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Jesus faces several disciples in a boat on a calm sea after the storm, asking why they are afraid and whether they still have no faith.

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Questions on the Calm Sea

Mark 4:35–41

The Big Idea

When we are afraid, Jesus can help us think about trust and faith. The disciples were still learning who Jesus 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 asked whether he cared 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. Then Jesus asked the disciples why they were afraid and whether they still had no faith. Mark says the disciples became greatly afraid and asked one another who Jesus was, because even the wind and the sea obeyed him. This scene focuses on Jesus’ questions after the calm, while staying within Mark’s account.

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 asked whether he cared 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. Then Jesus asked the disciples why they were afraid and whether they still had no faith. Mark says the disciples became greatly afraid and asked one another who Jesus was, because even the wind and the sea obeyed him. This scene focuses on Jesus’ questions after the calm, while staying within Mark’s account.

Look closely

What children can notice

After the storm has stopped, Jesus faces the disciples in the quiet boat while they listen thoughtfully. The smooth water and relaxed boat show the great calm as Jesus asks why they are afraid and whether they still have no faith.

Talk together

Talk about it

  • What do you think the disciples were feeling in the quiet boat?
  • What do Jesus’ questions invite the disciples to consider?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page after telling Mark 4:35–41. Invite children to notice the change from storm to calm and to talk gently about times they feel afraid. Keep the focus on Jesus’ two questions, trust, and the disciples’ growing understanding. Avoid adding details from other Gospel accounts.

Source note

From this passage

Mark 4:40 · Calming the Storm

After the storm has stopped, Jesus faces the disciples in the quiet boat while they listen thoughtfully. The smooth water and relaxed boat show the great calm as Jesus asks why they are afraid and whether they still have no faith.

Continue the Story

Jesus Calms the Storm

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

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

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