Sink or Trust Activity and Lesson
Lesson for Matthew 14:22-33
Time: 25 to 35 minutes
Best for: Elementary school
Setting: Indoor classroom or parish meeting room
Scripture Connection: Matthew 14:22-33, Jesus Walks on Water
Teaching Tie-In: Trust, prayer, courage, faith, Jesus as Savior
Materials: Clear bowl or tub of water, small objects that sink and float, towel, Bible
Group Size: Small to medium group
Energy Level: Low to medium
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Matthew 14:22-33 tells the story of Jesus walking on the water. The disciples are in a boat at night. The wind is strong, and the waves are rough. They are afraid. Then Jesus comes to them and says, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Peter wants to come to Jesus. He steps out of the boat and begins to walk on the water. For a moment, he trusts Jesus. Then he notices the wind. He becomes afraid and starts to sink. Peter cries out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus reaches out right away and catches him.
This lesson helps children think about fear and faith in a simple way. They will see objects sink and float in water. Then they will connect that image to Peter. When Peter keeps his focus on Jesus, he can walk forward. When fear takes over, he begins to sink. But Jesus does not leave him there.
Children in elementary school know what fear feels like. They may be afraid of storms, being alone, making mistakes, getting sick, or being left out. This lesson reminds them that they can call out to Jesus. He is near. He hears them. He reaches out with love.
Faith That Reaches for His Hand
This activity connects with many Biblical themes. In Scripture, water often shows danger, fear, and the unknown. God leads His people through the Red Sea. Jonah is thrown into the sea. The disciples face storms on the lake. In Matthew 14, Jesus walks over the water. This shows that He is Lord over the storm. What frightens us does not frighten Him.
The lesson also points to the theme of trust. Peter shows real faith when he steps out of the boat. He wants to go to Jesus. But his fear grows when he looks at the wind. Children can understand this. They know what it feels like to start something bravely and then become scared. Peter helps them see that weak faith can still call out to Jesus.
This activity also supports Catholic catechesis on prayer. Peter’s prayer is very short: “Lord, save me!” Children learn that prayer does not have to be long. They can speak to Jesus in simple words. They can pray when they are scared, sad, worried, or unsure. Jesus listens and responds with care.
The activity also connects to the Church’s teaching about Jesus as Savior. Jesus does not watch Peter sink from a distance. He reaches out and saves him. This helps children see salvation in a concrete way. Jesus comes near. Jesus rescues. Jesus helps us when we cannot help ourselves.
This enhances youth ministry because it gives children a way to see the Gospel with their senses. They watch objects sink and float. They hear the story. They talk about fear. They pray with simple words. The lesson reaches children who learn by seeing, touching, listening, and speaking.
It also gives catechists a gentle way to talk about fear. Children do not need to share private worries. They can name common fears and then pray quietly in their hearts. This keeps the activity safe and welcoming. It teaches that the parish is a place where children can bring their real lives to Jesus.
Sink or Trust Lesson
Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33
Main Message: Jesus is with us when we are afraid. We can call out to Him for help.
Age Group: Elementary school
Time Needed: 25 to 35 minutes
Supplies
- A clear bowl or tub of water
- Several small objects that sink and float
- Examples: cork, plastic spoon, coin, rock, small toy boat, sponge, key, leaf, crayon, pencil, bottle cap
- Towel for spills
- Bible
- Optional: small picture of Jesus or a simple cross
Opening Question
Ask the children:
- Have you ever felt afraid during a storm?
- Let a few children answer. Keep the sharing brief. Then ask:
- What are some other times kids might feel afraid?
Possible answers may include school, the dark, being alone, trying something new, being sick, or having trouble with friends.
Say:
In the Gospel, the disciples are afraid because they are in a boat during strong wind. Peter tries to walk to Jesus on the water. He starts with trust, but then he becomes afraid. When he starts to sink, he calls out to Jesus. Jesus reaches out and saves him.
Gospel Reading
Read Matthew 14:22-33 or a shortened version for younger children.
Before reading, ask the children to listen for three things:
- What makes the disciples afraid?
- What does Peter do?
- What does Jesus do when Peter begins to sink?
After the reading, ask for simple answers.
