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Jesus Calms the Storm

Weather, feelings and trust; practise was and were.

A1–A245–60 minutesMark 4:35–41Printable
Teacher note: Explain that disciples were followers of Jesus. The passage presents Jesus as having authority over the wind and sea. Assess English understanding, not a learner’s beliefs. Learners may discuss the story without sharing personal beliefs.
Teacher AnswersBible Stories & English
1Lesson Goals
AI illustration of Jesus and his disciples in a wooden boat as a storm begins to calm

I will be able to:

  • retell the main events.
  • use the story’s vocabulary.
  • practise the language focus.
  • explain an idea with evidence.

Start here: What can you see in the sky and on the water?

2Read the Story

One evening, Jesus and his disciples got into a boat. They were going across the lake. Jesus was tired and was sleeping at the back of the boat.

A strong storm began. The wind was loud, and waves came into the boat. The disciples were afraid. They woke Jesus and asked if he cared that they might die.

Jesus got up and told the wind and water to be still. The wind stopped, and the lake became calm. He asked the disciples why they were afraid and why they had so little faith.

The disciples were amazed and afraid. They wondered who Jesus was, because even the wind and sea obeyed him.

Simplified retelling for English learners; not a direct Bible quotation. Based on Mark 4:35–41. AI illustration.

3Vocabulary

Match 1–6 with A–F.

  1. disciple
  2. storm
  3. wave
  4. afraid
  5. calm
  6. obey

A. not moving much; peaceful
B. a follower who learns from a teacher
C. do what someone tells you
D. a raised part of moving water
E. feeling fear
F. very strong wind, often with rain

Use two words in your own sentences.

4Check Your Understanding
  1. When did they get into the boat?
  2. Where were they going?
  3. Where was Jesus sleeping?
  4. Why were the disciples afraid?
  5. What did the disciples ask Jesus?
  6. What happened after Jesus spoke?
  7. What did the disciples wonder about Jesus?

Answer in sentences where you can. Point to evidence in the reading.

5Language Focus

Use was with I, he, she and it. Use were with you, we and they to describe the past.

  1. Jesus ___ asleep.
  2. The disciples ___ afraid.
  3. The wind ___ loud.
  4. The waves ___ coming into the boat.
6Think & Speak

Discuss in pairs. Give a reason for each answer.

  1. How did the disciples feel during the storm?
  2. How did they feel after it stopped?
  3. What can you say to someone who feels worried?

Useful language: They were… / The text says… / You could say…

You may use imagined examples.

Jesus Calms the Storm — Continued
7Use Your English

Write 4–6 sentences about a change in the weather. Use was and were. Your story may be imagined.

Plan: Who? What happened? What was the result?

Check capitals, verbs, spelling and punctuation.

8Puzzle or Game

Put these events in order: A. The lake became calm. B. Jesus slept. C. The disciples woke Jesus. D. A storm began.

Extra challenge: Explain your answers in complete sentences.

9Success Criteria ✓
  • I can retell the main events.
  • I can use three new words.
  • I can complete the language task.
  • I can support an answer with evidence.

Exit reflection: One thing I learned…

One thing I want to practise…

10Show What You Can Do

Retell the story in four sentences. Use was or were and explain why the disciples were amazed.

Write below or prepare a 45-second spoken response. Use your own words.