Devotional: Jesus calmed a storm because He is Almighty God.

Week of March 29: Jesus Calms a Storm

Table Talk: Jesus calmed a storm because He is Almighty God.
Read Matthew 8:23-27
Here is an image for children: https://childrensministry.com/jesus-calms-storm/

23And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” 26And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”

Say: Sleep and rest is a beautiful gift from God. Jesus was enjoying some rest when a massive storm threatened to sink the boat…and the disciples, and Him! Did you notice the statement of the disciples? They said … "we are perishing!" The disciples believed they were going to die. Somehow, all the winds and the waves didn't even wake Jesus, so His disciples awakened Him from a deep sleep. Jesus calmed the storm just using His words. Can you see the astonished look on the disciple’s faces? They thought they were about to die! Can you imagine the peace they instantly experienced? Jesus has power over nature because He is God.

Ask: Have you been so afraid in a storm that you thought you might die?
Why was Jesus still sleeping during the storm?
How does Jesus calming the storm help us trust Him today?
What storms should we as a family be asking Jesus to calm?

Pray: Lord, we find ourselves in unusual days as a family, church, nation, and world. Please help us to trust you. Calm the storms we feel in our hearts and our lives. You are all-powerful, and we know you are the One True God.

Ministry activity for the week: Calm some storms with prayer.
Many people are fearful in these days of the COVID-19 pandemic. You and your family can be a voice of peace. This week check on people around you. Check on family members, especially the elderly. Call your neighbors. But here is the way to bring some calm: lead people in prayer! In-person or on the phone, over video chat, even by email. Don’t just pray for people, pray with people! You will be amazed at the responses.