The Twelve John 6:16-24

-We can trust Jesus, even when He sends us into the Storm.

300 Illustrations for Preachers (The Big Business of Anxiety)

Preaching Themes: Stress, Faith

What do you worry about? What is it that makes you anxious? Journalist Eric Sevareid (1912–1992) said, “The biggest business in America is not steel, automobiles, or television. It is the manufacture, refinement, and distribution of anxiety.”

The answer to anxiety, although easier to say than practice, is to replace it with trust. Jesus told us not to worry about tomorrow.

—Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

I. Jesus has the Authority to Send Us into a Storm vv. 16-18

When we pick up John’s Gospel this week, we are on the back side of an incredible miracle

Jesus has just fed 5,000 with only a few loaves and fish.

He multiplies the food many times over and demonstrates that He is able to provide for their needs

This has an unintended effect, however, as they try to make Him their king!

How will Jesus respond to this situation?

He withdraws to the mountain alone and spends time with His Father in prayer

He sends His disciples on across the Sea, a picture we get from looking at the parallel passages in Matthew and Mark

Interestingly, Jesus does not send them into an easy situation:

The skies have grown dark

Jesus is not with them as they go (He has rescued them before in Mt. 18!)

The wind is blowing and the seas are rough

However, there are two things that are of greatest significance as they face the storm:

Jesus has sent them into the storm

Jesus is watching over them in the storm

It turns out, you can fully trust Jesus, even when the way seems difficult, because He genuinely cares for us!

At my house, we have become great fans of Life360. It’s an app that allows us to know where our kids are. We’re not paranoid and we aren’t trying to control their lives. We just care about them. We want to know that they are ok. We are ready to act if they need us. In the same way, the Lord is paying attention. He is mindful of us, because He loves us!

Matthew 10:29–31

[29] Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. [30] But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. [31] Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (ESV)

II. Jesus has the Ability to Save Us in a Storm vv. 19-21

As we move forward, I think there is something very noteworthy about this situation:

The primary issue for the disciples is not fear, but frustration

They have been rowing for some time, likely 6-8 hours, but they have only covered 3-4 miles

They are fighting against a head wind and their best efforts seem completely futile

They are not drowning in the waves, but instead it feels like they are just fighting the sea

They are doing exactly what Jesus told them to do and it feels impossible. It’s fruitless!

Something frightening does happen to them, however. They see a spirit!

Someone is walking across the water and they have no idea who it is

It turns out that He is not bound by the laws of nature; they serve Him, not the other way around!

At this point, the disciples do not know who is walking on the Sea and they are terrified

Jesus reveals His identity to them in a powerful way:

It is Jesus, their Master and friend

He says, literally, “I AM! Do not be afraid”

He ties His identity to the Lord, the God of Israel

They welcome Him into the boat, but He is rescuing them, not the other way around

Further, when He gets in the boat they are immediately taken to the other side; the futility and frustration of the moment pass as He acts on behalf of His people with His supernatural power

We do not have to live with frustration and fear in the middle of the storm; we can simply trust in Jesus!

My Favorite Illustrations Faith through the Storm

I first rode an airplane in 1945, flying from Mobile, Alabama, to Atlanta, Georgia. Going and coming the sun was shining, and we had a smooth flight. I trusted the plane, or else I would not have flown in it.

My third flight was to Miami, Florida. The flight down was so smooth. I was sold on air travel. But on the return trip, we had to travel through a terrific storm. Flying through the storm cloud was like flying through buttermilk. The plane bucked and reared. At times I could not even see the wings. Once when we hit a down draft, I did not know if we were five thousand or five feet off the ground. I thought the wings had broken off. I was sure we were falling.

When we landed safely in Mobile, Frances met me at the airport. After I told her what had happened, she said, “I knew something was wrong. You are green in the face.”

Well, that experience shook my faith in flying. Until one day I said to myself, “That experience should have strengthened my faith in flying. I now have seen what a plane can endure and still land safely.”

A parallel exists to having faith in God. When we see how He can bring us safely through life’s storms, our faith in Him is strengthened that He can do it over and over again.

III. Jesus has the Answer for Seekers after a Storm vv. 22-24

The next day, the crowd on the other side of Galilee is left with questions:

They cannot find Jesus anywhere and they know that He did not travel with His disciples

They are more than happy to look for Him, but there is so much they do not understand!

Here is what they do not understand:

He is more than they think: He does not just give bread, but He is the bread that came down from Heaven

He is greater than they imagine: He is a King, but not just a king of men. He is King over all Creation

He is worthy of their seeking:

They do not understand Him

They do not have perfect intentions

However, when they seek, they will find Him!

Are you seeking Him?

1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching Fear of Wasted Life

Ray Stedman told the story of a time when, after a Billy Graham crusade meeting, he slipped into a seat on a bus beside a young man who had gone forward in the meeting that night and given his heart to Christ. Pastor Stedman spoke to him of what his new life would mean, and mentioned that he could now be free from all fear of death. The young man turned and looked the older man in the eye and said, “I have never been much afraid of death. But I’ll tell you what I am afraid of—I’m afraid I’ll waste my life.”

Pastor Stedman then commented, “I believe that fear is deep within each of us. It has been put there by our Creator. No one wishes to waste his life.” (Cited in Ray Stedman, Authentic Christianity [Portland, Or.: Multnomah Press, 1985], p. 152.)503

Jeremiah 29:11–13

[11] For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. [12] Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. [13] You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. (ESV)

Matthew 7:7–8

[7] “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. [8] For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. (ESV)