The story of Jesus calming the stormy sea is an exciting event that also packs important Biblical truths: God controls all things. He keeps His promises to take care for us, and will provide what we need. Just as Christ had command over the wind and waves on the lake, He has command over our hearts and can still our uncertain and stormy minds. These crafts aim to remind children of those comforting principles. A “storm scene” and a reversible plate celebrate the story itself, and a “storm in a bottle” is a fun representation of chaos and calm!
Verses or Captions to Consider… (Main Text: Mark 4:35-41)
And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. -Mark 4:39
41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” -Mark 4:41
The winds and waves obey Jesus! He calms my heart, too!
Jesus brings peace to my storms and worries.
In the eye of the storm…God gives us peace! He stills my troubled heart.
More Teaching Ideas:
- Watch the video of this children’s sermon and related Bible craft ideas
- Compare our full Mark 4:35-41 Sunday School Lesson
- Compare our preschool lesson for Jesus calming the storm
- Compare the Jesus Calms the Store Lesson from Mission Bible Class
- See our latest children’s sermon on Mark 4:35-41
Craft one: “Jesus Reverses the Storm Plate”
You will need:
- Construction Paper/cardstock
- Paper plates
- Glue or tape
- Markers or crayons
- Scissors
- Popsicle stick(s)
- Brad fastener
Procedure:
- Divide a paper plate (large or small) into two sections. Decorate one side with a sunny “pleasant weather” scene. Flipping it upside down, decorate a storm on the other side.
- Use another plate, cut in half, to make a boat. Decorate the “boat” and add a popsicle stick and paper triangle sail.
- Use a brad fastener or tack to attach the boat to the weather plate.
- Add captions and a verse to describe the scene. Attach a string if you desire to hang it.
- Spin the back plate to watch the scene change from stormy to sunny!
Craft Two: “Jesus Calms the Storm Seascape”
You will need:
- Paper (construction)
- Markers or crayons
- Glue and/or tape
- Popsicle stick(s)
- Scissors
- Small paper plate (optional)
Procedure:
1. Decorate a large piece of construction paper with a scene depicting stormy weather.
2. Use construction paper to add “waves” to the storm scene. Leave a loose spot underneath.
3. Create a boat out of paper, and/or paper plates and sticks.
4. Attach a stick behind the boat and slide it between and among the waves.
5. Add verses and captions. Watch the boat “bob” along the “water” as you re-tell the story!
6. If desired, add a magnet, string or pipe cleaner for hanging.
Craft Three: “Storm in a Bottle”
You will need:
- Water bottle (empty)
- Paper (construction)
- Markers or crayons
- Glue and/or tape
- Glitter/sequins (optional)
- Food Coloring (optional)
- Oil
- Stickers/decorations
Procedure:
1. Decorate the outside of the water bottle with stickers, student names, and verse captions (these may need to be added after the bottle is sealed and dried, depending on what you use).
2. Fill the water bottle about half way with water. Add several tablespoons of oil.
3. Add decorations as desired: glitter, sequins, beads, googly eyes, food coloring, etc.
4. Seal the bottle with tape or hot glue to prevent leaks.
5. Attach additional decorations as desired. Shake up the bottle to make it “storm”, and watch the items settle and calm as Jesus calmed the sea!