righteousness,” Sermon, 1740, Public Domain.
  • Maclaren, Alexander, Expositions of Holy Scripture: Mark, Public Domain.

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