Mark 4:35-41
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
Main Idea
YOU CAN HAVE FAITH BECAUSE GOD IS FAITHFUL.
Outline
Discussion Questions
VV35–38
1. What made the disciples afraid in this passage?
2. Why do you think the disciples interpreted the storm as evidence that Jesus did not care about them?
3. In what ways do we feed our fears by focusing on what might happen rather than on who God is?
4. Why is it so easy to forget God's past faithfulness when we are facing a new storm?
5. How can focusing too much on ourselves keep us from recognizing what God has already done?
6. What fears or uncertainties are currently competing for your attention?
VV39–40
1. What does Jesus calming the storm reveal about Jesus's authority?
2. Why is it important to remember that there is no uncertainty, anxiety, or circumstance beyond God's authority?
3. How can we acknowledge that pain and difficulty are real while still trusting that God remains in control?
4. What is the difference between blind trust and faith based on what God has revealed about God's character and promises?
5. What are some examples of God's faithfulness that you have seen in Scripture or in your own life?
How can gratitude help us pause, recognize God's faithfulness, and change our perspective during difficult circumstances?
VV40–41
1. Why does Jesus connect the disciples' fear with their lack of faith?
2. What had the disciples forgotten about who was in the boat with them?
3. Why do both fear and faith require our full attention?
4. How does knowing that God is good, faithful, consistent, and in control give us confidence when circumstances feel out of control?
5. If you have time, read Jonah 1:4-16. The storm in Jonah's story was also under God's authority and was used for a purpose. What does that teach us about God's ability to work through storms rather than simply remove them or avoid them?
6. When the next storm comes, what can help you focus on who God is rather than becoming consumed by what is happening around you?
Looking Forward
When storms come, fear focuses our attention on what might overtake us while faith focuses our attention on the God who remains in control. What is one fear you can intentionally answer this week by remembering who God is and how God has been faithful?
Prayer Focus
Pray for…
• Faith to trust God when circumstances feel uncertain or out of control
• Gratitude that remembers and recognizes God's past faithfulness
• Confidence to keep our focus on Jesus rather than on the storms