Think about all the amazing things Jesus does. The Bible is full of so many amazing accounts of His love, His friendship, and His miracles. This week we want to focus on the time Jesus walked on water. Often, when we look at this story, we focus on how Peter took his eyes off Jesus and started to sink. While that’s a great lesson on remembering to keep our focus on Jesus, we shouldn’t overlook the power that Jesus revealed. Jesus walked on water! There is nothing Jesus can’t do. So, when Jesus tells us that He will always be with us, we can trust that He has the power to do just that. Jesus is here to be our confidant, our refuge, our friend forever.
Here is a snapshot of what we will show the kids this week:
Bible Story Focus: Our friend Jesus is always with us. (Walking on Water • Matthew 14:22-33)
Memory Verse: “I am with you always.” Matthew 28:20, NIV
Key Question: Who wants to be your friend forever?
Bottom Line: Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
Bible Story and Worship
Watch the Bible Story Video with your kids so you can recap and discuss it with them in the “Bring Jesus To Their Level” section. Then join your kids in worship as we sing and dance for God.
Bible Story Video – Walking on Water (link)
Worship – We Are Friends (link)
Worship – One, Two, Three (link)
Activities
Next, use the Memory Verse video to practice our monthly verse. We will practice this verse all month. Be sure to use the hand motions as it helps the kids to remember. Also, think of a fun reward you can give them at the end of the month when they are able to say it all by themselves. The activity sheet and coloring page are fun resources to help reinforce story and/or big idea.
Memory Verse with Hand Motions (link)
Bible Story Activity (link)
Coloring Page (link)
Bring Jesus To Their Level
Follow the following script to recap the story, practice the memory verse and demonstrate to your young children how to pray. (You’ll make a list with your family to pray over so have a pen a paper ready.)
Say: “In today’s Bible story, Jesus did something that only He can do. Jesus walked on water! And because Jesus can walk on water, He can always be with us AND be our friend forever. Who wants to be your friend forever? (Together.) [Bottom Line] Jesus wants to be my friend forever!
“That’s right! And the Bible verse we’ll learn will remind us that Jesus is always with us. It says . . . ‘I am (point up) with you (thumbs to chest) always,’ (spread arms out) Matthew 28:20. (Open hand like a book.) (Practice this verse several times with your kids.)
“Yay! You did a wonderful job of saying that Bible verse and doing the motions! (Give two thumbs-up.) Today, we’ll make a list of our friends. Then when we pray, we can thank God for our friends. Let’s take turns naming of one of our friends. (Make a list of each family member’s friend. Don’t forget yourself.)
“This is a great list. I will add just one more name. He is the best friend we will ever have, and He is always with us. His name is . . . (say the letters as you write them) J-E-S-U-S! JESUS! Now we’re ready to pray. Would anyone like to pray before I pray?” (Give each family member who wants to pray the opportunity to do so.)
Prayer: “Dear God, thank You for our friends. Thank You for [child’s name]’s friend, [friend’s name] and thank You for [family member’s name]’s friend, [friend’s name] . . . (continue with each family member and their friend’s name). Most of all, thank You for sending Jesus to be our friend forever. Jesus truly is the best friend EVER. We love You, God. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
As we wrap up, I would like to leave you with one of the kids’ favorite ‘good-bye’ songs:
Let Me See Your Alligator
Thank you for the opportunity to partner with you in the discipleship of your kid(s). My prayers are with you.
“’Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.’ And He took the children in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.”
Mark 10:15-16
