Don’t Forget Who Is In Your Boat

Mark 4:35-41

Introduction:

Today we are switching things up from Philippians and will be in Mark chapter 4, verses 35-41. The title of today’s message is this: Don’t Forget Who Is In Your Boat

When was the last time you experienced a storm in your life?

You are either going into a storm, coming out of a storm, or you are going through a storm right now

Talk about growing up on the lake in the summers with Travis’ family: storms would come up out of nowhere, sometimes we were close by to the house, other times we were on the other side of the lake.

No matter how big or small those storms were, they always came and went in time.

Today we are going to go through one of my favorite stories in the Bible about true faith: Jesus rebuking the storm while the disciples were in the boat. The lessons of true faith in Jesus, no matter our circumstances.

Prayer:

Read the text:

Mark 4:35-41

How did we get here:

Read Mark 4:1-2

He was teaching by the sea side at the Sea of Galilee. He was there all day. The crowd kept growing throughout the day that He was teaching from the boat.

Parables were introduced.

What we see in Mark 4:35-41 is Jesus taking the disciples out of the classroom and allowing them to experience a storm (Reality, real life, put them to the test). True faith is shown when storms come and you trust in Jesus. All we need in life is faith the size of a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20)

Walk through the text

Reminder 1: Remember Who is in control

Read Verse 35

He knew they had to get to the other side. Jesus still had more work to do, more miracles to perform.

Explain: He and the disciples were getting to the other side. He had more work to do. No difficulties would get in His way.

It’s important to listen to the Lord carefully, know His words.

This was not just another boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.

We can ALWAYS rely on the words of Christ, no matter what our circumstances in life are.

How easily do we forget the truths we know about Jesus, what He has already done for us, His promises when life's circumstances take center stage and He isn’t the focus at that time.

Read Verse 36

They took Jesus with them in the boat. Dont miss that important fact. Jesus was physically in the boat with them.

We must ALWAYS focus on JESUS, not our circumstances. The enemy convinces you that your circumstance is more than Jesus, or bigger than Jesus. Don’t let the enemy deceive you. The enemy has already been defeated, don’t ever forget that. Jesus did what we couldn’t.

One of my favorite local pastors/christian counselors once told me that: “The more time we spend focusing our thoughts on God and HIS word, the more our hearts will be kept in peace. That is a powerful thought, especially in a world that is constantly looking for peace and unity.”

Reminder 2: Remember Who is listening

Read Verses 37-39

He heard the disciples when they cried for help

Explain: This was no ordinary storm that the disciples had experienced. They feared for their lives. Which is why they sought the One who could save them.

The Sea of Galilee is 680 feet below sea level. Meaning it’s one of the lowest-lying bodies of water in the entire world. The body of water can become quite warm at times, causing storms to frequently and suddenly happen.

Remember the disciples knew these waters, they fished these waters often to provide before Jesus called them to be His disciples. They experienced storms before, but not like this one.

One Commentary says “When Christ seems as if he slept in a storm, he is awakened by the prayers of his people; when we know not what to do, our eyes must be on him.” They experienced a true miracle. Only Jesus could do this, not the disciples. There is power in His name and His word. Don't ever forget that.

When he is physically exhausted (the human part of Jesus), the deity of Jesus shows up to calm the storm. Only Jesus.

Don’t forget the disciples were there all day with Jesus too. They were tired too.

The enemy knows when you are weakest (tired, sleepy, brain isn't fully functioning). Always be on guard.

I am guilty of this too.

Reminder 3: Remember Who is in your boat

Read Verses 40-41

He challenged their faith when the storm came

Two things stand out: First thing is the fact he calmed the storm before rebuking the disciples. They would not be in a state of listening until the storm ceased. And secondly, when He says how is it that ye have no faith? Fear caused them to seek Jesus. Yet they didn’t trust that He would save them, based on them questioning Him allowing the storm to possibly take their lives.

We can easily do that when our walk with Him isn't where it should be. Or we are not fully surrendered to His plans and His will. Remember the truths in the bible. Study them daily. Meditate on them.

The disciples forgot that Jesus already told them “Let us pass over unto the other side.”

He will never leave us, nor forsake us.

Run to Jesus in the storms of life, run to His word, go to Him in prayer always.

How often do we doubt Jesus when storms come into our lives?

I am guilty of this too.

Applications:

1. Trust Jesus in the storms of life

2. Grow your faith by knowing who Jesus really is

Where Do We Go From Here:

Spend the next few minutes in prayer. God may be calling you to repent. God may be calling you to draw closer to Jesus this morning if you have strayed. God may be calling you to surrender to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and start your relationship with Him today. If you do not have a relationship with Jesus, if he truly is not your Lord and Savior, I would love to talk to you right now about how you can leave here with a relationship with Jesus Christ today!

However God has spoken to you this morning to respond, do it!