Skip to main content

Reply to "VIDEO, A-V Workshop Lessons & Ideas for Jesus Walks on the Water"

Jesus Walks on Water

A Video lesson (outline) from member Julie Burton

The following is a suggested lesson plan that needs some adaptation and fill-ins.

In this workshop we will look at different videos and compare how Jesus responded to Peter's attempt to walk on the water, Peter's faith and fear, and how Jesus responded to that fear. Participants in this workshop will insert themselves into the story, and imagine what their responses might have been, and also ways we can strengthen our faith.

This lesson takes aim at the subject of "fear" and Jesus' response, "do not be afraid."

Videos to be used are:

Monsters, Inc (Pixar)  (the opening)
The Miracles of Jesus
(Nest Entertainment) (a short section)
Matthew (Visual Bible) (a short section)

Story: Matthew 14:22-33

Lesson Objectives:

  • to compare different videos and decide if Peter is being scolded for his lack of faith
  • to identify things that are scary
  • to explore ways our faith can diminish our fears.

Materials List

  • The Miracles of Jesus (Nest Entertainment) -  Ch. 10, 2 minutes.
  • Nest Entertainment Activity book, Maze - Page 22, Level 1
  • Matthew (Visual Bible) - Chapter/Event 42, 3 minutes
  • Monsters, Inc (Pixar)  Optional video for the opening.    
  • Television
  • DVD player
  • Bibles
  • Flashlight
  • Index cards
  • Paper for writing down responses to questions
  • Pencils/pens
  • Copies of the activity book maze, one per child.

Preview videos so you are familiar with the location of the scenes, content, and timing.  Also, familiarize yourself with how the equipment works.

Select some of the reflection questions from the Bible Background and write them on index cards.


Open

Show the opening "scary" scene from Monsters Inc.

Ask the students "what makes them afraid?"

Turn off the lights in the classroom, pull out a flashlight, and begin the Bible study.

Ask them if they have ever told scary stories in the dark.
Ask them if they have ever heard a scary story from the Bible. 

SAY:  Our story today is found in the book of Matthew, chapter 14, starting at verse 22. 

Read the story, very dramatically, holding the flashlight under your chin.  When you come to the part of Jesus walking on the water, point to them and have them say, "It's a ghost!"  and act scared. When Peter climbs over the boat, have them act shocked. As Peter and Jesus get into the boat, have them act relieved. Turn off flashlight.

View Videos

 Show Nest Entertainment's The Miracles of Jesus first (the scene in it that covers today's story). Tell children to pay attention to Jesus' words to Peter.

Show the video. (Chapter 10 - Walking on Water.  Approximately 2 minutes.)

ASK: 

  • What did Jesus say to Peter? 
  • How did Jesus sound? (Invite their responses). Sad? Disappointed? Angry?
  • What might Peter be feeling?  Scared? Embarrassed? Relieved?
  • Do you feel like your faith is strong or are you afraid it's weak? Not acceptable to God?
  • What is Jesus' response to weak faith? Rescue!!  Does that surprise you? Did you think Jesus only saved the FAITH-FILLED??

Show the Visual Bible: Matthew video.  (Chapter/Event 42.  The scripture is shown in the bottom right-hand corner, so it's easy to fast-forward to the selection.  Clip lasts about 3 minutes)

ASK the same questions as the first video; also:

  • Why did Jesus laugh? 
  • I wonder why Peter thought he could walk on the water?

Questions for Kids today:

What do kids your age worry about?
What scares you?
What kinds of scary things can happen to kids?
What does the church worry about?
What are people in your community or around the world worried about right now?

Do you worry in church that you don't believe enough? Know enough? Act good enough?

What would Jesus say to each situation/fear?

What do people do to comfort themselves and others? (good and bad)
What does Jesus/the church/you DO to COMFORT others?

For younger children, distribute the maze from the Nest Entertainment Activity Book (if available), page 22, Level 1.

For older children,  write the Reflection questions on index cards.  Have each child select a card, and answer the question. Have them work in pairs to answer questions.  Invite them to share their responses if they wish.

Closing

...of your own choosing. Suggestion: Draw your hand on a piece of paper as if it is Jesus' hand reaching down to rescue you. Include the words, "You of little faith, do not be afraid."  Draw the boat and storm and label them with things that bring safety and things that trouble us.

(This closing needs fleshed out.)

Last edited by Luanne Payne
Rotation.org Inc. is a volunteer-run, 100% member supported, 501(c)3 non-profit Sunday School lesson ministry. You are welcome to borrow and adapt content for non-commercial teaching purposes --as long as both the site and author are referenced. Rotation.org Inc reserves the right to manage, move, condense, delete, and otherwise improve all content posted to the site. Read our Terms of Service. Get a free Registered Membership or become a Supporting Member for full access to all site resources.
Rotation.org is rated 5 stars on Google based on 51 reviews. Serving a global community including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, S. Africa, and more!
×
×
×
×
×