The Host: How He Welcomes
Grades 1-6
Nursery - Kindergarten
Jesus Walked on Water
LESSON DATE & SCRIPTURE:
AUG 2 | Matthew 14:22-33
New city catechism question of the week:
Question #31:
What do we believe by true faith?
Answer:
We believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
*catholic here means the universal church
Memory Verse: John 20:31
But these are written so that you might believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Talk about it together
Jesus was teaching people near the sea. When evening came, he told his disciples to get into a boat and go to the other side while he went up the mountain to pray to his Father.
That night, a strong storm came. The wind blew, and the waves tossed the boat back and forth. The disciples were scared! Early the next morning, they saw someone walking toward them on the water. It was Jesus! The disciples were frightened, but Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid. It’s me!”
Peter asked, “Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “Come.” Peter stepped out of the boat and began walking on the water toward Jesus! But when he saw the wind and waves, he became scared and took his eyes off Jesus. He began to sink and cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus reached out his hand and caught Peter. Jesus reminded Peter to trust him.
Then Jesus and Peter got into the boat, and the wind stopped. The disciples were amazed! They worshiped Jesus and said, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Jesus showed his disciples that he could be trusted. Through his miracles, his teaching, and most of all, his death and resurrection, Jesus showed us exactly who he is. He is the promised Messiah, the Son of God, and our Lord and Savior.
Just like Peter, we can trust Jesus when we are happy, when we are afraid, and when life feels difficult. We can keep our eyes on Jesus and remember that he is always with us. Jesus is faithful, and we can trust him every day!
Family discussion
What happened to the boat while the disciples were on the water?
How did the disciples feel during the storm?
How did Jesus go out to meet his disciples?
Who did Jesus save from sinking in the water?
Family prayer
Dear God, thank you that we can trust you when we are scared. Help us keep our eyes on Jesus and remember that he is always with us. Amen.