Read Mark 4:35–41 in your chosen translation. Everything below is original teaching commentary by Living Letters, not a Bible quotation. Suggested ages and timings can be adapted.
THE LEARNING GOAL
Retell the events in order and identify the question the disciples ask after the storm becomes calm.
Open the conversation
Ask learners to choose words for a noisy storm and a quiet lake. Compare the two sets of words.
Read and notice
Jesus and the disciples set out across the lake in the evening. A strong storm arises and waves enter the boat. Jesus is asleep, and the disciples wake him with an urgent question. Begin by noticing the actual danger rather than criticizing their fear.
Jesus addresses the wind and the sea, and the scene becomes calm. He then questions the disciples about fear and faith. The story does not end only with relief: the disciples are deeply awed and ask who he is, since wind and sea obey him.
Allow learners to name emotions in the story without requiring personal disclosures. A practical discussion can include asking for help when frightened. Never use this account to tell children to ignore weather warnings or other real dangers; prayer and safe action can be discussed together.
Explore together
Arrange five picture cards: departure, storm, waking Jesus, calm, disciples’ question. Retell the story using each card once.
Questions worth asking
Invite learners to answer from the passage first. Open a suggested answer when you are ready to discuss it.
1. What is Jesus doing when the storm threatens the boat?
Suggested answer
He is asleep on a cushion in the stern (verse 38).
2. What happens after Jesus speaks to the wind and sea?
Suggested answer
The wind stops and there is a great calm (verse 39).
3. What question do the disciples ask at the end?
Suggested answer
They ask who he is, since even wind and sea obey him (verse 41).
Inside the activity pack
- Word search
- Find six key words, then point to where they connect with the reading.
- Matching
- Connect four names, objects, or ideas with clues and references.
- Flashcards
- Review the same four connections aloud or with a partner.
- Missing words
- Complete a short review of the teaching notes. This exercise uses commentary, not a Scripture quotation.
Use one activity or all four. For younger learners, read instructions aloud and work together. For older groups, ask for evidence from the passage before showing answers.
Published November 10, 2026 · Living Letters · Editorial approach · Suggest a correction