Joyful Moments in Christ

A Sunday School Lesson: Luke 8:22-39

A Sunday School Lesson: Luke 8:22-39 - Jesus Shows His Power Over Storms and Evil

Jesus Shows His Power Over Storms and Evil

This Sunday School lesson is intended for upper elementary students. All lessons on this website are protected by copyright, but you can use them for free in small groups or Sunday School classes. You may share a link to this page, but please do not copy these pages and put them on other websites.

The Big Idea

Jesus is the Son of God who has power over nature and evil, and he cares for his people.

Lesson Objectives

  1. Students will see that Jesus calmed a storm with his word.
  2. Students will understand that Jesus has authority over demons.
  3. Students will learn that Jesus cares for people in need and brings peace.
  4. Students will be encouraged to trust Jesus in times of fear and to share what he has done for them.

Class Setting Notes

  1. Recommended for upper elementary Sunday School.
  2. Lesson length: 45-60 minutes. Can be shortened or extended based on activities selected.

Opening Activity

  1. Bring a clear bowl of water and a small fan (or gently blow across the water with a straw to make waves).
  2. Ask: What happens when the wind blows on water? Show the movement of the waves while removing the bowl from the fan’s path.
  3. Then place your hand firmly on the bowl and say, “Stop,” making the water still. Practice this at home first!
  4. Ask: Can we really stop a storm this way? Who do you think can?

This activity helps introduce Jesus’ power over storms and evil that no one else can control.

Bible Reading

Ask the class to read Luke 8:22–39 aloud together or have one person read it.

Additional Reading: Choosing the Right Bible Translation: A Comparison of 7 Versions

Suggested prompts:

As the class reads aloud, consider asking some of these prompts:

  1. Notice what happens when the storm comes while Jesus is asleep.
  2. Listen to what Jesus says and does when he meets the man with demons.
  3. Think about what these stories teach us about who Jesus is.

Teacher Background Notes

  1. The calming of the storm demonstrates Jesus’ divine authority over creation, showing that he is Lord of heaven and earth.
  2. The disciples’ fear reveals their weak faith, but also leads them to ask the right question: “Who then is this?” The answer is that Jesus is God’s Son.
  3. The healing of the demon-possessed man shows Christ’s authority over spiritual forces of darkness. The demons recognize Jesus as the Son of the Most High God.
  4. The man is restored to dignity, peace, and community. This reflects the gospel’s power to transform lives.
  5. The people’s fear and rejection of Jesus reveal the hardness of heart that prefers safety and control over the saving power of God.
  6. Jesus commissions the healed man to testify, showing that every believer has a role in proclaiming God’s works.

Theological Insights

  1. Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. His authority extends over nature, demons, and all creation.
  2. Faith is trusting Jesus in fear and danger, not because of our strength, but because of his power.
  3. The gospel restores people to wholeness and peace, even those who seem beyond help.
  4. God calls his people to bear witness to what he has done, so that others may believe.

Discussion Questions

Understanding the Text

  1. What happened to the storm when Jesus spoke to it?
  2. How did the disciples feel after Jesus calmed the storm?
  3. What did the demons call Jesus when they saw him?
  4. What happened to the pigs after the demons entered them?
  5. What did the healed man want to do after Jesus helped him?

Personal Reflection and Application

  1. When have you felt afraid and needed to trust Jesus?
  2. How does it comfort you to know that Jesus has power over both storms and evil?
  3. Who could you tell about what God has done for you, like the healed man did?
  4. What does this passage teach you about trusting Jesus when life feels out of control?

Suggested Activities

Storm in a Cup

  1. Give each student a clear cup with water and a straw. Let them blow to make “waves.”
  2. Then have them stop suddenly, showing how only Jesus could truly stop a storm with his word.

This activity helps students imagine the disciples’ fear and amazement at Jesus’ power.

Chains to Freedom

  1. Show a short length of chain, rope, or string. Talk about how the man was bound and trapped.
  2. Break or untangle the rope in front of the students, showing how Jesus sets people free.

This activity illustrates how Jesus brings freedom and new life.

Testimony Sharing

  1. Have students draw or write something good God has done in their lives on a card.
  2. Place the cards together on a board or table as a “wall of witness.”

This activity encourages students to see themselves as part of God’s story, sharing his works.

Memory Verse

Bible verse from Luke 8:39 about sharing what God has done.

“Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.

Luke 8:39 (ESV)

Closing Prayer

Father,
Thank you for showing us that Jesus has power over storms, evil, and all things. Help us to trust him when we are afraid and to share with others what he has done for us.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

A Sunday School Lesson: Luke 8:22-39 - Jesus Shows His Power Over Storms and Evil
Bible verse from Luke 8:39 about sharing what God has done.

The ESL Version

I also create materials for adult English Language Learners (ELLs) and ESL students. You can find my ELL Bible Studies based on Luke 8:22–39 here:

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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

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