Mark 4:35-41
“As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.’ So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.” Mark 4:35-37 (p.764)
- I Will Not Worry Because Jesus Is With Me.
“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2 (p.550)
- Go to Jesus.
“Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, ‘Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?’” Mark 4:38 (p.764)
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6 (p.901)
- Realize Jesus is always in control.
“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!’ Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” Mark 4:39 (p.764)
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (p.937)
- Trust Jesus to handle my storms.
“Then he asked them, ‘Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?’ The disciples were absolutely terrified. ‘Who is this man?’ they asked each other. ‘Even the wind and waves obey him!’” Mark 4:40-41 (p.764)
My Next Step This Week:
_____ I will write down my worries and pray over each one (and read Philippians 4:6 for encouragement).
Series Memory Verse: “Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” Romans 12:21 (p.866)
Small Group Questions – Week 3
One Thing: I Will Not Worry Because Jesus Is With Me.
Bible Story: Jesus Calms the StormMark 4:35-41
Memory Verse: “Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” Romans 12:21
CONVERSATION STARTER
// What things in life cause you to worry? These could be small things or big things.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The Sea of Galilee is surrounded by high mountains and sudden fierce storms are a common occurrence. Violent winds would enter in through the southwest portion of the sea. These winds were typically stronger in the afternoon, which meant that most fishing and long-distance sailing were done at night when storms were less likely. The downside of traveling at night was when a storm would happen it was much more dangerous because it was much harder to see and stay on course.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
// Read Mark 4:35-37. Jesus and the disciples were on a journey to speak to neighboring towns. This storm came out of nowhere and surprised the disciples. They were not prepared for the storm that took place that night.
- What type of storm or crisis tend to sneak up on you?
- How can you be prepared for when these storms will happen to you?
// Read Mark 4:38-40. The disciples Go to Jesus and state, “Don’t you care?” We are called to go to Jesus with our worries and fear to find our peace in Him.
- How do Jesus’ words “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” make you feel about the storms you face?
- What practical ways do you go to God when you need His peace?
// Read 1 Peter 5:7-11.
- What does this verse say about where our storms come from?
- What imagery in this verse stands out to you? Why?
// Read Isaiah 35:4. We have to realize Jesus is always in control.
- How have you seen Jesus save you in the storms of life?
- What stops you from giving control of the storms of life to God?
// Read Joshua 1:9. Jesus calmed the storm with His voice and questioned the disciples about their fear.
- What do the first four words say about our option to fear?
- Have you ever felt like you were alone in a storm? How did you trust Jesus to handle your storm?
NEXT STEP
____ I will write down my worries and pray over each one (read Philippians 4:6 for encouragement).
DIGGING DEEPER
In Jesus’ time, the sea was seen as a chaotic force that only God could control. The sea was representative of the fear that many people had and embodied chaos. God alone has the power to calm the sea waters. Jesus speaks peace over this violent and deadly storm.
Read the following passages from the Old Testament that talk about God calming storms: Psalms 107:29 and Psalms 65:7 Notice how the same language is used to describe God’s ability to speak peace over chaotic storms.