May 11, 2016
PEACE IS FOUND WHEN WE TRUST OUR CAPTAIN!
Mark 4:35–41
Rick Smith
Central Truth
We can trust in God's sovereign plan for our life, even when we can't see what He's up to!
Key Verse | Mark 4:40
He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" (Mark 4:40)
Mark 4:35–41
Jesus Calms a Storm
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
Dive Deeper | Mark 4:35–41
I'm not a fan of flying. Truthfully, I'm fearful of it. There is just something about being 30,000 feet above the earth and having no idea what's going on behind that cockpit door that causes more than just a little anxiety in my heart. Every time we hit a little bump of turbulence, I imagine the pilots (who I can't see) panicking in the cockpit and wondering how they are going to land the plane safely. Or, if all is going well, I imagine them checking how many people liked their most recent skyline picture on Facebook and being distracted from their pilot duties.
In Mark 4:36-38, the disciples found themselves having some of those same anxieties. They were being obedient to Jesus' call for them to get in the boat, but then the storms and waves hit. They were scared. They were anxious. They wondered if Jesus knew what was going on. They wondered if He would intervene—if He even cared. Fear and anxiety began to build up in their hearts.
Then, in verse 39, Jesus reminds them that He is—and always has been—in control. At His command, the winds and waves were "stilled" and there was a great "calm" (I imagine both with the water and within the disciple's hearts).
The truth is, every flight I've ever been on has always arrived safely at its destination. The pilots have always done their job. The even deeper truth is I can get anxious about things in my life that are outside of my control.
I worry about my children, job, relationships, health, and a number of other things that are outside of my control. I can't always see what God is up to, and if I don't constantly remind myself that God is a good, wise, loving, and sovereign "pilot," then anxiety will start to overwhelm my heart and mind.
Mark 4:35-41 is a great reminder that my pilot, Jesus, is always in control, knows the end from the beginning, and can be trusted. There may be a few waves along the way, but if we trust in Him, we can be sure He will get us to the other side.
Discussion Questions
1. How does having a proper view of Christ comfort us in times of fear and worry? What are some truths about Christ you can name right now to help give you peace in times of fear and worry?
2. When the waves and storms of life come your way, what is the typical way you respond? Do you start with prayer, do you share your fear with your community group, or do you let the worry overwhelm you?
3. Are there any circumstances in your life right now that are causing you fear and anxiety? If so, take a few minutes right now to pray and thank God that He knows about them and to ask for that peace that He alone can give as we focus on Him.