Instructions
- Read the Story: If you have a Bible, read Matthew 14:22-33. If not, follow the prompts in the activities below.
- Complete the Sections: Work through each activity in order. They start easy and get more challenging!
- Use Your Imagination: For the drawing section, think about how the wind and waves might have looked.
- Reflect: Think about how you can use the lesson of this story in your own life.
Section 1: The Order of the Waves
Number the events from 1 to 5 to show the order they happened in the story.
- ( ) Jesus walks on the water toward the boat.
- ( ) The disciples get into the boat while Jesus goes to pray.
- ( ) Jesus catches Peter and they get back into the boat.
- ( ) A big storm comes and the boat is tossed by waves.
- ( ) Peter tries to walk on the water but gets scared and sinks.
Section 2: Brave Steps
In this story, different things happened on the water. Fill in the table below to show what happened and why it matters.
| What Happened | Why it Happened |
|---|---|
| Example: Jesus walked on water. | He has power over nature. |
| The disciples were afraid. | |
| Peter stepped out of the boat. | |
| Peter started to sink. | |
| The wind stopped. | |
| The disciples worshipped Jesus. |
Section 3: Word Match
Draw a line from the word to its meaning in the story.
- Courage --- Looking at the storm instead of Jesus.
- Immediately --- Taking a brave step even when scared.
- Doubt --- Right away, without waiting.
- Faith --- Trusting that Jesus will help you.
Section 4: Eyes on the Prize
Drawing Activity:
In the box below (or on the back of this paper), draw the scene when Peter was walking on the water.
- Hint: Draw the big waves and the dark sky.
- Hint: Draw Jesus reaching out his hand.
- Hint: Make sure to show how Peter looks—is he brave or scared?
Section 5: Real-World Connection
When Peter looked at the big waves, he got scared. When he looked at Jesus, he was brave.
-
What is something that makes you feel a little bit scared or nervous? (Example: a dark room, a big test, or trying a new sport).
-
How can "keeping your eyes on Jesus" (trusting God) help you when you feel that way?
Section 6: Challenge Quest!
Advanced Question: In verse 33, the people in the boat said, "Truly you are the Son of God." Why did the storm and the walking on water make them realize who Jesus really was?
Answer Key
Section 1: The Order of the Waves
- The disciples get into the boat...
- A big storm comes...
- Jesus walks on the water...
- Peter tries to walk...
- Jesus catches Peter...
Section 2: Brave Steps (Suggested Answers)
- The disciples were afraid: Because they thought Jesus was a ghost.
- Peter stepped out: Because he wanted to go to Jesus.
- Peter started to sink: Because he saw the wind and became afraid.
- The wind stopped: Because Jesus entered the boat.
- The disciples worshipped: Because they saw Jesus' power.
Section 3: Word Match
- Courage -> Taking a brave step even when scared.
- Immediately -> Right away, without waiting.
- Doubt -> Looking at the storm instead of Jesus.
- Faith -> Trusting that Jesus will help you.
Section 6: Challenge Quest Answers will vary but should focus on the idea that only God has power over the wind and the sea, so doing these things proved Jesus was divine.