Do Not Be Afraid Lesson Plan

Fearful Finds

Facilitator instructions:
The Fearful Finds Relay is a fun and active way to get youth thinking about the theme of fear before diving into deeper discussion. Set up several containers filled with different materials, such as cooked noodles, cotton balls, or peeled grapes. Hide a few coins or small objects inside each container. Divide the group into teams and have them race to find the coins by reaching into the containers without looking. The unusual textures will create surprise, laughter, and maybe even a little discomfort. You can find the complete step-by-step instructions for the Fearful Finds Relay here.

That game was a little silly, but also a little uncomfortable, wasn’t it? Some of you probably laughed, and maybe some of you hesitated to reach your hand inside. Even though it was just a game, it gave us a chance to notice how fear can creep in when we don’t know what to expect. Fear often feels bigger than it really is, and sometimes just taking the first step helps us realize it wasn’t as bad as we thought.

Think about what it felt like when you reached in. Did your heart race a little? Did you wonder what was waiting for you? That’s what fear does. It makes us imagine the worst, even when the reality is not so bad. In life, our fears might not be as funny as a box of noodles, but the feelings can be just as strong. We all face fears that make us want to pull back instead of moving forward.

The good news is that we don’t face our fears alone. Just like Peter on the water, Jesus is there to encourage us. He says, “Do not be afraid.” When we trust Him, we can take that step forward, even when we are nervous. This game helps us see that fear doesn’t have to control us. With God’s help, we can face what is unknown and discover that He is with us every step of the way.

Now let’s think more deeply about the game and what it teaches us.

How did the Fearful Finds Relay game relate to the theme of fear? Did you notice any moments when fear or discomfort arose during the game? How did you handle those emotions?

Reflecting on the game, what do you think it teaches us about facing our fears? Are there any connections you can draw between the lighthearted fears of the game and the fears we experience in real life?

How do you think our faith and trust in God can help us when we encounter fears? Can you think of any specific examples from your own life or the lives of others where faith played a role in overcoming fear?

Read Matthew 4:22-33 – the Gospel for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A. You can just read it, or do as suggested below and have it in parts. You will need a narrator, Jesus, and Peter. Have a group of youth play the part of the disciples:

Narrator: Then he made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified.

Disciples: It is a ghost!

Narrator: They cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them.

Jesus: Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.

Narrator: Peter said to him in reply

Peter: Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.

Narrator: Jesus said

Jesus: Come.

Narrator: Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, Peter cried out.

Peter: Lord, save me!

Narrator: Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him,

Jesus: O you of little faith, why did you doubt?

Narrator: After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying,

Disciples: Truly, you are the Son of God.

Next have the group get comfortable and close their eyes. Have them put themselves in the reading by doing the following guided meditation:

Imagine you and Peter are speaking after this incident. He is explaining what happened. Listen to the voice of Peter telling this story.

We were so excited. Jesus had just fed the five thousand. It seemed like Jesus could do anything! Maybe he could drive the Romans out of Israel. Life under their rule was so hard. We had a hope like never before.

The crowd was large and we needed to get away. As usual, Jesus thought of us first. He told us to take the boat to the other side of the lake while he dismissed the crowd. We knew he would meet up with us later somehow.

Most of us were experienced fishermen, so it was like second nature to take the boat out. But we were in the middle of the lake when a sudden storm hit us. The boat was being tossed this way and that. It was one of the worst storms I had ever been caught in and everyone was getting worried that we wouldn’t make it.

Then suddenly we saw someone walking through the storm on the water. No person could possibly do that. Was it a ghost? There were many old stories about the lake. We were terrified. We huddled on the deck in terror, sure we were about to die.

But then I heard the voice. “Have courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.” I knew that voice. It was Jesus!

I’m always so impulsive! I called out, “Lord if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”

But then Jesus said, “Come”. Without thinking, I jumped over the side of the boat and started walking toward Jesus. On the water and in the storm!

But then I started thinking. This is impossible! I can’t walk on water. Why did I leave the boat? I started to feel very alone and powerless. I began to sink into the water. Then my head went under water and I couldn’t even hear the wind anymore. I was sinking, drowning, struggling.

A wave tossed me up to the surface again and I cried “Lord save me!” Suddenly I felt a hand grasp mine and pull me up. It was Jesus! He got me back in the boat.

And then he said “Why did you doubt?”

When the youth move into small groups, encourage them to share openly and listen with respect. Remind them that everyone has different experiences, and each person’s voice matters. The goal is not to have the “right” answer but to think together about how the Gospel speaks to our lives. Allow time for silence if needed, and let the conversation flow naturally.

• What do you think Peter felt when he first stepped out of the boat?
• Have you ever tried something new and then started to doubt yourself? What happened?
• Why do you think Jesus told the disciples, “Do not be afraid”?
• When have you felt like you were sinking and needed help?
• What does this story teach us about trust in Jesus during difficult times?
• How can we encourage each other to keep our eyes on Jesus when life feels hard?
• What can this story tell us about fear and courage in our daily lives?

This week I want to invite you to think about a fear you are facing right now. It could be something at school, at home, or even in your friendships. Each day, take a few quiet minutes to picture yourself in that moment of fear. Then imagine Jesus standing right beside you. Hear His words, “Do not be afraid. Take courage. I am with you.” Let those words sink into your heart. Trust that He is holding you up, just like He held Peter when he began to sink.

