A PAPER-CUT BIBLE STORY · MARK 4:35-41
Jesus Calms
the Storm
Watch the story, then talk, draw, play, teach, and take the lesson home - all from this one classroom-ready page.
1 · WATCH
Begin with the story film
TEACH FROM ONE SCREEN
Everything continues below the film
Move through the lesson in order, or jump to the activity your class needs. The web activities and printable kit use the same words and sequence.
ABOUT THE STORY
Why were the disciples afraid?
Jesus and His disciples left the busy shore to cross the Sea of Galilee. Jesus was tired after teaching all day, so He rested in the back of the boat while the fishermen guided it into deep water.
A fierce storm arrived without warning. Water began filling the boat, and even the experienced fishermen were frightened. They woke Jesus, and He commanded the wind and waves to be still. The sudden calm left His friends filled with wonder.
Fear can be named
The disciples told Jesus they were afraid. Children can learn that honest feelings can be brought to Jesus and trusted adults.
Jesus is near
The storm felt overwhelming, but the disciples were not alone. Jesus was with them in the boat and heard their cry for help.
Take the next brave step
Trust does not mean pretending nothing is wrong. We can pray, ask for help, breathe, and choose the next wise action.
TALK ABOUT IT TOGETHER
Questions for after the film
- What changed while Jesus was sleeping?
- What did the disciples do when they felt afraid?
- What happened when Jesus told the storm to be still?
- What brave next step can you take when you feel worried?
2 · TALK
Questions for the whole class
What changed while Jesus was sleeping in the boat?
3 · CREATE
Colour and draw in the web app
Choose from five scenes: Jesus teaching, Jesus resting, the storm rising, Jesus speaking, or the sea becoming calm.
Use Brush to draw or Fill space to color an area. Zoom with + and −, pinch with two fingers, then use Move or two fingers to explore details. The picture frame stays fixed and black outlines always stay on top.
4 · PLAY
Put the story in order
Ask the class what happened first, then select each event in story order.
- Your chosen order will appear here.
MEMORY VERSE
“Even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
Mark 4:41
Say the verse once normally. Then whisper “Who then is this?”, make wave motions, and finish with both hands becoming still.
EVEN THE WIND AND THE SEA OBEY HIM5 · TEACH
A complete 45-minute lesson
Welcome
Ask: What helps you feel safe when something is loud or surprising? Children may answer or pass.
Watch
Play the film with captions. Invite the class to notice what changes before and after Jesus speaks.
Talk
Use the four discussion questions above. Reveal teacher hints only when helpful.
Play
Complete the story-order activity together and practise the memory verse.
Create
Use the digital canvas or print the activity book. Make a Calm-in-the-Storm boat craft.
Respond
Choose one prayer prompt below and quietly tell Jesus about one worry.
Close
Repeat the big idea and send home the five-day Brave Steps challenge.
Keep preparation simple
Paper plates or cardstock, crayons, child-safe scissors, glue, blue paper strips, and one craft stick per child.
Calm-in-the-Storm Boat
Make a paper boat on layered blue waves. Slide a craft-stick Jesus from stormy waves to calm water while repeating the big idea.
Wind, Waves, Be Still
Children sway as wind and waves. When the teacher says “Be still,” everyone freezes, takes one slow breath, and says the verse together.
6 · TAKE HOME
Five days of brave steps
Our five-day brave-step check
PRINT OR PREP OFFLINE
Download the classroom kit
Every printable uses the same sequence as this page, making it easy to move between the projector, tablets, and paper.
Read the full accessible film transcript
Long ago, Jesus spent the day teaching beside the Sea of Galilee. As evening came, He said to His disciples, 'Let us go across to the other side.' Evening light shone on the water as they climbed into a sturdy fishing boat and guided it away from the busy shore.
Jesus was tired after the long day of teaching. He lay down in the back of the boat, rested His head on a cushion, and fell asleep. Their boat moved farther into the deep blue water, and a few other boats followed nearby.
Then, without warning, a fierce wind rushed down over the lake. The sail pulled hard against its ropes as the sky grew dark. The waves grew higher, rocking the boat from side to side, and cold water splashed over the sides.
The disciples grabbed the ropes and lowered the sail. Some scooped water out, but the storm grew wilder. Soon the boat began filling with water. Even the experienced fishermen were afraid.
They looked toward Jesus and saw that He was still asleep. The disciples hurried to wake Him. They cried, 'Teacher, don't You care if we drown?'
Jesus stood up in the tossing boat and looked at the roaring wind and foaming waves. Then He spoke with calm authority: 'Quiet! Be still!'
At once, the wind stopped. The waves settled around the boat, and the lake became completely calm. Jesus turned to His friends and asked, 'Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?'
The disciples gazed at the peaceful water and then at Jesus, filled with wonder. 'Who is this?' they whispered. 'Even the wind and the waves obey Him!'
Jesus wanted His friends to know that when He was with them, they did not have to face fear alone. Frightening moments may come to us too. When they do, we can remember that Jesus is near, pray for His help, take the next brave step, and trust His loving care.