The Storm Fills the Boat

Mark 4:35–41

The Big Idea

When fear rises, remember that Jesus is with his disciples. This story shows his authority over the wind and sea.

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 with water. 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 they 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. Mark presents the event as a moment when the disciples witnessed Jesus’ authority over creation and continued growing in their understanding of him.

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

A great windstorm sends waves beating into the boat while the disciples work together and look frightened as water begins filling it. The danger is shown sensitively without injury or destruction.

Talk together

Talk about it

Why were the disciples afraid?
What happened when Jesus spoke to the sea?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page to help children retell Mark 4:35–41 in sequence. Invite them to notice the disciples’ changing fear and wonder. Keep the storm serious but gentle, and avoid adding details from other Gospel accounts. It can support Sunday school, family reading, classroom discussion, or homeschool Bible lessons.

Source note

From this passage

Mark 4:37 · Calming the Storm

A great windstorm sends waves beating into the boat while the disciples work together and look frightened as water begins filling it. The danger is shown sensitively without injury or destruction.