The disciples in the boat in the middle of the storm were afraid. They were afraid even though they had Jesus in the boat with them.It seems they did not understand two things: (1) that Jesus had complete power over their circumstances and (2) how much He loved them. Are you afraid in the midst of the circumstances of your life right now? As you do these activities with your kids remind yourself of the truth that (1) Jesus has complete power over your circumstances and (2) that He loves you in a deep, amazing way.
HIGHLIGHTS from the Weekend…
This week your child learned that Jesus can do things nobody else can do. Jesus was on a boat with the disciples when a fierce storm came up. Jesus was sleeping and the disciples were frightened. They woke Him saying, “Lord, save us! We are going to drown!” Jesus rebuked them saying, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Jesus got up and calmed the storm. The men were amazed because even the winds and waves obeyed Him! They wondered what kind of man this was that could do these amazing things.
Teaching Truth:
- A miracle is something wonderful only God can do.
- Jesus has power over nature because He is God.
Memory Verse
"I praise you Lord for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. " Psalm 139:14
3 Activities that Help Us Learn That Jesus Has Power Over Nature and a Miracle is Something Wonderful Only God Can Do:
1. Apple Boats
Make snack time fun by creating boats out of apples, pretzels and a cheese stick. Cut an apple into wedges and help your child pierce the wedge on one side with a pretzel stick. Cut the cheese stick at an angle so it resembles a triangle. Place the cheese on the top of the pretzel stick so it acts like a sail. Lay the boat on a plate and spread some goldfish crackers around it for the fish. Using teddy grahams, help your child act out the story using the apple as the boat and the teddy grahams as the disciples and Jesus. When finished, ask your child these questions:
What is a miracle? (Something wonderful only God can do.)
Where was Jesus when the storm started?
What did Jesus use to stop the storm?
Do you feel afraid sometimes? What can you do?
Do you trust Jesus?
2. Asleep in the Laundry Basket
Grab a laundry basket and several stuffed animals or dolls. Have your child pretend to be Jesus asleep in the boat by curling up in the bottom of the basket. Place the stuffed animals around him and gently start to rock the basket as if it was on the waves. Rock the “boat” fast and make thunder noises. Have your child wake up and calm the waves, just as Jesus did. Talk about how Jesus performed a miracle when He calmed the storm and that a miracle is something wonderful only God can do.
3. Make Waves
Grab a cookie sheet that has edges all around it.Squirt some shaving cream on the cookie sheet and sprinkle it with blue glitter so it looks like water. Help your child decorate plastic spoons with faces. Let your child play with the shaving cream and act out the story using the plastic spoons and a toy boat.
Pray
Lord thank you for time this week to learn your Truths and your love. Thank you that you are a God of miracles, who loves us endlessly and helps us when we need you.