Jesus' Power Calms the Storm

March 1

Think About It …

• What is your scariest “bad weather story”?

• Today we look at how the disciples responded to a scary bad weather situation– even though Jesus was right there with them

Listen for why the disciples would be frightened.Mark 4:35-37 (NIV) That day when evening

came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." [36] Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. [37] A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.

Power Over Nature

• Where did Jesus and His disciples go? How? • What were the specifics of the emergency?• What were some reasons they normally would

have been able to handle the situation?• When have you ever felt as the disciples did—

distressed at events out of control?• What different kinds of reactions do people

have when circumstances get out of control?

Power Over Nature

• Why is it necessary for us to go through scary times in life?

• If one of us had been in the boat that day, why might we respond as the disciples did?

• Why do we panic about the storms swirling around us when the God of the universe lives inside us?

• Why do you think we are afraid of trusting ourselves to God’s control?

Listen for the disciples reaction to Jesus lack of action.

Mark 4:38-39 (NIV) Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" [39] He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

I’m Scared … Does He Know?

• How do you think Jesus felt after long days of teaching the people, responding to His opponents, and healing the sick?

• Why do you think Jesus was able to sleep soundly despite the storm raging around Him?

• Why do you think the disciples rebuked Jesus?

I’m Scared … Does He Know?

• The disciples could have responded one of two ways to Jesus calmness … either by being angry or reassured. Why might they do either?

Angered Reassured

I’m Scared … Does He Know?

• Jesus calmed the storm they were struggling with How has God helped you handle your fears and frustrations during difficult times?

• What difference does it make to you that Jesus has authority over all the powers and forces of our world?

Listen for how Jesus responds to the disciples’ rebuke?

Mark 4:40-41 (NIV) He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" [41] They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"

Jesus Takes Control

• Jesus asks about their lack of faith. How can we define faith? Let’s look at some verses that might help us.

• Heb. 11:1 (in different translations)– complete confidence in a person or plan– contrary to any evidence or lack of evidence

• Galatians 3:6 – believing what God says

Jesus Takes Control

• How would you respond if Jesus asked you, “Where is your faith?”– Recall Mark 9:24 (NIV) Immediately the boy's

father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

• How should the knowledge of Jesus’ supreme authority affect our faith?

Jesus Takes Control

• We listed personal storms earlier … how would it change your life if you trusted God with the details of these “storms”?

• loss of job, income• maxed out credit• family problems – rebellion• handling toddlers all day• both family vehicles break down at once

Application

• What’s in your boat? What is weighing your “boat” down that could cause it to capsize?– Consider what you might toss overboard

(fear, anger, obsessive behavior, …)– Also consider what you might like to put in your

“boat” that would make it more seaworthy in the storms of life (faith, more frequent study of God’s Word, prayer)

Application• Consider the words of an old gospel song …

My Anchor Holds Though the angry surges roll

On my tempest-driven soul,I am peaceful, for I know,Wildly though the winds may blow,I’ve an anchor safe and sure,That can evermore endure.

• Look up this song in a hymnal and think about what/who the anchor is

Application

• Other people besides you have storms in their lives– You can be a lifeguard for someone who is

overwhelmed, drowning– You might want some training (such as Everyday

Faith) to prepare you – You might have to sacrifice time and energy … but

you’d be instrumental in saving lives!

Jesus' Power Calms the Storm

March 1