Main Idea: Jesus is powerful and caring, and we can trust him even when we feel afraid.

Key Memory Verse: “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:41 ESV)

Target Audience: Ages 5–9

The Story Explained

1. Jesus and His Disciples Get into a Boat (vv. 35–36)

At the end of a long day, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.” They left the crowd behind and got into a boat. Other boats followed them too. Jesus was tired from teaching all day, so he lay down in the back of the boat and fell asleep.

2. A Big Storm Comes Suddenly (v. 37)

While they were sailing, a huge storm came out of nowhere. The wind blew hard. Waves crashed into the boat. Water splashed inside. The boat was filling up, and the disciples were very afraid.

3. The Disciples Wake Jesus (v. 38)

Jesus was still sleeping on a cushion in the back of the boat. The disciples woke him up and cried out, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” They were scared and thought they might die. They forgot how powerful Jesus really was.

4. Jesus Stops the Storm (v. 39)

Jesus stood up and spoke to the wind and waves. He said, “Quiet! Be still!” Right away, the wind stopped blowing. The waves became calm. The lake was peaceful again. Jesus didn’t fight the storm—he commanded it.

5. Jesus Talks to His Disciples (vv. 40–41)

Jesus asked His disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” The disciples were amazed and a little scared. They whispered to each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” They were beginning to understand something very important: Jesus has God’s power.

Applications

1. Jesus Is with Us in the Storm

When the storm came, the disciples were very scared. The wind was loud, the waves were big, and the boat was filling with water. But Jesus was in the boat the whole time. He never left them—even when they were afraid.

Jesus is with us too. Sometimes life feels like a storm:

You feel scared at night
You are worried about school
You feel sick or hurt
Something big and unexpected happens

Even then, Jesus is close. You might not see him, but he is always with you. When you feel afraid, you can talk to Jesus. You can say, “Jesus, I’m scared. Please help me.” Just like he was with the disciples in the boat, Jesus stays with you through every storm—and he will never leave you.

2. Jesus Is Stronger Than Anything We Fear

The storm was loud and scary. The wind was strong, and the waves were big. But Jesus was even stronger. With just his words, Jesus told the storm to stop—and it obeyed him. That means nothing is stronger than Jesus. Not storms. Not darkness. Not fear. Not anything that makes you feel worried or unsafe.

When you feel afraid, remember this: Jesus is bigger than your fear. You can say, “Jesus, I trust you,” and know that he is strong enough to help you. No matter what scares you, Jesus is always stronger—and he is always on your side.

3. Jesus Cares Even When He Seems Quiet

When the storm was raging, Jesus was asleep. The disciples thought, “Does Jesus even care?” But Jesus did care—he cared the whole time. He was not worried because he knew he was in control.

Sometimes Jesus feels quiet to us too. We might pray and not hear an answer right away. We might feel alone or unsure. But even when Jesus feels quiet, he is still watching over you. He sees you. He knows what you need. He cares about how you feel. Jesus never forgets you and never stops loving you. Even in quiet moments, Jesus is close—and he always cares for you.

4. We Can Trust Jesus When We Are Afraid

When the storm stopped, the disciples learned something important: they could trust Jesus, even when they were afraid. We can trust Jesus too. Everyone feels scared sometimes—and that’s okay. What matters is what we do when we feel afraid.

When you are scared, you can:

Pray and talk to Jesus
Remember that Jesus is strong and loving
Trust that he is with you

You might say, “Jesus, I’m scared. Please help me.” Jesus hears you right away. He may calm your fear, give you courage, or help you feel peaceful inside. When you remember who Jesus is—God’s Son who controls the wind and waves—your fear gets smaller, and your trust in Jesus grows bigger.

Discussion Questions

Why were the disciples afraid in the boat?
What did Jesus say to the storm?
How did the storm change after Jesus spoke?
What does this story teach us about who Jesus is?
When you feel afraid, how can you trust Jesus?

Mark 4:35-41 — Jesus Is Stronger Than the Storm