Consider the alarm of receiving a tornado watch warning on your phone in the middle of the night. What a shock! It would be difficult for anyone to sleep through this alarm, let alone sleep through the effects of a tornado sweeping through the neighborhood.

This image of peace amid chaos is similar to Jesus’ disposition in this week’s story of Him calming the storm. The disciples were experienced fishermen, but this storm on the Sea of Galilee was fierce. The waves crashed into their small boat, and the wind howled. They were convinced they were going to drown. Meanwhile, Jesus—the Son of God, their teacher and Lord—was asleep in the boat.

In panic, they shook Him awake and shouted, “Lord, save us! Don’t you care that we’re going to die?” Jesus stood up and said to the wind and the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Instantly, everything stopped. The sea became as smooth as glass.

Then Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Jesus was reminding them it doesn’t matter how strong the storm is outside the boat when Jesus is inside the boat.

When the storms of life rise—whether it’s a health crisis, financial struggle, broken relationship, or deep anxiety—it’s easy to feel like Jesus is “asleep” in your life. This story, however, reminds us that He is still in control—and He never loses His sovereign grip.

As you teach the kids in your care this week, help them see that the same Savior who calmed the wind and waves that night still speaks peace into the chaos of our lives today.