Object Lesson
Place the bowl of water where all the children can see it. Hold up one object at a time.
Ask: Do you think this will sink or float?
Let the children guess. Then place the object in the water.
After several objects, say:
Some things sink. Some things float. Peter began to sink when he became afraid. But the most important part of the story is not that Peter sank. The most important part is that Jesus saved him.
Hold up a floating object.
Say: This can remind us of trust. When we trust Jesus, we remember that He is close. We still might feel afraid, but we are not alone.
Hold up a sinking object.
Say: This can remind us of fear. Sometimes fear feels heavy. It can pull our thoughts down. It can make us forget that Jesus is near.
Place the sinking object in the water.
Say: Peter started to sink. But he did the right thing. He called out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus reached out His hand right away.
Short Discussion About Fear and Faith
Use a few of these questions. Choose the ones that fit your group.
- Why do you think Peter became afraid?
- What did Peter do when he started to sink?
- What does this story teach us about Jesus?
- Can we pray when we feel scared?
- What is one fear a child might ask Jesus to help with?
Keep the discussion simple. Children do not need to give perfect answers. Help them see that faith does not mean we never feel afraid. Faith means we turn to Jesus when we are afraid.
Catechist Talking Points
- Peter had faith when he stepped out of the boat. He wanted to go to Jesus.
- Peter also became afraid. His faith was real, but it was weak in that moment.
- Jesus did not shame Peter. Jesus reached out and saved him.
- We can pray when we are scared. We can say, “Jesus, help me,” or “Lord, save me.”
- Jesus stays close to us in storms, worries, and hard times.
Simple Activity Response
Give each child a moment to think quietly.
Say: Think of one fear or worry you want to bring to Jesus. You do not have to say it out loud.
Pause for a few seconds.
Then say: In your heart, tell Jesus about that fear. Ask Him to help you trust Him.
Allow a short quiet moment.
Closing Prayer
When we are afraid,
Jesus, help us trust You.
When our faith feels weak,
Jesus, lift us up.
Optional Take-Home Line
Jesus is with me when I am afraid.
Resources
More Youth Ministry Activities
Looking for more ideas like this? Visit our youth ministry activities page for simple activities that work well with children, teens, and mixed groups. These ideas can help with faith formation, prayer, Scripture, service, saints, sacraments, and Catholic teaching.
The activities are written for youth ministers, catechists, teachers, and parents. They can be used in classrooms, parish sessions, retreats, and youth group meetings. Browse the page when you need a quick idea, a discussion starter, or a hands-on way to help young people grow in faith.
Questions and Answers
What is the main goal of this activity?
The main goal is to help children see that Jesus is with them when they are afraid. Peter begins to sink when he becomes scared, but Jesus reaches out and saves him. Children learn that they can call out to Jesus when they feel worried, afraid, or weak in faith.
What age group is this activity best for?
This activity works best for elementary school children. Younger children will enjoy guessing which objects sink or float. Older children can go deeper in the discussion about fear, trust, and prayer. The catechist can adjust the questions based on the age and attention span of the group.
How much time should I allow for this activity?
Plan for about 25 to 35 minutes. The sink-or-float demonstration can take 10 minutes. The Gospel reading and discussion can take another 10 to 15 minutes. The quiet prayer can take about 5 minutes. If time is short, use fewer objects and fewer discussion questions.
What objects should I use?
Use simple objects that children know. Good choices include a coin, rock, cork, sponge, pencil, plastic spoon, key, leaf, bottle cap, or small toy boat. Try to include some items that sink and some that float. Test the objects before class so you know what will happen.
Do I need to explain the science of sinking and floating?
No. The science is not the main point of this lesson. You can let the children enjoy guessing, but keep the focus on the Gospel. The sinking object reminds us of fear. The floating object reminds us of trust. The real message is that Jesus reaches out to save Peter.
What should I do if the children get too excited during the water demonstration?
Set clear rules before you begin. Tell the children that only the leader will place objects in the water. Ask them to keep their hands to themselves and use quiet voices. You can also choose one helper at a time. Keep a towel nearby in case water spills.
How can I keep the lesson from becoming too scary?
