This workshop leader’s Bible study
is a historical, theological, and contextual introduction to the Calming the
Storm rotation of
· A historical context for understanding the Bible story.
· A Biblical context for reading and teaching the story.
· The theological basis for the concepts to be taught to the children.
In
It will be helpful to have a chalkboard, whiteboard, or flip chart for writing down questions or observations during the Bible study.
Note: This is not a comprehensive study of the
text, but only a few notes to help provide context and background for workshop
leaders. Consult titles cited in the
reference list at the end of these notes for more information.
Scripture:
Matthew 8:19-27
"You, Lord, are the light that keeps me safe. I am not afraid of anyone. You protect me and I have no fears." Psalms 27:1 CEV
· If workshop leaders do not know each other, give them an opportunity to introduce each other and say which workshop they will be leading.
· Begin the Bible study by praying for God’s guidance as teachers begin a new rotation.
Ask a
workshop leader to read the text aloud.
Since this rotation focuses on an entire chapter, you might want to
divide the reading among three or four workshop leaders.
Ask the workshop leaders what questions came to mind as they heard the story or read it before the Bible study. Write down any questions that arise and will need to be answered during the Bible study.
Matthew
8: 18-27
Overview
Matthew has gathered a collection of 10 miracle stories in 8:1-9:34 and according to Eugene Boring it is important that we interpret these stories “in the context of the section as a whole, since it has been constructed by Matthew as a single integrated unit” (222). There are also “elements that illustrate the meaning of discipleship [and] faith” found in these stories (Boring, 223). Boring offers the following outline of the structure of this section:
I. Christ Acts in power for the Marginal and Excluded 8:1-17
II. Christ’s Mighty Acts Generate a Community of Disciples
III. Christ’s Power Evokes Faith and Unbelief 9:18-34
Boring says that the story in 8:18-27 “in which Jesus commands his followers to cross the sea to new (Gentile) horizons, encountering a terrifying storm en route, reflects the experience of Matthew’s church in entering into new horizons of the Gentile mission” (229).
Interesting Words/Phrases/Ideas
Themes
Ask each workshop leader to summarize his or her workshop. As they do so, point out the concepts that each lesson reinforces. Ask workshop leaders if they have any questions about the logistics or practical application of their lesson.
Apostles’ Playhouse: The children videotape themselves acting out the story of Jesus calming the storm. In the process of reviewing the story the children will learn about trusting Jesus to help us in difficult situations.
Creation Station: The children will create a wax crayon/paint resist drawing of the boat in the storm. In discussion and reflection time they will talk about what it means to follow Jesus and to have faith in Him.
Good News: The children will begin by playing an energizer that explores the concepts of fear, calm and faith. They will then have the opportunity to interview one of the disciples who was on the boat with Jesus and learn about trusting Jesus when we are afraid.
Holywood: The children will view the video The Miracles of Jesus and discuss the power of faith.
Praising Puppets: The children will perform several skits that explore and emphasize the concept that we can trust Jesus to take of us.
Return to the questions that were gathered at the start of the hour. Have they been answered? Are there any further questions about the Bible story or about the lessons?
Close the Bible study with a prayer.
Boring, M.
Spivey, Robert A. and D. Moody Smith. Anatomy of the New Testament. (New Jersey, Prentice-Hall, 1995). pp. 97-129.