Week 37 · New Testament · about 3 minutes · 175 words
🌊 Peter Steps Out
Jesus walks on the lake at night, and Peter learns to look at him when the wind is loud.
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.
“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.””
Matthew 14:27 · Matthew 14:22–33
Say it
Practice Matthew 14:27
Tap the words in order. The blanks follow the verse from left to right.
ButJesusspoketothem,“Cheerup!ItisI!beafraid.”
Talk about it
- What did Jesus say when they were afraid?
- What happened when Peter looked at the wind?
- When you feel yourself sinking, what prayer can you use?
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.
Parent tip
Celebrate both Peter’s courage and Jesus’ rescue so failure is not the last word.
Week 37 · the whole night
🌊 Peter Steps Out
Story, coloring page, word search, and the verse to trace.