Sunday 11 July
The Story
Bible Story
Peter Walks on Water
Matthew 14:22-33
Use this guide to help your family learn how
God can help us live with confidence.
First, watch this video
Then, follow up with the fun activities below!
ACTIVITY: Walk the Line
WHAT YOU NEED:
Painter’s or masking tape, a timer
What You Do
Tell your child that just like Peter, they’re going on a very important walk. And just like Peter, they’re going to need to focus on what matters most!
Say, “You’re going to walk on this straight line (the tape). If you step off the tape, you have to go back to the start. I’m going to time you to see how quickly you can do it!”
When they’re finished, see how quickly they can do it with one eye closed. (They can just put one hand over an eye if they can’t keep it closed.) Then, with both eyes closed. If there’s time, you can take a turn walking the line, too.
Talk about the Bible Story
When you walked down the line, how was that a little bit like Peter walking on water? (You both needed
to focus. You focused on the line of tape, but Peter focused on Jesus. When we focus on Jesus, we can be confident!)
What amazes you most about this story?
Peter didn’t seem to be afraid at first when he stepped out of the boat and onto the water. What made him lose his confidence and begin to sink? (He stopped looking at Jesus.)
When you’re trying to follow Jesus, what are some things that pull you away or distract you from following Him? (Fear, worry, being too busy, technology, etc.)
What are some ways you can stay focused on Jesus? (Going to church/small group, talking about Him, talking to Him, reading His words in the Bible, listening to worship music)
Parent: Talk about a time in your life when you lost your focus on Jesus. What happened? How did you get your focus back on Him?
Prayer
Use this prayer as a guide, either after your discussion or right before bed tonight:
“God, thank You for sending Jesus, Your one and only Son. Help us to do what Peter did when he stepped out of the boat. Help us to trust Jesus and stay focused on Him! We love You, God. We pray these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.”