Week 37 · about 45 minutes
Peter Steps Out
Matthew 14:22–33 · Memory verse Matthew 14:27
Get the free weekly Sunday school and bedtime printable pack
For a parent or teacher. Children do not make accounts here. The pack is a week of printables, not a child profile.
Queues the lesson plan, a coloring page from this part of the Bible (Quiet, Be Still), the related word search and answer key (Miracles of Jesus), the memory-verse tracer, and a parent slip.
Five-minute object lesson
Prop: blue paper waves on the floor
Hold up blue paper waves on the floor. In about five minutes, tell the class this: Jesus walks on the lake at night, and Peter learns to look at him when the wind is loud. Show the prop and ask, “What does this have to do with Peter Steps Out?” Let two children answer. Then read Matthew 14:27 together: “But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.”” Close by asking one child to say the lesson back in their own words, using the prop.
Story script
Jesus sent the disciples ahead in a boat while he prayed alone on the mountain. Night came, and the boat was far from land, beaten by waves. Just before dawn, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. They thought he was a ghost and cried out in fear.
Jesus said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Peter answered, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “Come.” Peter stepped out and walked toward Jesus. Then he saw the wind and was afraid and began to sink. “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” They climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples worshiped. “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Peter’s step was real, and so was Jesus’ hand. If you look only at the wind — the grade, the friendship, the what-if — you will feel yourself sinking. Call out. His hand is nearer than the waves.
Group game
Peter steps onto the paper. When he looks only at the waves he sits down. When he looks at Jesus he stands and walks again.
Craft
Draw Jesus reaching for Peter on the waves. Write Do not be afraid.
Memory verse
Matthew 14:27
“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.””
Take-home prayer
Lord, save me when I look at the wind. Thank you for reaching out your hand. Help me keep my eyes on you. Amen.