Elementary Children’s Message: Storm Commands

In this elementary children’s message, kids will learn about one of Jesus’ miracles (calming the storm) and why it’s important to obey him.

Scripture: Matthew 8:23-27; 22:37-39

You’ll need:

• Bible
• 1 chenille wire
• handful of red beads for each child
• scissors

Prep

Cut the chenille wires in half. Beads need to be large enough to fit on the chenille wire; try the plastic beads commonly known as “pony beads,” found at craft stores.

Storm Commands: Like the wind and the waves, we obey Jesus.

Have children sit in a circle. Open your Bible to Matthew 8:23-27. Show children the words and tell them the Bible is God’s special book. Explain to kids that as you read through the passage, you’ll pause and give commands.

Read verse 23. Command children to pretend they’re rowing a boat.

Read verse 24. Command children to stomp and clap like a loud storm.

Read verse 25. Command kids to shout, “Lord, save us!”

Read verse 26. Command kids to lie down and be still.

Read verse 27. Command kids to show you an expression of amazement.

Say: Just as you obeyed my commands, the disciples discovered that even the wind and the waves obeyed Jesus. We obey Jesus’ commands, too.

Ask:

• What are some commands Jesus gives us?
• When is it hard for you to obey Jesus’ commands?

Say: The two greatest commands Jesus gives us are in Matthew 22:37-39. (Read the verses aloud.) God commands us to love him and love others. Let’s make a craft to help us remember that.

Give each child two halves of chenille wire and a handful of red beads. As kids put beads on the first chenille wire, have them talk about what it looks like to obey God by loving him. As kids put beads on the second chenille wire, have them talk about what it looks like to obey God by loving others. Once both chenille wires have beads on them, show kids how to connect the beaded wires and form them into the shape of heart.

Closing Prayer: Loving commands

Say: Take your beaded hearts home as a reminder to obey Jesus’ commands by loving God and loving others.

Have kids hold their hands open with their beaded hearts resting in their hands.

Say: God, we want to obey you just like the wind and the waves. Help us to love you and others. Give us hearts that long to obey you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

This message is taken from The Giant Book of Children’s Messages. You can find other elementary ideas here!