Jesus Calms the Storm - Mar 1, 2020

Jesus Calms the Storm
Mark 4:35-41
Thesis: Jesus’ words, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33) are a realistic approach to facing trouble in a victorious manner!

I. Jesus seeks solitude with his disciples. (35-37)
A. There are times to break away from the regular crowd and be with family. (example- Family Camp-July 24-
26,2020)
1. Jesus said, “Let’s go over to the other side.”
2. They left “the crowd behind.”
3. Jesus was physically tired and found time to rest.
II. In the normal routine of sailing a sudden “furious storm came up”. (vs 37)
A. In the normal routine of life sudden, horrible events will occur in life that may not be a result of bad choices.
1. There are many Christians who think they must have sinned or done something wrong to cause the crisis
in their life.
a. In the book of Job, his friends tried to convince him that he must have sinned and that was the
reason for his calamities. However, the writer of Hebrews makes it clear that Job was in great
standing with God.
b. Do not fall prey to Satan’s false accusations in the times of calamity but lean heavy on the Lord.
2. Jesus makes it clear that in this world we will have difficulties and that we must “take heart” and not lose
heart.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take
heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33)
B. The disciples responded to the storm like most humans do, with fear and panic.
1. Their first thought was that Jesus didn’t care if they perished. They questioned Jesus’ love. Big
mistake!!!
“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?" (vs38)
C. Jesus’ reaction to the storm was totally different than the disciples.
1. Jesus was able to sleep in peace during the storm.
“Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion.” (vs38)
2. Jesus instead of being fearful, took charge by “rebuking the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be
Still.” (vs39)
a. We must take charge of the negative situation or crisis by giving it to God in prayer.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1Peter 5:7
b. Paul instructs young Timothy, “But you, keep your head in all situations.” (2 Tim. 4:5)
c. Paul also reminds Timothy, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of
power, love, and self-discipline.” (1 Timothy 1:7)
D. Jesus was alarmed at the disciple’s fearful reaction to the storm.
Jesus asked, “Why are you so afraid?” (vs40a)
E. Jesus associated the disciples great fear to having a lack of faith.
“Do you still have no faith?” (vs40b)
1. The writer to the Hebrews explains, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6)
2. The Apostle Paul explains, “The righteous will live by faith” (Romans 1:17c)
F. Jesus Calms the Storm!
“Hold on my child joy comes in the morning
Weeping only last for the night
Hold on my child Joy comes in the morning
The darkest hour means dawn is just in sight.”
Bill Gather