Jesus Walks on Water: Sunday School Lesson
Matthew 14:22–33
Big Idea
Keep your eyes on Jesus, not on the storm — He is Lord even over the wind and the waves.
Story Summary
After feeding the five thousand, Jesus sent His disciples ahead in a boat while He went up the mountain alone to pray. In the night a strong wind came against the boat, and the waves tossed it about. In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came walking to them on the sea. The disciples were terrified and thought He was a ghost. But Jesus said, 'Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.' Peter asked to come to Him on the water, and he walked — until he looked at the wind and began to sink. He cried, 'Lord, save me!' and Jesus caught him at once. When they climbed into the boat, the wind ceased, and the disciples worshipped Him, saying, 'Of a truth thou art the Son of God.'
Memory Verse (KJV)
“Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.”
Matthew 14:27
Discussion Questions
- Where was Jesus while the disciples were in the boat?
Teacher hint: Up the mountain praying alone (Matthew 14:23).
- What did the disciples think when they saw Jesus on the water?
Teacher hint: They thought He was a ghost and cried out for fear (Matthew 14:26).
- What did Peter ask Jesus to let him do?
Teacher hint: To come to Him on the water (Matthew 14:28).
- Why did Peter begin to sink?
Teacher hint: He saw the wind and was afraid — he looked at the storm instead of at Jesus (Matthew 14:30).
- What 'storms' make you afraid? How can keeping your eyes on Jesus help?
Craft Idea: Stormy Sea Boat Picture
Supplies
- Blue construction paper
- White and grey crayons or chalk
- A small boat shape cut from brown paper
- Two tiny stick-figures for Jesus and Peter
- A Matthew 14:27 label
Steps
- Use white and grey crayons to draw rolling waves and wind across the blue page.
- Glue the brown boat onto one side of the waves.
- Glue Jesus standing on top of the waves and Peter stepping out toward Him.
- Stick the Matthew 14:27 label at the bottom as today's memory verse.
Printable Worksheet
The printable bundle includes the story page, a Matthew 14:27 memory-verse card, a 10-question quiz worksheet with answer key, and a Jesus Walking on Water coloring page.
Lesson flow (45 minutes)
- Welcome (5 min): Pray, then read the memory verse aloud three times together.
- Story (10 min): Tell the story summary in your own words; open a KJV to Matthew 14:22–33.
- Discussion (10 min): Walk through the questions above. Let every child answer at least once.
- Craft (15 min): Make the stormy sea boat picture.
- Wrap-up (5 min): Hand out the worksheet to finish at home and recite the memory verse one last time.
More Sunday school lessons
Genesis 6–9
Noah's Ark
Ages 4–10 · ~45 min
1 Samuel 17
David and Goliath
Ages 5–11 · ~45 min
Jonah 1–4
Jonah and the Whale
Ages 4–10 · ~40 min
Luke 2 · Matthew 1–2
The Birth of Jesus
Ages 4–10 · ~45 min
Genesis 1
The Days of Creation
Ages 3–10 · ~40 min
Daniel 6
Daniel and the Lions' Den
Ages 5–11 · ~45 min
Exodus 14
Moses Parts the Red Sea
Ages 5–11 · ~45 min
Matthew 28 · Luke 24
The Resurrection of Jesus
Ages 4–11 · ~45 min
Genesis 37 · 39–45
Joseph and His Coat of Many Colors
Ages 5–11 · ~45 min
Luke 10:25–37
The Good Samaritan
Ages 4–11 · ~40 min
Mark 10:13–16
Jesus Blesses the Little Children
Ages 3–9 · ~35 min
Luke 19:1–10
Zacchaeus the Tax Collector
Ages 3–10 · ~35 min
John 6:1–14 · Matthew 14:13–21
Jesus Feeds the 5,000
Ages 3–10 · ~40 min
Luke 15:11–32
The Prodigal Son
Ages 5–11 · ~45 min
Judges 13–16
Samson the Strong
Ages 6–12 · ~45 min
Esther 1–10
Queen Esther Saves Her People
Ages 5–11 · ~45 min
Joshua 6
Joshua and the Walls of Jericho
Ages 4–11 · ~45 min
Exodus 3
Moses and the Burning Bush
Ages 5–11 · ~45 min
Ruth 1–4
Ruth and Naomi
Ages 5–11 · ~40 min
Ephesians 6:10–18
The Whole Armor of God
Ages 5–12 · ~45 min
Mark 4:35–41
Jesus Calms the Storm
Ages 3–10 · ~40 min
Where to go next
Teaching Jesus Walks on Water? Here is what to grab next for your class.