A Bible story for families · Mark 4:35–41
Even the Wind
and the Waves
Jesus and His friends are crossing the water. Before they reach the other side, everything changes.
You’ve shared this story before. You can begin again anytime.
Leaving the shore
“Let us go over to the other side.”
Evening had come. Jesus had been teaching beside the water. He and His disciples climbed into a boat and left the crowd behind. Other boats traveled with them across the lake.
Mark tells us that other boats went with Jesus too. Watch the smaller boat follow when you move Jesus’ boat.
The storm begins
The waves broke over the boat.
A powerful windstorm swept across the lake. Waves crashed over the sides. Water began filling the boat. Some of the disciples were fishermen—but this storm frightened them.
What do you think the disciples were feeling?
Tap any feeling you notice.
Where is Jesus?
Jesus was asleep on a cushion.
The storm was loud. The boat was filling with water. Still, Jesus slept in the back of the boat.
Wonder together: What surprises you about Jesus in this scene?
The disciples wake Jesus
They hurried to wake Him.
The disciples were frightened. They wanted Jesus to help.
Wonder together: What do you think the disciples wanted Jesus to do?
Jesus speaks
Jesus stood up.
He spoke to the wind and the waves.
The wind stopped. The waves became calm.
Jesus did what no one else in the boat could do.The disciples looked at one another in deep wonder.
“Who is this?”
Even the wind and the waves obey him!
Mark 4:41 NIV
Jesus is Lord over creation. We can trust Him when we are afraid.
There is no quiz here
Wonder out loud.
Choose one question—or stay longer if your family wants to.
Say it together
“Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
Mark 4:41 NIV
Tap the pieces in the right order—or keep going when your family is ready.
Mark 4:41 NIV
Start with the question the disciples asked.
When fear gets loud
Practice these three movements.
- 1Tell the truth
“I feel afraid about…”
- 2Remember
“Jesus is powerful, and Jesus cares.”
- 3Ask for help
Pray together and talk with a trusted grown-up.
Pray together
Jesus, You are powerful, and You care for us. When we are afraid, help us tell You the truth and trust who You are. Amen.
Storm and stillness
Add color to the story.
Choose a color, then tap a big white space to fill it. Need an idea? Peek at the story colors.
You finished together
You opened God’s Word together today.
Jesus is Lord over the wind and the waves.