[FEAR FOR FAITH] Mark 4.35-41                                                                                            10.06.2019

CFA | Pastor Tracy Cook

 

TEXT Mark 4.35-41 ESV

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?”

Jesus only makes three short responses to the storm and the disciples’ reaction. These responses to the disciples help us address our own challenge between fear and faith.

  • PEACE! BE STILL!

Jesus Christ is Lord over creation and nature.

Psalm 69.1-2; Psalm 89.9; Psalm 106.9; Psalm 107.25

Why is Jesus asleep?

  1. He’s tired.
  2. His faith is greater than fear.

Following Jesus’ command to the storm: “Silence!” he follows with 2 questions directed to His disciples:

  • WHY ARE YOU SO AFRAID?

The disciples feared greatly. Fear of the storm paralyzes, immobilizes, and debilitates. Fear weakens our resolve and our faith.

“Why are you afraid?” It seems like a logical thing to be afraid of a life-threatening storm. But NOT with the perspective of having the Creator of the Universe in the boat with you! Jesus is in your boat!

  • HAVE YOU STILL NO FAITH?

No other biblical command is repeated more often than “Fear not.”

“Although Jesus may not always appear to be present or to care, He will deliver His people who are in various kinds of trouble. Therefore, His disciples should never doubt.” – James Brooks

Faithlessness leads to unfaithfulness. Being faithful will grow your faith.

Psalm 107.23-32