Becoming a Stronger Disciple

WHEN A DISCIPLE FEARS

Jesus really can calm all our fears.

(Mark 4:35-41) That day when evening came, He said to His disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took Him along, just as He was, in the boat. There were also other boats with Him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat , so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to His disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey Him!”

1. Storms Do Come

(37) A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat so that it was nearly swamped.

A. Life has its little storms.

B. But some of life’s storms are so overwhelming - they terrify us.

2. Jesus Will Deliver

(39) He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

A. Jesus responds immediately.

B. Jesus responds completely.

3. Jesus Is God

(41) They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and waves obey Him!”

A. Jesus is all powerful!

(Matthew 28:18) Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.”

B. My understanding of Christ’s power needs to be ever expanding.

4. I Can Rest

(38-40) Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, don’t You care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to His disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

A. Jesus goes through my storms with me.

(Isaiah 43:1-3a) This is what the Lord says... “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I WILL BE WITH YOU; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

B. I don’t need to be afraid.

(Isaiah 41:10) “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

C. I’m just going to trust in Jesus.

(Isaiah 26:3-4) You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord... is the Rock eternal.

D. Then I’m going to rest.

(Matthew 11: 28-29) “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”