OCTOBER 19, 2024
SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: Mark 4:35-41
A video introduction using illustrations, personal stories, metaphors, or active learning examples to begin the discussion.
After the video, prompts are supplied for thinking and sharing with others personal perception and experience. This opening activity prompts participants to think about and relate to the topic, and to share with others.
What is a crisis? A period of severe difficulty, danger, or distress that requires urgent decision-making or action.
When there is a crisis, what is your tendency? (Choose two)
Explain your answer and include why two options are more accurate for you?
When someone has the authority and mindset to help, how does the atmosphere change for others?
The Bible discussion begins with a careful reading of the whole passage, either from your own Bibles, or from the provided images below.
Then participants are to ask:
Jesus Calms the Storm
35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 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?”
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.
40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
The saying, "Crisis doesn't build character; it reveals it," makes sense, but the byproduct of experiences can strengthen and shape your ability to respond better in the future. (Remember the words of Paul in 2 Timothy 4:5.)
Presence in Crisis: How does the fact that Jesus was in the boat with the disciples during the storm reflect His presence in our struggles? The fact that Jesus is sleeping does not really calm the disciples, but in retrospect, the question is heightened, “Who is this Person?” This question comes from reflection—it doesn’t occur in the stressful moment. Look back and consider the ways God has walked through many of your difficult times, and ask: Who is this that can speak to the wind and the waves and cause them to obey?
What practices can help us connect with His calming presence—help us look to our Captain!
Is there a part of your life today that seems to be in crisis? How can you look to the One who calms the wind and the waves, and are you willing trust Christ when it seems like He is sleeping?
A parting video clip with a personal invitation to apply the message to “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ” in the coming week.