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Jesus and several disciples in a boat on a calm sea after the storm, with the disciples looking toward Jesus and one another in awe.

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Wonder at Jesus’ Authority

Mark 4:35–41

The Big Idea

When we are afraid, we can remember that Jesus was with his disciples. This story also invites us to wonder at his authority and keep learning who he is.

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The Bible Story

Jesus Calms the Storm

Mark 4:35–41 tells how Jesus and his disciples crossed the sea by boat. A great windstorm arose, and waves filled the boat while Jesus slept in the stern on a cushion. The disciples woke him and expressed their fear that they were perishing. Jesus rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Jesus then asked why they were afraid and whether they still had no faith. Afterward, the disciples were filled with great fear and asked one another who Jesus was, because even the wind and the sea obeyed him. Mark records their question; this passage does not provide a further answer here.

Themes

faithFear changed by witnessing Jesus’ powerJesus’ authority over creationThe disciples’ growing understanding of JesustrustTrust when afraid

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Mark 4:35–41 tells how Jesus and his disciples crossed the sea by boat. A great windstorm arose, and waves filled the boat while Jesus slept in the stern on a cushion. The disciples woke him and expressed their fear that they were perishing. Jesus rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Jesus then asked why they were afraid and whether they still had no faith. Afterward, the disciples were filled with great fear and asked one another who Jesus was, because even the wind and the sea obeyed him. Mark records their question; this passage does not provide a further answer here.

Look closely

What children can notice

The disciples sit or stand together in the calm boat, looking at one another and then toward Jesus with awe and wonder. The still sea and quiet wind support their question about who Jesus is.

Talk together

Talk about it

  • What changed for the disciples after the sea became calm?
  • What question did the disciples ask one another about Jesus?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page after reading Mark 4:35–41. Invite children to notice the change from storm fear to wonder, while keeping Mark’s recorded question open. Avoid adding details from other Gospel accounts or supplying an answer beyond the passage.

Source note

From this passage

Mark 4:41 · Calming the Storm

The disciples sit or stand together in the calm boat, looking at one another and then toward Jesus with awe and wonder. The still sea and quiet wind support their question about who Jesus is.

Continue the Story

Jesus Calms the Storm

More from this story

Choose another meaningful scene to color.

Jesus sits with several disciples in a boat as they leave the seashore and begin crossing the sea, with other boats nearby.

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Mark 4:35–41

Several frightened disciples in a boat as wind and waves beat into it and water begins filling the boat.

The Storm Fills the Boat

Mark 4:35–41

Jesus asleep on a cushion in the stern of a boat while several disciples approach to wake him, from Mark 4:38.

Jesus Sleeps on a Cushion

Mark 4:35–41

Jesus in a boat speaking to the wind and sea as the storm becomes calm, based on Mark 4:39.

Peace, Be Still

Mark 4:35–41

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Matthew 2:13-23

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Jesus Comes to the Jordan

Matthew 3:13-17

More from Mark

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Mark 2:1-12

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Jesus Teaches the Crowd

Mark 6:30-44

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Mark 8:22-26

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Jesus Returns to the Shore

Mark 5:21-43

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