Finding peace in Life's tempests

I. Intro

How many of you today can say I’ve been in a storm or two before? We all can say that life has given us its fair share of storms.

In todays lesson we will learn how storms can come suddenly without any warning at all.

Bible Passage: Mk 4:35–41

Summary: In this passage, Jesus demonstrates His authority over nature by calming a violent storm, teaching His disciples about faith and trust in times of crisis.

Application: This sermon can help Christians understand that, amid life's challenges and uncertainties, they can find peace through faith in Christ, who is present with them in the storms of life. Emphasizing trust in Jesus during crises can provide comfort and encourage reliance on His promises.

Teaching: The sermon will teach the significance of placing our faith in Jesus, especially when life becomes chaotic. It will explore how our response to life's storms reflects our understanding of Jesus' identity and power.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader biblical narrative, Jesus' calming of the storm reveals His divine authority, akin to God’s command over creation. This act points to His role as the Messiah who brings peace and restoration, fulfilling the prophecies about His power and sovereignty.

Big Idea: In the midst of life’s storms, Jesus offers peace to those who trust in Him, reminding us that faith in Him is the antidote to fear and anxiety.

Recommended Study: Consider utilizing your Logos library to explore the historical and cultural context of storms in first-century Palestine, particularly how such events were viewed in the ancient world. Additionally, you might delve into the Greek text for insights into key phrases and words that convey meaning, particularly regarding fear and faith. Exploring commentaries that discuss parallels in the Old Testament could further enrich your understanding of Jesus' authority in this passage.

II. Main Points

A. Setting Out with Jesus

Mk 4:35–36

In theses verses of scripture we see the calm before the storm. Verse 35 starts out by saying, “on that day.” The day the writer is referring to is the same day that Christ had taught in parables—the parable of the sower and those parables about the kingdom of God. On the evening of that day (probably afternoon since all the people were waiting for him on the other side Mk. 5:21) Jesus says, “let us go across to the other side.” Luke’s account gives a bit more detailed of instructions: “let us go across the other side of the lake” (Lk. 8:22). The lake is likely the sea of Galilee. And according to Mark 5:20, they reached Decapolis, a federation of cities east of the sea of Galilee.

Some things we notice in these verses of scripture are:

Jesus is the one giving the directions. There is no doubt that Christ knew this storm was coming. In fact, given everything we know about God, this storm was ordained by God.

The direction to pass over to the other side came after their learning and being with Jesus. How often do we go from learning to straight into the fire or the storm.

There were people who needed Jesus waiting on the other side.

the man with an unclean spirit Mk 5:1-20

the woman with an issue of blood Mk 5:25-34

Jairus daughter Mk 5:21-24, 35-41.

B. Sleeping Savior in the Storm

Mk 4:37–38

windstorm (Gk lailaps, lye, laps). hurricane; storm; gust. sense: squall-sudden violent winds; often accompanied by precipitation.

As the violent storm threatens the ship, Christ remains asleep due to his weariness. Christ is completely undisturbed by the howling tempest.

we noticed that the disciples are battling problems externally and internally. and as things progressively gets worse, they begin to question Christ care. “And they woke him and said to him, Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”

In Matthews account it is recorded that Christ addresses their faith.

Matthew 8:26 ESV

26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

the disciples had some faith; enough faith to approach Christ as he slept. However, they questioned his care for them.

At times we may find ourselves in a violent storm like these disciples. Whether it be financial trouble, problems with a wayward child, the list goes on. We seem to be battling storms without and within. It is in these moments that we continue steadfast and trust Christ presence with us.

C. Silencing the Storm

Mk 4:39

After he awakes, Christ rebukes the wind and the sea. The word “rebuke” is usually used in a corrective sense. Here, Christ appears to be correcting the wind and the sea.

We see the deity of Christ here. Only God has control over the sea:

Psalm 104:5–7 ESV

5 He set the earth on its foundations, so that it should never be moved. 6 You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. 7 At your rebuke they fled; at the sound of your thunder they took to flight.

calls to mind the Exodus:

Psalm 106:9 ESV

9 He rebuked the Red Sea, and it became dry, and he led them through the deep as through a desert.

be still means to be muzzled.

there was a great calm Observe the sovereign power of Christ. That at his word, chaos is turned into calm. He speaks the word and the wind and sea obey.

Psalm 65:5–8 ESV

5 By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas; 6 the one who by his strength established the mountains, being girded with might; 7 who stills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples, 8 so that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs. You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy.

D. Searching for Faith

Mk 4:40–41

Christ concludes by asking them, “why were you so afraid? Have you no faith?” The disciples by now knew who Jesus was. Rather than acting in fear, they should have acted in faith.

the wind and sea obey him Christ shows that He is God because only God controls the sea:

Psalm 89:9 ESV

9 You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them.

Psalm 93:4 ESV

4 Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty!

III. Conclusion