GRADE 8 CRE MIRACLES OF JESUS – CALMING THE STORM Notes
CRE Notes — Miracles of Jesus
Subtopic: Calming the Storm
- Remember the story of Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35–41; Matthew 8:23–27; Luke 8:22–25).
- Understand what this miracle teaches about Jesus’ power and about faith.
- Apply the lesson to situations Kenyan 13-year-olds face (fear, exams, danger, family worries).
Short story (easy)
One evening, Jesus told his disciples to cross a lake. While they were sailing, a strong storm came. The wind and waves filled the boat and the disciples were very afraid. Jesus was sleeping. The disciples woke him and said, “Teacher, don’t you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus got up, told the wind and the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” The storm stopped and everything became calm. The disciples were amazed and asked, “Who is this? Even the wind and waves obey him!”
Memory verse (short):
Key ideas to remember
- Jesus has power over nature. The wind and waves obeyed him.
- Jesus cares for us. He was with the disciples in the boat, even when they were afraid.
- Faith helps us trust God during trouble. Fear takes over when we forget Jesus is with us.
- Discipleship means trusting Jesus in hard times. The disciples learned to trust him.
How this relates to life in Kenya
Kenyan children know storms on Lake Victoria or rough weather on rivers. Just like fishermen, we can face danger and fear. This story reminds us that Jesus is with people who travel, work on water, or face emergencies. We can pray and trust God when we are afraid — whether it is a storm, an exam, or a family problem.
Discussion questions (for class or home)
- Why were the disciples afraid even though Jesus was in the boat?
- What does Jesus calming the storm tell us about who he is?
- Share a time when you felt afraid. How can faith help you in that situation?
- How can you help someone who is afraid, like the disciples were?
Simple activities (age 13)
- Role play: Act out the story — one as Jesus, others as disciples. Show the fear and then the calm.
- Paper boat experiment: Make small paper boats and blow to create “waves.” Talk about how Jesus calming the storm is different from anything we can do.
- Memory verse game: Split the class into teams. Give each team words of the verse on cards; first team to arrange them correctly wins.
- Creative writing: Write a short diary entry as one of the disciples after the storm (5–8 sentences).
How to use this lesson in daily life
- When you feel afraid, remember Jesus is with you. Pray and say the memory verse.
- Help others who are scared — offer prayer, a caring word, or practical help.
- Trust God in small things (tests, sports, friendships) to grow your faith for bigger problems.
A short prayer (for students)
Dear Jesus, thank you for being with us in trouble. Help us to trust you when we are afraid. Give us courage like the disciples learned and help us to calm others with kindness. Amen.