Jesus Sleeps on a Cushion

Mark 4:35–41

The Big Idea

When we are afraid, we can remember that Jesus is with his disciples and is greater than the storm.

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. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. The disciples woke him and asked whether he cared that they were perishing. Jesus woke, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Jesus then asked why the disciples were afraid and whether they still had no faith. The disciples became greatly afraid and asked one another who Jesus was, because even the wind and sea obeyed him. This passage shows Jesus’ authority over creation and the disciples’ growing understanding of him. It also includes their honest fear and questions during a dangerous moment. Mark does not name the specific sea or individual disciples, so this page keeps those details general.

Themes

faith Fear changed by witnessing Jesus’ power Jesus’ authority over creation The disciples’ growing understanding of Jesus trust Trust when afraid

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Look closely

What children can notice

Jesus rests asleep on a cushion in the stern of the rocking boat while the disciples approach to wake him, showing the contrast between his quiet rest and their concern.

Talk together

Talk about it

Why were the disciples worried?
What did Jesus do when they woke him?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page before reading Mark 4:35–41 aloud. Invite children to notice the stern, cushion, boat, Jesus, and the disciples. Explain that the picture shows only one moment in the story, then read how Jesus calmed the wind and sea. Encourage gentle discussion about fear, trust, and wonder.

Source note

From this passage

Mark 4:38 · Calming the Storm

Jesus rests asleep on a cushion in the stern of the rocking boat while the disciples approach to wake him, showing the contrast between his quiet rest and their concern.