Jesus Calms the Storm Sunday School Lesson for Kids
A free Jesus calms the storm Sunday school lesson (Mark 4:35–41) in four age levels, preschool to preteen: a game, Bible story, questions, verse and take-home.
Preschool–Grade 6
Download
- ⬇ Teacher lesson, kindergarten to 2nd grade (PDF) · 3 pages
- ⬇ Take-home sheet (PDF) · 1 page
- ⬇ Teacher lesson, preschool ages 3–5 (PDF) · 2 pages
- ⬇ Teacher lesson, 3rd to 5th grade (PDF) · 3 pages
- ⬇ Teacher lesson, preteens ages 11–12 (PDF) · 3 pages
Free to print and copy for your church, classroom, VBS and home. Please don't resell or re-post our files; link to the page instead.
- Ages
- Preschool (3–5), Early Elementary (K–2), Upper Elementary (3–5), Preteen (5–6)
- Time
- 20–60 minutes (depends on the age level)
- Scripture
- Mark 4:35–41
- Bible story
- Jesus Calms the Storm
What you need
- A Bible (mark Mark 4:39 and Psalm 56:3)
- Bibles for the kids to look up verses (3rd grade and up)
- 5 paper "waves" (blue paper shapes), a marker and tape (memory verse game)
- A small pillow (for showing where Jesus slept)
- A blue sheet or blanket for the "sea" and a soft ball (optional)
- A row of chairs or a blanket to be the "boat" (preschool)
- Paper and pencils (3rd grade and up)
- Printed take-home sheets, one per child
- Printed Jesus Calms the Storm word search and crayons for early finishers
This free Jesus Calms the Storm Sunday school lesson teaches kids that Jesus has power over everything, so we can trust Him when we are afraid. It comes in four age levels, each a separate printable teacher lesson, plus one take-home sheet for families. Pick the one that fits your class. Everything is in the order you teach it.
Choose your age level
- Preschool (ages 3–5), 20–30 minutes, 2 pages: kids sit in a pretend boat for a short story with hand motions and repeat-after-me lines, three simple questions, the memory verse with motions, and a calm sea drawing.
- Kindergarten to 2nd grade, 45 minutes, 3 pages: the story in simple words, five recall questions with answers, the Storm and Calm game and the Calm the Waves memory verse game with five paper waves.
- 3rd to 5th grade, 45–60 minutes, 3 pages: kids look up verses in their own Bibles during a fuller story (the evening start, the other little ships, the pillow, "What manner of man is this?"), five thinking questions and three recall questions, and a Bible look-up race through Mark, Matthew, Luke and Psalm 107.
- Preteens (ages 11–12), 45–60 minutes, 3 pages: students read Mark 4:35–41 out loud, compare Matthew 8 and Luke 8, and read Psalm 107:23–30 to see that only God stills the sea. Six discussion questions, a journal page, and two memory verses (Psalm 56:3 and Mark 4:41).
Lesson at a glance
- Bible passage: Mark 4:35–41
- Main point: Jesus has power over everything, so we can trust Him when we are afraid.
- Memory verse: Psalm 56:3 (KJV), with Mark 4:41 added for preteens
- Ages: preschool to preteen, in four versions
Lesson outline (the same in every version)
- Opening game: a short game about storms and fear, like "Storm and Calm."
- Bible story: the trip across the sea, the great storm, Jesus asleep on a pillow, "Peace, be still," and the disciples' question, "What manner of man is this?" Every fact has its verse reference so you can check it.
- Questions to ask: with answers, at the right level for each age.
- Memory verse: a game or motions to help kids learn Psalm 56:3.
- What this means for us: trust Jesus when you're afraid, the gospel (Acts 2:38), and a challenge for the week.
- Activity: the Jesus Calms the Storm word search, a coloring page or craft, a Bible look-up race or a journal page, depending on the age.
- Prayer.
Tips for teaching Jesus calms the storm
- Read Mark 4:39 straight from your Bible. Let kids say "Peace, be still" with you in a calm, strong voice.
- Mark's account has the details kids love: the evening start, the other little ships and the pillow. Matthew 8 and Luke 8 tell the same event more briefly.
- The disciples' question in Mark 4:41 is the heart of the story. Let older kids try to answer it.
- If a child asks why God doesn't stop every storm, each lesson gives you a short, gentle answer.
- Short on time? Do the story, three questions and the memory verse. That is a solid 25-minute lesson.
Frequently asked questions
How long does this Jesus Calms the Storm lesson take?
It depends on the age level. The preschool lesson takes 20 to 30 minutes, the kindergarten to 2nd grade lesson about 45 minutes, and the 3rd to 5th grade and preteen lessons 45 to 60 minutes. For a short class, do the story, three questions and the memory verse.
What age is this lesson for?
All ages from preschool to preteen. The lesson comes in four separate teacher PDFs: preschool (ages 3 to 5), kindergarten to 2nd grade, 3rd to 5th grade, and preteens (ages 11 to 12). Each one tells the same Bible story at the right length and reading level, with its own questions and activity.
What is the main point of Jesus calming the storm for kids?
Jesus has power over everything, even the wind and the waves, so we can trust Him when we are afraid. He said "Peace, be still," and there was a great calm (Mark 4:39).
What did Jesus say to the storm?
He rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace, be still." The wind stopped and there was a great calm (Mark 4:39).
Where was Jesus during the storm?
He was in the back of the boat, asleep on a pillow (Mark 4:38). The disciples woke Him and asked, "Master, carest thou not that we perish?"
Is this Sunday school lesson really free?
Yes. Print as many copies as you need for your church, school or home. Please don't resell it.
