21 Days of Family Devotions - Day 18: Jesus and Peter Walk on Water
Today’s lesson is about when Jesus and Peter walk on water.
Learn the Big Idea:
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus
Read the Passage: Matthew 14:22–33
[22] Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. [23] And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, [24] but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. [25] And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. [26] But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. [27] But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
[28] And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” [29] He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. [30] But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” [31] Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” [32] And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. [33] And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Watch the Video:
Tell the Story: CLICK HERE to view the story slides
NOTE: If you click on the first slide it will go full screen and a script will be on the bottom of the screen.
Discuss the Questions:
Do you know what a miracle is? (Something that happens that only God can do)
Why do you think Jesus did these miracles? (So that we would know that he is God)
After the disciples had just seen Him do a great miracle, what did Jesus ask the disciples to do? (Go in the boat to the other side of the lake)
What did Jesus do when He was by Himself? (He prayed)
If Jesus prayed, do you think that we should pray?
It was windy and the waves were making the trip across the lake slow. I the middle of the night what did the disciples see? (Jesus walking towards them on the water.)
They didn’t know what they were looking at. What did the disciples think it was? (A ghost)
When they knew it was Jesus, what did Peter want to do? (Walk to Jesus)
He was looking at Jesus while he was walking, but then he looked at the wind and waves. What happened when he took his eyes off of Jesus? (He sunk in the water)
What did Peter yell to Jesus? (Save me!)
When Jesus saved Peter, what did He say to him? (You have little faith)
Do you know what faith is? (Having complete trust in Jesus)
When Jesus got into the boat what happened? (The wind stopped blowing)
What did the disciples say? (You are the Son of God)
What does this miracle teach us about Jesus? (Let your kids go on with this let them be creative. Here are some: 1) Jesus has power over physics/natural laws. 2) We are safe if we keep our eyes on Jesus. 3) Jesus will save us from any problem we have – God ALWAYS takes care of his children! 4) Have faith!
Extra Credit. Do the “Grady Huntington” faith test. Have someone (your size or smaller) in your family stand with their back to you and close their eyes. Ask the person if they have faith they you will catch them if they fall backwards. Have them do it. Remember from when we did this at church, watch their knees. If the knees stay locked they have faith, if they buckle they don’t. Grady is the king of this!
Have some Fun:
Sing some Songs:
