free bible lesson on peace: Jesus calms the storm
LESSON OVERVIEW
Theme: Peace Like Jesus
Big Truth: Jesus gives me peace inside my heart, no matter what’s happening around me.
Key Verse: “My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27
Bible Story: Jesus Calms the Storm – Mark 4:35–41
Pillar Focus: Presence (Peace comes when we stay close to Jesus in every situation)
1) Introduction:
Peace isn’t just when everything is quiet or when things go our way. Peace is a gift from Jesus Himself because Jesus is the Prince of Peace! When storms happen in life—whether that’s a bad day, a fight with a friend, or something scary—we can carry Jesus’ peace in our hearts. In this lesson, kids will learn that Jesus is peace, and His peace never runs out.
2) Game: Verse Freeze Dance
Instructions: Play upbeat worship music. Kids dance until the music stops, then a leader shouts out the verse. The first child to say the next word of the verse gets a point for their team.
3) Worship:
Instructions: Worship to songs that would give the kids peace. Pay attention that some might have had a difficult week and are facing challenging circumstances. Some kids might want to talk about it, and others might not. God is the best leader - so let Him lead you to be Jesus today.
Praise Songs: “Lace up your Boots” by Circuit Riders, “Goodbye Yesterday” by Elevation Rhythm
Worship Song: “Peace” by Bethel Music & We the Kingdom
4) Bible Story – Act Out (Involve Kids!)
Instructions: Have kids pretend they’re in a rocking boat while the “storm” (other kids making loud noises) rages around them. One child plays Jesus, asleep on a pillow. At the right time, Jesus wakes up, lifts His hands, and says, “Peace, be still!” The “storm” immediately stops. The Narrator will be reading the bible while the kids and Jesus act this out.
Characters: Kids for the Boat, Kids making loud noises, one child who plays Jesus, Narrator
Narrator: That day, when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down, and it was completely calm.
He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
Closing:
Kids, Jesus brought peace in the middle of a scary storm! If Jesus can do that, bring peace to a storm, and He can bring peace to the disciples’ hearts - do you think He can bring peace to your heart? Yes! Jesus can and wants to!
5) Holy Spirit Activation:
Invite kids to close their eyes and place their hands on their hearts. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill them with Jesus’ peace.
Pray this prayer with the Kids: Jesus, is there an area in my heart that doesn’t have peace? If so, will you come and show me where you are and how you want to give me peace? Encourage them to picture Jesus stepping into their boat, smiling at them, and calming their storm.
6) Small Group Questions:
Instructions: Gather your kids into small groups with a leader, and discuss these questions together.
What makes you feel worried or afraid?
How can Jesus bring peace in that moment?
Can you think of a time you felt His peace?
Who can you pray for this week who needs peace?
7) Prayer:
Instructions: Encourage your kids that this prayer is one they get to pray every single day, and it is necessary as such. Let your kids repeat this after you.
Jesus, I’m so grateful that you are the Prince of Peace. Thank you for no situation or emotion is too big for you to calm, step in, and give me peace in my heart. Jesus, help me today to live and walk in your peace and surround me with a cloud of peace as well! I love you, Jesus, Amen.