Leader Guide
Object Lesson
- Bible or Superbook Bible App
- Two small plastic or foam cups
- Large clear bowl that is taller than the cups
- Optional: blue food coloring
- Two napkins, half paper towels, or tissues
- Water
- Tape, duct or packing tape is ideal
- Pen
- Marker
- Towel, to clean up any water overflow
Draw three stick figures on each napkin.
Carefully push the pen into the bottom of ONE cup, off to the side—not in the middle, to create a small hole.
Fill the bowl with water.
Optional: add food coloring.
Make two small tape loops, sticky side out, and place one loop on the inside bottom of each cup. Make sure that the tape does not cover the hole in the cup.
Practice this activity at home prior to class so you can demonstrate it smoothly.
Remember how when the storm struck the boat, the disciples thought they would drown? They had the Son of God with them but they lost sight of Him—He was fast asleep in the bottom of the boat! They had seen Jesus heal the man who was paralyzed and do other miracles, but this was different. No one could calm a raging storm, right? How can a person control nature? The disciples were helpless to row or control the boat. The waves were crashing over them! Then Jesus woke up, spoke to the storm, and peace was restored in an instant!
Read Mark 4:40-41.
Then He asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this Man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey Him!”
Let’s demonstrate the disciples’ inability to protect themselves from the storm in that boat.
Show the children one of the napkins with the stick figures on it. Crumple it and place it against the tape at the bottom of the cup with the hole in it to hold it in place.
The blue water represents the Sea of Galilee. Turn the cup completely upside down and quickly push the cup straight down to the very bottom of the bowl. Important—do not tip the cup; keep it straight! Pull it up and out. Remove and unfold the paper towel. It will be soaked. How did the disciples do at protecting themselves?
Not very well! They were helpless on their own against a raging storm and sea—just like we would be!
Now let’s see what happens when we turn to Jesus and ask Him to care for our needs! Show the other napkin with the stick figures. Crumple it and place it against the tape at the bottom of the cup WITHOUT a hole. Repeat the experiment. Remove and unfold the paper towel. It will be dry.Jesus did what the disciples couldn’t do alone: He took care of their needs, and He can take care of our needs, too!
How do you think I kept the paper towel dry—was it a miracle? No, it’s just a trick.
Show them the cup with the hole in it and explain that this experiment uses air pressure and water pressure. Let’s say our SuperTruth one more time: “I can turn to Jesus for all my needs.”