Sermon Recap (5/10)
Read Mark 4:30-41
Just before Jesus and the disciples got on the boat to cross over to the other side of the sea of Galilee Jesus told them the parable about the mustard seed. This parable teaches us that a little faith will go a long way. On a scale of 1-10, 1 being very little faith and 10 being very strong faith how would you rate yourself? Please explain your answer.
Steve said life is mayhem and that we think we can control all the factors in our lives but it’s just an illusion. Do you think Steve is right or is he out to lunch on this one?
In this story it’s evident that Jesus was exhausted from a day of healing the sick, casting out demons, and teaching all day. He needed to get away from people to reset himself. What do you do when you need to get away from people?
Steve said that Jesus led the disciples into the storm. Does it bother you that God might lead you into a storm to test your faith and make you stronger? Can you think of a storm in your life that God used to make you a stronger Christian?
It seems there is always a calm before the storm. Steve mentioned that sometimes when things are going really well he fears that another storm is going to happen. Do you ever feel that way? If so, how do you deal with that kind of fear?
Jesus was sleeping when the storm came up and started swamping the boat with waves. The disciples panicked. When you are in crisis, do you ever wonder if God is paying attention? What's typically your next step when you feel alone in a crisis?
What’s the worst storm that you have ever experienced? How did you get through it? Steve metaphorically mentioned that sometimes God carries us through the worst parts of the storm. Looking back on your own life, do you think this is true?
In Mark 4:40 it says, “He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” ” Do you ever analyze your fear to see what's driving it?
If so, does identifying your fears help you? Do you feel like you can take your fears to Jesus and that he will help you?
The disciples were afraid of the storm but even more terrified when Jesus calmed the storm by speaking to it. Why do you think they had this reaction?
The most important question you might ever answer is who is Jesus to you? Up to this point it seems the disciples were still trying to figure this out. Later on John who was in the boat would write these words. John 1:1-3 (NIV) In the beginning was the word, and the word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
Some religions believe Jesus was the son of God and a prophet but not God. In your opinion why do you think many people and several faith systems don’t believe Jesus is God?
The voice of Jesus calmed the storm. The voice of Jesus can calm the storm you may be in right now. How do you best hear God speaking to you?
The Bible
Nature
Praying
In worship
Through other people.
Other