Jesus Calmed a Storm

READ TOGETHER

Read all or parts of Mark 4:35-41 from the Bible and watch the Bible story video below.

FAMILY DEVOTION

A phobia is a persistent and excessive fear. The most common phobias are the fear of heights, the fear of enclosed spaces, and—of course—the fear of snakes! Even if these aren’t things you’re afraid of, something else probably has—at one point or another—caused you to be afraid.

When the winds gusted and the waves crashed against the boat, the disciples were very afraid. The storm seemed so big. The situation appeared to be so dangerous that the men thought they were going to die. In their desperation, they cried out to Jesus for help, and Jesus, just with the command of His voice, calmed the wind and waves.

When the disciples saw Jesus’ power, they were amazed. They had heard the wisdom in His teaching; they had seen the compassion He had for other people; but in this scene, the disciples saw the full glory and power of Jesus as the Son of God.

Because Jesus is the Son of God, we can cry out to Him for help when we are afraid or overwhelmed. He is strong enough to save us, and He is faithful to help us according to His will for us. He demonstrated His faithfulness and power most clearly when He came to die on the cross and rescue all who believe in Him.

Jesus’ disciples knew Jesus was a good man and a good teacher. When Jesus calmed the wind and the waves, He showed His disciples that He is also God. God rules the sea and stills its waves.

PRAY TOGETHER

We praise You, Jesus, because You have power and authority over all of creation. Everything in heaven and on earth obeys You because You are the Son of God. When the storms of this world rage, help us to trust in Your power to help us. Amen.

PRAYING THROUGHOUT THE WEEK

Ask God to calm the fears that trouble your heart. Pray for His peace to comfort you and remind you of His presence in times when you’re afraid. How can our fears be an opportunity to trust and depend on God?