Kids’ lesson
Bonus: God Gives Me Rest
This lesson goes with week 5 (bonus) of the All for His Glory sermon series, so kids and parents learn the same truth on the same Sunday.
Leader notes for every lesson
- Never comment on a child’s body, size or weight, or on what they eat. Talk about God’s gifts and healthy habits, not “good” and “bad” kids.
- Check allergies before serving any snack, and have a nut-free option.
- Children do not fast from food. In week 3, kids give up a toy or screen time instead.
- Include every child in games. Offer a seated role for kids who can’t run.
1. Welcome game (10 minutes)
Sleeping Lions: Everyone lies down and stays perfectly still like a sleeping lion. The leader walks around trying to make them giggle (no touching!). Anyone who moves helps catch the others. Afterward ask: “Was it easy or hard to rest? Why do our bodies need rest?”
2. Bible story (10 minutes)
One evening, Jesus said to His friends, “Let’s go across the lake.” So they climbed into a boat and began to sail. Jesus was tired after a long day of teaching, so He went to the back of the boat, put His head on a cushion, and fell fast asleep.
Suddenly, a huge storm came! The wind blew hard. (Have kids make wind sounds.) The waves crashed over the boat. (Wave the blue sheet.) Water started filling the boat! The disciples were terrified.
But where was Jesus? Still sleeping! The disciples woke Him up: “Teacher, don’t You care that we’re going to drown?”
Jesus stood up and spoke to the wind and the waves: “Peace! Be still!” And right away, the wind stopped and the sea became totally calm. (Everyone freezes and gets quiet.)
Jesus could sleep in the storm because He trusted His Father. And the same Jesus who calms storms takes care of us. When it’s time to sleep, we don’t have to be afraid. We can rest because God is watching over us all night long.
Talk about it
- Where was Jesus when the storm came?
- What did Jesus say to the wind and waves?
- Why could Jesus sleep during the storm?
- Why do you think God made our bodies need sleep?
- What helps you go to sleep? What can you pray when you feel afraid at night?
3. Memory verse (5 minutes)
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8
Whisper and shout: Say the verse in a whisper (like it’s bedtime), then a normal voice, then a big cheer. Then lie down and say it softly one more time.
4. Craft or coloring (10 minutes)
Bedtime prayer door hanger: Cut cardstock into door hangers. Kids draw the moon and stars and write “In peace I will lie down and sleep. Psalm 4:8.” On the back, write a short bedtime prayer. Or use the coloring page.
5. Snack time (5 minutes)
Moon and stars: Apple slices cut into crescent “moons” and star-shaped cheese or melon (use a small cookie cutter). Serve with water or milk.
6. Pray together
Dear God, thank You for giving us rest. Thank You that You never sleep, and You watch over us all night. When I feel scared, help me remember that Jesus calms the storm. Amen.
Take-home note for parents
Today your child heard how Jesus slept peacefully in a storm and then calmed it (Mark 4:35–41). They learned that God made us to need rest, and that we can sleep in peace because He cares for us. Try this week: keep a regular bedtime, turn off screens 30 minutes before bed, and pray Psalm 4:8 together. Memory verse: Psalm 4:8.