Lesson 4: Jesus walks on water.
Passage: Mark 6:45-52 - After miraculously feeding 5000, Jesus tells his disciples to get on the boat and go ahead of him to another town. After they left, he dismissed the crowds that were following him, and went up to a mountainside to pray, before walking on the water and catching up to them. When they saw Jesus, they thought he was a ghost and were terrified. Jesus announced that it was him, and the disciples were amazed. They still didn’t understand who Jesus was.
Big Idea: Jesus is patient with us.
For Teachers:
Lesson plan.
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Welcome — Activity Leader
Have the children sit in a circle on the circle time rug. Introduce yourself and welcome them to class.
Warm Up Activity: What Floats and What Sinks — Activity Leader
Using the tub of water provided, ask the children if they think the object will sink to the bottom of the tub or float. Once you have received their answers drop the object into the water to see what will happen. You can have children help you drop the objects into the water.
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Have you ever gone swimming before in a big lake or in the ocean or in a swimming pool? Do you know how to float on your tummy or on your back? What else do you know how to do in the water?
Do you think you could walk on top of the water without sinking?
What would you do if you saw someone walking on the water?
Today’s story is all about a time when Jesus actually walked on top of the water!
Let’s watch our video to find out more…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
What do you think about the story of Jesus walking on water?
Why do you think Jesus did so many different kinds of miracles?
Do you think it’s hard or easy to believe that Jesus is God’s Son and has power to do these things?
What do you think this story teaches us about Jesus?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
“Dear God, thank you for all the different stories about the miracles Jesus did to show his friends and us who he really is, your Son, and that he has the power to do all these amazing things. Even though it’s sometimes hard to believe, please help us to learn more about you and to see the cool things you are doing all around us. Please help us to trust in you, that you have power to do anything, and that you love us and take care of us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Activity: Colouring Pages — Activity Leader
If a child is not interested in the activity, allow them to move to free play.
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
-
Welcome — Activity Leader
Have the children sit in a circle on the circle time rug. Introduce yourself and welcome them to class.
Warm Up Activity: What Floats and What Sinks — Activity Leader
Using the tub of water provided, ask the children if they think the object will sink to the bottom of the tub or float. Once you have received their answers drop the object into the water to see what will happen. You can have children help you drop the objects into the water.
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Have you ever gone swimming before in a big lake or in the ocean or in a swimming pool? Do you know how to float on your tummy or on your back? What else do you know how to do in the water?
Do you think you could walk on top of the water without sinking?
What would you do if you saw someone walking on the water?
Today’s story is all about a time when Jesus actually walked on top of the water!
Let’s watch our video to find out more…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
What do you think about the story of Jesus walking on water?
Why do you think Jesus did so many different kinds of miracles?
Do you think it’s hard or easy to believe that Jesus is God’s Son and has power to do these things?
What do you think this story teaches us about Jesus?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
“Dear God, thank you for all the different stories about the miracles Jesus did to show his friends and us who he really is, your Son, and that he has the power to do all these amazing things. Even though it’s sometimes hard to believe, please help us to learn more about you and to see the cool things you are doing all around us. Please help us to trust in you, that you have power to do anything, and that you love us and take care of us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Activity: Colouring Pages — Activity Leader
If a child is not interested in the activity, allow them to move to free play.
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
-
Welcome — Activity Leader
Introduce yourself and welcome the kids to class.
Warm Up Activity: Float or Sink— Activity Leader
Ask the kids to vote whether they think an object will float or sink in the tub of water. Have a student place the object in the water to see the results. Continue with the rest of the objects.
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we’re going to be learning about another one of Jesus’ miracles.
Does anyone remember some of the other miracles we’ve learned about so far?
Today’s story is all about a time when Jesus walked on top of the water!
Let’s watch our video lesson to find out more…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
This story actually happens right after the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5000. Why do you think Jesus’ disciples were surprised to see Jesus walking on water even though they just witnessed another miracle?
If you were one of the disciples, what do you think you’d be thinking after seeing all these different miracles with your own eyes?
Can you think of some times in your life where your saw God’s power in some way?
Do you think seeing and experiencing these things helps you to grow in your faith and trust in God?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
“Dear God, thank you for how you are always so patient with us, even when sometimes we can be slow to understand or to trust in you, just like the disciples who saw Jesus’ miracles with their own eyes. You know that we are only human and that we sometimes have questions and doubts, and that’s okay. Please continue to help us learn about you and grow in our understanding and our faith. Please continue to reveal yourself to us in different ways in our day to day lives. Thank you that you’re always with us even when we don’t see or feel or even believe it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Activity: Maze and colouring pages — Activity Leader
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
For Parents:
Follow-up questions.
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
What do you think about Jesus walking on water? Is that pretty cool?
Do you think it’s hard or easy to believe that Jesus did all these miracles?
What do you think these miracles teach us about who Jesus is?
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
What do you think about Jesus walking on water? Is that pretty amazing?
Do you think it’s hard or easy to believe that Jesus did all these miracles?
What do you think these miracles teach us about who Jesus is?
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
Why do you think Jesus did so many different miracles?
Can it be hard to trust in Jesus even after we’ve seen the amazing things he’s done? Why?
What’s an amazing thing that God has done in your life?