Talk about fear in a gentle way. Use common examples, such as storms, darkness, school, or trying something new. Do not ask children to share deep or private fears. Let them think quietly about one fear in their hearts. This keeps the activity safe and respectful.
What if a child shares something serious or personal?
Listen calmly and kindly. Do not ask many questions in front of the group. Say something simple like, “Thank you for telling us. Jesus loves you and is with you.” After class, follow your parish or school safety policy. If needed, tell the proper adult leader or staff person.
How should I explain faith to younger children?
Use simple words. You can say, “Faith means trusting Jesus and staying close to Him.” You can also say, “Faith does not mean we never feel afraid. Faith means we turn to Jesus when we are afraid.” Keep the focus on Jesus helping us.
What should I say about Peter sinking?
Make sure children understand that Peter is not a failure. Peter had faith when he stepped out of the boat. Then he became afraid. Jesus still helped him. This teaches children that Jesus loves us even when our faith feels weak.
What is the most important line from the Gospel?
A good line to repeat is, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” This is simple and easy for children to remember. Another short prayer from the Gospel is, “Lord, save me!” Both lines can help children pray when they are afraid.
How can I connect this activity to prayer?
After the demonstration, invite the children to think of one fear or worry. They do not need to say it out loud. Ask them to tell Jesus about it in their hearts. Then lead the closing prayer. This helps children see that prayer can be simple and honest.
Can this activity be used in a classroom?
Yes. It works well in a classroom, parish faith formation session, children’s liturgy, or youth ministry setting. Use a small bowl or tub of water and place it where everyone can see. Keep the activity short and organized so the water does not become a distraction.
Can I do this activity without water?
Yes. You can use picture cards instead. Make cards with objects that sink and float, such as a rock, leaf, coin, boat, and sponge. Ask children to sort them into “sink” and “float” groups. Then use the same Gospel connection about fear, trust, and Jesus saving Peter.
How can I include children who are shy?
Do not force children to answer out loud. Let them guess with thumbs up or thumbs down. You can also let them point, nod, or think quietly. The prayer time can be silent in their hearts. This helps all children take part without feeling pressured.
How can I end the activity well?
End with a prayer. This gives the children a simple way to respond to the Gospel. It also brings the lesson back to Jesus. The final message should be clear: Jesus is with us when we are afraid, and we can call out to Him for help.
What should children remember after this lesson?
Children should remember that Jesus is near when they are afraid. They should know that they can pray with simple words, such as “Jesus, help me” or “Lord, save me.” They should also know that Jesus does not leave us alone when our faith feels weak.
When Faith Feels Shaky
This activity helps children connect the Gospel story of Jesus walking on water with their own fears and worries. The children watch different objects sink or float in a bowl of water. This gives them a simple image for talking about Peter. He steps out of the boat with faith, but he becomes afraid when he notices the wind and waves.
The sinking objects remind children of fear. Fear can feel heavy. It can pull our thoughts away from Jesus. The floating objects remind children of trust. Trust does not mean we never feel scared. It means we remember that Jesus is close and ready to help us.
The activity gives catechists a clear way to talk about weak faith. Peter is not shown as a failure. He is shown as someone who tries to follow Jesus and then becomes afraid. When he starts to sink, he calls out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus reaches out right away. This helps children see that they can pray when they feel afraid.
The short discussion gives children a chance to name common fears in a safe way. They might talk about storms, school, being alone, making mistakes, or feeling left out. They do not need to share private worries. They can also bring their fears to Jesus quietly in prayer.
The prayer gives the lesson a simple ending. It helps children speak words of trust together. They ask Jesus to stay close, lift them up, and help them follow Him. This makes the activity more than a demonstration. It becomes a moment of prayer and faith.
Your Turn
Try this sink-or-trust activity with your class, children’s liturgy group, or youth ministry group. It is simple to prepare and easy for elementary children to understand. A bowl of water and a few small objects can help them see the Gospel in a new way. As they watch items sink and float, they can think about Peter, fear, trust, and the helping hand of Jesus.
You can adjust the activity for your group. Use different objects. Add a craft. Let older children write a short prayer. Invite younger children to repeat the words, “Jesus, help me.” After you try it, share your own variations and notes in the comment section. Your ideas may help another catechist or teacher use this lesson well.
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