Jesus Walks on Water
Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:15-21 New Testament PrincipleTrust
In the middle of a stormy night, Jesus came to His disciples walking on the water. Peter walked toward Him, but when he looked at the wind he began to sink. Jesus caught him right away. Jesus is God, and we can trust Him in every storm.
Jesus is God, ruler of the wind and waves, and He comes to us when we're afraid. Because He holds us, we can trust Him and keep our eyes on Him.
- CreationGod made it
- FallWe broke it
- RedemptionJesus fixes it (this lesson)
- RestorationJesus makes it new
Memory verse
“Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”
Matthew 14:27 BSB
The Big Story · Redemption
Since the Fall, the world has storms and fears we can't control. Jesus came as God with us, Lord over the wind and the waves, and one day He will bring His people safely to a new creation with no more fear.
Teacher Guide
This version includes:
- Background and context for the passage
- Hidden in Plain Sight: the detail most people miss
- The Christ Connection: how this story points to Jesus
- A 45-minute class plan and prep checklist
- A map of where it happened
- Object lesson: Eyes on Jesus
- Ellie’s Lab (science experiment): What holds you up?
- A skit to act out the story
- Review game: Eyes on Jesus
- Pronunciation help, tips for every age, song ideas and a note for parents
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Preschool (ages 3–5)
Jesus holds me when I'm scared.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 4-minute Bible story written for this age
- 3 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Walk to Jesus, Color Jesus on the water
- 5 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at home, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
Free preview · Kindergarten – 2nd grade
Jesus came to His friends walking on the water in a storm. When Peter started to sink, Jesus caught him. Jesus is God's Son, and we can trust Him when we're afraid.
Start here
Ask, "What would you do if you saw someone walking on top of a lake?" Let kids react. Say, "Jesus' friends saw that in the middle of a stormy night. At first they were terrified!"
Bible story 6 min
Jesus had just fed more than five thousand people. Then He told His friends to get in a boat and cross the lake. Jesus went up on a mountain to pray.
That night, a strong wind blew. The waves pushed the boat around. The friends rowed and rowed, but the wind was against them.
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, they saw someone walking on the water toward them!
The rest of the story, discussion questions, songs, Live It and prayer are for members.
Try an activity
Eyes on Jesus walk 10 min
You’ll need: Masking tape, A spray bottle of water
- Each child walks the tape line toward the teacher, keeping eyes on "Jesus."
- Try again while friends make storm sounds and a teacher mists the air. Talk about what helps you stay on the line.
- End by saying the memory verse together.
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3rd – 4th grade
Jesus walked on the stormy sea and told His terrified disciples, "It is I." When Peter's faith wavered and he began to sink, Jesus caught him immediately. Jesus is God, Lord over the wind and waves, and we can trust Him in every storm.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 8-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 5 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Three Gospels, one night, Surface tension race
- 5 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at school, online and on screens, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
5th – 6th grade
When Jesus walked on the sea and said "It is I," He revealed Himself as the God who treads on the waves. Peter's walk shows that trust means fixing our eyes on Jesus, and that even when our faith falters, He catches us. The right response is worship.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 10-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 6 discussion questions
- 2 activities: The God who walks on the sea, Wind or Jesus?
- 5 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: online and on screens, with friends, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
More lessons on Trust
The same principle in other Bible stories.
Kings and ProphetsDavid and Goliath1 Samuel 17:1-51; 1 Samuel 16:1-13God saves His people by His own power, through the champion He chooses.Old TestamentTrust
In the BeginningGod Provides a LambGenesis 22:1-19God tested Abraham, then provided a substitute in Isaac's place, a picture of Jesus, the Lamb God provides for us.Old TestamentTrust
Seeing God's WorldThe Big StoryGenesis 1:1, 31; Genesis 3:1-24; Revelation 21:1-5; Romans 11:36The Bible is one true story from beginning to end. God made a good world, sin broke it, Jesus came to rescue us, and one day He will make all things new. Because we know how the story ends, we can trust God in every chapter of our lives.Old TestamentTrust