LGLC Children's Ministry: Sunday School 4/21/13

Jesus Walks On Water

TOPICS:

This lesson will teach the children that with faith in Jesus, they can have the courage to do mighty things.

OPENING MUSIC:

Angela Zoltek will lead the opening music

The Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, you heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

SONG:
Two Feet In The Water

STORY:

Matthew 14:22-33:

Jesus sent His followers across the lake in a boat. The waves and the wind were very strong and they had to work very hard to row their boat to the other side. Late in the night while they were still rowing they looked behind the boat and saw Jesus walking on the top of the waves toward them. They had never seen a person walk on water before- so they were really, really scared thinking a ghost was coming toward them! But Jesus said to them, "It is I. Do not be afraid." Peter said, "Lord, if it is You, let me walk to You on the water." Jesus said, Come." Peter stepped out of the boat and started walking on the water like Jesus! But Peter saw the waves and the wind and became afraid so he began to sink as he shouted, "Lord, save me!" Jesus grabbed his hand and pulled him back up onto the water. There are a lot of times we are afraid, but Jesus comes to us and lifts us up to make us strong.

Discussion Questions:
1. What did the disciples think Jesus was when they first saw Him walking on the water? (A ghost.)

2. What did Jesus say to the disciples? ("Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.")

3. Who started to walk on the water towards Jesus? (Peter.)

4. What did Peter see that made him afraid? (The wind, Peter must have seen the waves blown by the wind.)

5. Do you think Peter would have sank if he had kept both eyes only on Jesus?

6. When Peter started to sink, did Jesus grab him? (Yes.)

7. Do you believe Jesus will take hold of you when you need His help?

WALKING ON WATER ACTIVITY:

Preparation:
Turtle Stepping Stones
Frog Stepping Stones
Print and cut out several turtle and frog stepping stones before class. Since the children will be stepping on them, medium or heavy card stock works best. Tape the stones onto the floor in a large circle, making sure you have at least one more stone then you have children. Having many more stones than children is fine. Place the stones about 18 inches apart, so the children can step from one to the other.

What you will do:
Ask the children if they would like to walk on water like Jesus. Then show them the circle of stepping stones and have each child select one and stand on it. Explain that when you say, "WALK" everyone is to take a step to the next stone, but not until it is unoccupied. They may need to wait for the person in front of them to step off the stone first. Once everyone is on a new stone, say "WALK" again, and each child steps again to the next stone in front of them. Repeat this for several minutes.

Once the children get the hang of it, or for older children from the start, have them step on the stone, but only while balancing on one foot. If they fall, they are out.

Once the children finish the activity, describe how Jesus actually walked on water. When Peter saw Him, Peter started to walk towards Jesus on the water too. But then he became afraid and fell in. In this activity, we needed to watch carefully for the right time to step on the next stone. We may not be able to walk on water like Jesus or Peter, but when we keep our eyes on Jesus and have faith in Him, He will give us courage to do many things. Even things we may at first be afraid of doing.

SNACK: Blue Jello with a Teddy Graham "glued" to a pretzel stick using Almond Bark.