Seeds of Faith Podcast

The text for this lesson is Mark 4:35–41.

Key Points

• Just as Jesus calmed the storm with His Word for the frightened disciples, so He calms and ends the storm of sin and its certain death by taking our sin on Himself and dying in our place so we may live eternally.
• Law: “God doesn’t care about us, our fears, our sufferings, our anything.” That’s what we think, all too often, when the storms of life hit. We feel God is giving us the cold shoulder, or, worse by far, wonder if He even exists. Fear suffocates faith, leading ultimately to despair and hopelessness.
• Gospel: God does care. In the vast cosmos, nothing is as much the object of His love as you. Though, when walking through this valley of sorrow (or being tossed about in a ferocious sea), it seems the Lord is heartless, He is anything but. He is with you. At the right time, He will provide peace through His Word, bring you out of the valley and storm, and calm your trembling heart.

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Context

This story is preceded by several parables about the kingdom of God, as well as its King, Christ Himself. The crossing of the Sea of Galilee, though a true story, also serves as a kind of parable, one acted out. This body of water is particularly susceptible to such sudden squalls as befell the disciples. A similar incident occurred later, at which time Peter tried his footing on the boisterous waters (Matthew 14:22–33; Mark 6:45–51).

Discussion Points and Questions

1. What does the Gospel of Jesus Christ have to do with our day-to-day troubles, or even those more stressful times of life, such as financial crisis, marital conflict, or the suffering of a loved one? To know that our sins are forgiven and that we live forever with Christ in heaven is good and true, but how does that help you now?
2. Jesus has been preaching to the crowds by employing parables (Mark 4:33). He has been teaching them of the kingdom of God. Now evening has come, and what does Jesus say? Why is He so ready to move on?
3. Take note of who goes with Him “to the other side.” Who accompanies Him across the sea, and what becomes the condition of the sea? What does the boat on the stormy sea symbolize (see 1 Peter 3:20–21), and how does that symbol seem problematic in Mark’s account?
4. What do the disciples say when they wake Jesus? Is the assessment of their condition completely accurate?
5. How does Jesus respond to their request? Is He critical of the disciples? Why or why not?
6. See Genesis 1:1–10. What does Jesus’ rebuke and calming of the storm demonstrate? What kind of “fear” are the disciples filled with?
7. Read Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 10:13. Does the story in Mark help us understand this any more? How does God help us when we feel burdened or tempted by great suffering or distress?
8. See Psalm 102:25–27. What does it mean to perish?

Next week, we begin our Spring quarter of Growing in Christ! Please continue to join us and share this podcast with your teachers, colleagues, and friends.