Grade 1 - Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States

Sunday School Curriculum Grade 1
Suddenly a storm blew and the sea became very high...waves and storms. There was also thunder
and lightning in the sky...and rain fell heavily. The sound of thunder was very strong. The boat leant
over to the left side then to the right side, then it went up with tile waves, and then it went down. It
became like a feather. The water carried it up and down and the disciples were afraid. They were
about to be drowned. (Describe the state of the disciples and their attempt to control the ship, which
was about to sink).
What happened to tile sea?
Where were the disciples at that time?
Suddenly Christ appeared with his bright light walking on the water in the dark. The disciples
were afraid and they held to one another. Christ stood on water and said to them, “Be of good cheer,
it is I; do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27).
But they did not believe that this is Jesus Christ Himself. They thought they saw a ghost. St. Peter
said, “We know that Christ is powerful”. He said to Christ, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come
to you on the water” and Jesus said to him, “Come”. (Here the Servant describes the disciples'
surprise and their concern with that wonderful sight.). St. Peter got out of the boat and started
walking on the water towards Jesus. He felt that the water was dry like the ground. Then Christ
stretched out his hand to St. Peter and said, “Go on Peter come and walk on the water”. Peter walked
a step... two steps... then he began to think, “How am I walking on the water” the storm is strong and
the sea is high. I am afraid. I may be drowned. He forgot that Christ was standing near him. He
started to sink down in the water because he forgot Christ “Save me, Lord”, he cried. “I am sinking
down. Hold my hand Jesus”. At once Jesus reached out and grabbed hold of him and said, “How little
faith you have. Why did you doubt?” St. Peter sadly said, “Jesus, forgive me”. They both got into the
boat. The wind was still blowing. But Jesus looked to the sea and raised his hand and said, “Sea, be
calm” and he pointed to the cloud and the rain and said, “Enough”. The wind died down and the boat
sailed on in peace till it reached the other side and when they were on the shore all the disciples knelt
down and worshipped Jesus and requested him to forgive them because they were afraid. He forgave
them and they walked on singing a hymn: We rejoiced and praised God. We prayed and sang a hymn.
We have to describe the image of the sea and wind and the confusion felt by the disciples. We
have to bring the student senses to feel the atmosphere of the storm and the rough sea. The
children will feel happy and comfortable when they hear that Jesus has come to them at night.
Some words are difficult so they must not be said during the lesson. These words are; Peter
doubted the faith of the disciples.
NOVEMBER 39