Outline Jesus Gives Us Calm in the Midst of Troubles based on Mark 4:35-41

I. Stormy weather lately.

II. The great windstorm in Mark 4.

III. Similar to Jonah in a boat.

IV. Problems can seem like a windstorm.

V. Does Jesus care?

VI. Jesus knew exactly what to do.

VII. Calming words in Matthew 28:20 and Romans 8:31 and Psalm 124:1a, 4-5, and 8). Simply with the words of His mouth, Jesus calms the storms of your souls, too. We don’t know what the future may hold, but we do know that Jesus says he will always be with us. He says: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). He is with you forever. He will never abandon you nor forsake you. He will guard you and protect you and watch over you. Therefore, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). God is on your side, and he will give you peace. In the midst of turmoil, he will grant you peace: “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side . . . then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; then over us would have gone the raging waters. . . . Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 124:1a, 4–5, 8).

VIII. Jesus calmed the biggest storm of death for us.

IX. Powerful peace in Word and Sacrament. He continues to bring powerful peace to you even today. In His words of Baptism, He says, “Peace! You are mine.” In His words for repenting sinners, He says, “Peace! You are forgiven.” In His words that are preached, He says, “Peace! I will be with you always.” In His Words of Institution, He says, “Peace! You are forgiven and fed and strengthened.” Jesus speaks to you a word of peace.

X. Conclusion. In the inevitable, uncontrollable storms and troubles of life, Jesus gives you powerful peace. Jesus gives you a great calm. Jonah did not think he would survive being thrown into the stormy sea. God surprised Jonah and sent a big fish to swallow him up. Jonah stayed in the belly of the big fish for three days and three nights. Then the big fish spit Jonah out onto dry land. Jesus is greater than Jonah. Jesus calmed the storm with His words of command. Jesus is greater than Jonah in that Jesus suffered and died for all the sins and troubles of people like you and me. Jesus is greater than Jonah because Jesus arose on the third day after being in the belly of the grave to conquer sin, death, and the devil for you and for me. Jesus is greater than Jonah because Jesus will return one day to judge all people and the judgment for believers in Jesus will be: “Innocent” thanks to the saving work of Jesus. Amen.

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.