As you do this, notice how your fear feels when you bring Jesus into the picture. Does it feel lighter? Do you feel calmer? Fear does not go away overnight, but when you invite Jesus into it, you will find the courage to take the next step. This week, let His voice guide you. Remember that you are not facing anything alone. Jesus is always with you, ready to reach out His hand and lift you up.

Let us take a quiet moment together and place ourselves in God’s presence. Close your eyes and take a deep breath.

Lord Jesus, we thank you for being with us today. You remind us that even when life feels stormy, we do not have to be afraid. You are near, and your hand is always ready to lift us up.

Help us to trust you more each day. Give us courage when we face challenges. Teach us to listen for your voice and to believe that you will never leave us.

We pray for one another here. Bless our families, our friends, and all who are struggling with fear. Fill us with hope and peace.

Together we pray: Our Father, who art in heaven…

Themes

• Trusting in Jesus: Peter shows us what it means to step out in faith, even when it feels risky. He trusted Jesus enough to leave the boat. This reminds us that we can also place our trust in the Lord when life feels uncertain.
• Facing our fears: The storm was real and frightening, but Jesus was greater than the storm. Fear can hold us back, but God calls us to move forward. With Him, we can find courage in scary situations.
• Power of prayer: Jesus went up the mountain alone to pray before the storm. Prayer strengthens us and prepares us for challenges. Spending time with God gives us peace and confidence.
• Community of believers: The disciples faced the storm together in the boat. We are also called to stand with one another in difficult times. Faith is strengthened when we walk together.
• Jesus calms storms: The wind died down when Jesus entered the boat. He brings peace even when our lives feel unsettled. His presence makes a real difference in our hearts.
• Overcoming doubt: Peter sank when he began to doubt. Doubt is something we all face, but Jesus is patient with us. He reaches out and lifts us back up.
• God’s constant presence: Jesus came to the disciples in their moment of fear. He does the same for us today. We are never alone, even in our darkest times.
• Responding with courage: Jesus told the disciples to take courage. He calls us to be brave and to step forward even when it feels hard. Courage comes from knowing He is near.
• Recognizing Jesus: At first, the disciples thought Jesus was a ghost. Sometimes we fail to see Him at work in our lives. Faith helps us recognize His presence more clearly.
• Growing in faith: The disciples worshiped Jesus and called Him the Son of God. Their experience of fear and rescue deepened their faith. Our struggles can also help us grow closer to Him.
• Calling on the Lord: Peter cried out, “Lord, save me!” in his need. We are invited to do the same when we struggle. God always listens and responds with love.

Background Material

The Do Not Be Afraid lesson plan is built on the story of Jesus walking on the water in Matthew 14:22-33. This passage shows us the power of Jesus and the weakness of human faith. It also shows how Jesus responds with love when we falter. Peter’s attempt to walk on water becomes a powerful image of trust and doubt. This story is a reminder that even those closest to Jesus can struggle with faith. Yet the Lord is patient and ready to lift us up.

In the Bible, fear is often met with the words “Do not be afraid.” These words are spoken many times throughout both the Old and New Testament. God told Joshua to be strong and courageous when leading Israel (Joshua 1:9). The angel told Mary not to fear when she was chosen to bear the Son of God (Luke 1:30). Jesus told His followers not to fear because God knows and cares for them (Matthew 10:31). In each of these moments, fear is met with reassurance. God’s presence brings courage and peace.

Peter’s moment on the water shows how faith and doubt can exist together. He trusted Jesus enough to step out of the boat, but fear soon overcame him. In this way, Peter represents all of us. We want to trust, but we are easily shaken by life’s storms. Yet when Peter cries out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reaches out His hand. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that prayer is an expression of our need for God. It says, “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God” (CCC 2559). Peter’s cry is prayer in its most simple form, and Jesus responds with saving love.

This lesson also connects to Catholic teaching about the importance of faith in Jesus Christ. Faith is not only believing in words, but also trusting our lives to Him. The Catechism says, “By faith, man completely submits his intellect and his will to God” (CCC 143). Peter’s step onto the water was an act of this submission. His sinking shows how weak human will can be, but also how God’s mercy sustains us. When we trust Jesus, even with trembling hearts, He brings us peace.

The story also points to the role of the Church as a community. The boat is often seen as a symbol of the Church itself. The disciples are not alone, and neither are we. Together we face the storms of life, and together we worship Jesus as the Son of God. When the disciples declare, “Truly, you are the Son of God,” they show that their faith has grown. In the same way, our experiences of God’s saving hand deepen our belief.

The Do Not Be Afraid lesson plan draws from these truths to help youth see that Jesus is near in their own fears. It shows them that doubt does not mean failure. Instead, it can be a step toward deeper trust. The lesson reminds us all that Jesus speaks to us today with the same words He spoke to the disciples: “Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.”

Music Suggestions

• Nothing to Fear by Porter’s Gate and Audrey Assad
• Eye of the Storm by Ryan Stevenson
• Praise You in this Storm by Casting Crowns
• Lord of My Life by Matt Maher
• Peace Be Still by Hope Darst
• Leading Us Home by Steve Angrisano