Jesus guided his disciples into a boat and sent them to sail across the Sea of Galilee without him.  He then spent time alone in prayer. 

Later in the night, Jesus observed the disciples rowing hard against the wind and so walked across the water to join them.  At first, when they observed the figure walking on the water, they thought it was a ghost. 

Jesus asked Peter to walk out to him so Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water too. When Peter began looking at the waves instead of Jesus, he began to sink.

This event shows the importance of trusting and having faith in Jesus.

Bible verses used in this episode:

• Matthew 14:22-33
•  Hebrews 11:1-3
• Hebrews 11:6

Outline:

1. Jesus sends disciples on a boat and then goes to pray alone 
   (Matthew 14:22-24)
2. Walking on water (Matthew 14:24-31)
3. Calm water and worship (Matthew 14:32-33)

Tips for Teaching:

• To better understand the miracle of Jesus walking on water, very young children can experiment by trying to float a variety of objects on water.
• Older children will enjoy learning how magicians and filmmakers use tricks to make it appear people are walking on water.
• Memorise Hebrews 11:1
• Provide adults with paints or crayons and invite adults to use them to depict "fear" and then, in contrast, "calm". 
• Complete the following sentences:
  • Peter is a good disciple because _____________.
  • Peter challenges my faith because _____________.
• Adults can commit to one another to be of support if they see each other "sinking".

Full teaching instructions available free from Bible Class:
Bible Lesson:  Jesus Walks on Water

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org