Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Jesus Calms The Storm

Mark 4-35-41

That evening, Jesus said to his followers, “Come with me across the lake.”  He and the followers left the people there.  They went in the boat that Jesus was already sitting in.  There were also other boats with them.  A very strong wind came up.  The waves began coming over the sides and into the boat.  It was almost full of water.  Jesus was at the back of the boat, sleeping with his head on a pillow.  The followers went to him and woke him.  They said, “Teacher, do you care about us?  We will drown!”

Jesus stood up and commanded the wind and the waves to stop.  He said, “Quiet!  Be Still!”  Then the wind stopped, and the lake became calm. 

Jesus said to his followers, “Why are you afraid?  Do you still have no faith?”

The followers were very afraid and asked each other, “What kind of man is this?  Even the wind and the waves obey him!”


Discussion Questions

  • What did Jesus ask his followers to do?  Come across the lake with Him
  • When they were out on the lake, what happened? There was strong wind and water was coming inside the boat
  • What was Jesus doing during the storm? Sleeping
  • The disciples became very scared and woke Jesus up.  What happened next?  Jesus stood up and commanded the storm to quiet and be still


Prayer

Dear God,
Thank you for teaching us that Jesus helps us when we are afraid.  We pray that we always pray when we are afraid and trust that Jesus will keep us safe.  Amen.

Bible Verse for February


“Come to me and rest.”   Adapted from Matthew 11:28


Home Connect

Help your child make a comfort box for times when he or she is afraid or worried.  Have your child select four or five different items to put in the box, such as a special blanket, a favorite stuffed animal, a photo of a family member, or a Bible as a reminder that Jesus is with us.  Help your child decorate the box.  Then put it in an easy-to-reach spot in your child’s bedroom.  The next time your child expresses fear or worry, let your child choose one or two items from the box to calm his or her fears.  Encourage your child to talk to you or a friend — and especially Jesus.  Remind your child that Jesus helps us when we’re afraid.

Ask:
  • What are some ways Jesus helps us today?
  • What can we do to help others?

 My Recipe Center


Make your favorite chili recipe with your child, and set out shredded cheese, chopped onions, and crackers.  Seat your child a safe distance from the pan of chili, but close enough to see inside.  As the chili is heating on the stove, have your child tell you what he or she remembers about the Bible passage.  When the chili begins to bubble, have your child tell you about the storm in the Bible and then tell you one thing he or she fears.  Have your child say Jesus’ words, “Quiet, Be Still!”  Then take the chili off the burner and watch the bubbles stop.  Thank Jesus for calming the storm and for helping us when we’re afraid.  Give Jesus your worries and fears, and ask thank him for food and family.

Ask
  • Why do you think Jesus helps us when we’re afraid?
  • What can we do to help others when they’re afraid?


Daily Challenge

This week, your child learned that Jesus helps us when we’re afraid. Encourage your child to commit to one of the following  challenges.  Help your child weave faith into life this week and follow through on the challenges.

  • Add bubbles to your bath water and then use a toy boat to tell about Jesus calming the storm.  When you’re finished, ask Jesus to help you when you’re afraid, just as he helped the disciples. 
  • If you’re learning to do something new like riding a bike or going down a tall slide, ask Jesus to help you and be with you.
  • Draw a picture of something very scary.  Then draw Jesus in the picture, too, to show that Jesus is always with you — even during scary times.