Mark 4: 35-41
Intro: There is so much we can learn from this story that Mark gives us in these verses for today. This story should inspire and encourage each of us to put our trust in Jesus and His word no matter what we are facing in life. He is truly worthy of our complete trust in Him to take care of every situation and circumstance.
1 Jesus seeks rest after a tiring day. Mark 4:35-36 (NKJV) 35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side."36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. We All get fatigued in life and need rest! Even though Jesus was all God, He was also all man and He got tired.
a. Jesus also became fatigued! It was evening of the same day when Jesus sought rest. He had been teaching all day to a multitude of people. The crowd had been so massive and pressing that they had forced Him into a boat and from there He taught them. When evening had come Jesus took the initiative and gives the command to His 12 disciples to cross over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Along the way, the disciples would be taught an unforgettable lesson about his power.
b. Because Jesus was so fatigued, He went as He was—tired and give out from ministering. Even though He was all God, He was also all man.
c. Other ships went also. The people wanted to be with Jesus wherever He went.
II. Jesus is with us through whatever storm we face. Mark 4:37-38 (NKJV) 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"
a. The storm was so great that the Ship began to be filled with water. We have all experienced some storms in our lives or we are going thru one now. We may feel like we are going under from the immensity of our storm.
b. While this great storm was going on Jesus slept in the midst of it. The disciples feared lest they perish. Have you ever felt that Jesus has turned a blind eye to your situation? That the door to Heaven is closed! We pray and nothing seems to happen!Just when we think it's too late, Jesus shows up right on time. c. Jesus can bring peace in your storm. [Mark 4:39] (NKJV) Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. Jesus can still the storm in your life and bring peace to your soul if you call on Him and trust Him. It does not matter what the storm or trial is or how terrifying it may be—Jesus is able to deliver and bring about the most assuring calm. Few trials could be as terrifying as being caught in a life-threatening storm at sea. In this experience God has demonstrated His wonderful care and power to deliver the believer through all the storms of life.
d. Jesus cares for you more than you could ever know. [1 Peter 5:6-7] 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Jesus has the power to control every situation. Whatever we are facing or will face in the future Jesus is well able to help us through it as He brings calm and peace to our souls. He invites us to ask, seek, and knock. They had Jesus in the boat but they still had to ask Him to intervene. We can bring every situation to Him in prayer. If Jesus is in your boat (life) it will not sink. Jesus should be our Savior, to whom we turn with all our needs and fears, knowing that he does care and will help. Last part of Hebrews 13:5 For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
III. Jesus says peace and calmness comes through faith. [Mark 4:40-41] 40 But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!" They wanted him to do something; he wanted them to trust him, to use their faith! Despite all that the disciples had seen and heard thus far, and despite their belief in Jesus as the Messiah, they still had not grasped that Jesus was himself God, given God’s power and authority over all of creation.
a. Faith comes through God's word! Faith means trust. Jesus asked them “where is your faith”? Romans 10:17 says “Faith-trust comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” When we read God’s word over our situation it is sure to bring the faith and peace we need in every situation we have to face. By acting on God's Word and not merely reacting to the situation, we'll be able to manage our emotions instead of allowing them to manage us. Confess the Word of God over your situation. Even though what you confess may be the opposite of how you feel, keep doing it. God's word is greater than your feelings. God's Word has inherent power in it to change our feelings, bring comfort to us, and quiet our distraught emotions and change situations. The word is living and powerful; sharper than a two edged sword. (Heb. 4:12) Through the word we are born again. Then the word of God continues to work faith in us; and through the word faith is activated. Read the word of God over your situation. Keep yourself occupied with the word, and give it time. The word has divine life in it; memorize it and carry it in your inmost being, and it will work life in you. It will work in you a faith strong and able for anything as you continue in it. It will give you calm and peace beyond human understanding in the midst of the storm!
Invitation: Is Jesus in your boat (life)? Has He saved you from the penalty of sin and Hell? If not confess your sins against God and ask Jesus to forgive you and invite Him into your life to take charge of you and give you a home in Heaven with Him and the Father. Then as you look to Him, He will help you through life’s great storms that we all have to face.
