WHEN STORMS COME

DVD Teaching Notes

Perceptions of water

The disciples’ catch

The disciples’ terrifying night

Peter’s courage”

Choices of Faith

As we go through life, we will face frightening, difficult “storms” that threaten to overwhelm us. Like Jesus’ disciples, we must choose how to respond when we encounter such circumstances. Let’s read what the Bible says about the disciples’ terrifying night on the Sea of Galilee and then consider the experiences of a few other people who took courageous steps of faith when they faced challenging life storms.

1. Jesus and his disciples had gone by boat to a quiet place for some much-needed rest, but thousands of people followed them, which led to the feeding of the five thousand (Mark 6:34 – 44).

a. At the end of the day, what did Jesus have his disciples do, and what did he do?

What ideas do you have about why he did this? (See Mark 6:45 – 52.)

b. What do you think the disciples were thinking and feeling as they struggled against the wind and waves?

c. How did Jesus respond to their cries?

What key words did he use, and why do you think he spoke to them as he did?

2. Now read Matthew’s account of this story in Matthew 14:25 – 34.

a. Based on Peter’s initial response to Jesus, what can we conclude about his desire to be a disciple of Jesus, to be like his rabbi in every way?

b. How much courage did it take for Peter to exercise this level of faith?

c. What did Peter (and the rest of the disciples) doubt and fear, and how did these emotions affect their faith?

3. Just as Peter stepped out of the boat in faith to follow Jesus, we also have the opportunity to follow Jesus and do whatever he asks, no matter how frightening the situation or unknown the result. Following Jesus took the disciples to Gennesaret instead of Bethsaida, and it may take us in entirely new directions — perhaps in our relationships, our careers, or in how we share the gospel message. Read and discuss the following stories from the Bible that highlight people who took steps of courage and faith in their walk with God.

Scripture Text on Choices of Faith

What courageous steps did the people involved take, and what was their attitude as they stepped forward?

What obstacle(s) that could have shaken their faith did they have to overcome, and where did their step of faith lead?

Mark 10:46 – 52

John 9:1 – 7, 24 – 38

Matt. 8:5 – 13

Faith Lesson

When we face life’s inevitable “storms,” we can choose to obey and trust God — or we can choose to follow our own path. Just as the disciples cried out to Jesus that night on the stormy Sea of Galilee, we also can cry out to him, step out in faith to follow him, and in turn receive what he provides for those who love him.

1. Given the mind-set of the disciples’ culture — the evil that the storm-swept sea represented to them — can you imagine how terrified they must have been when they first saw Jesus?

How would you describe their fear?

Which situations and circumstances in life frighten you?

How do you respond, and where do you turn for help when you come face-to-face with those fears?

2. As you face difficult “storms” that threaten to overwhelm you, which truths about God’s character encourage you to persevere?

3. The disciples had seen Jesus’ power demonstrated in many ways, yet when Jesus calmed the sea, they exclaimed, “Truly you are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33).

a. What have you seen God do that causes you to marvel and worship him?

b. How has that action of God affected your desire to follow him faithfully?

4. Which courageous step(s) might God be calling you to take today?

Closing

Please read aloud Psalm 9:10: “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Then pray together, focusing on the awesome love and power of God. Thank him for his commitment to help you face life’s storms and for always being faithful and trustworthy. Determine to call out to him quickly when storms erupt in your life. Ask him to help you to not be afraid and to exercise trusting, persevering faith in him.

Memorize

Psalm 9:10 Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

“First-Century Galilean Boat

The replica below shows the type of boat the disciples would have used on the Sea of Galilee. It was reconstructed based on the remains of a first-century boat found buried in the mud of the Sea of Galilee. Imagine what it would have been like to be one of Jesus’ disciples during that stormy night!

• The wooden boat is twenty-six feet long and seven and a half feet wide.

• It would have had a crew of five: four members would have rowed at the two pairs of oars, the fifth would have steered. It also carried a small sail.

• The boat could have held several people in addition to the crew.

• A cushion could be placed on the small deck at either end of the boat so a person could sleep there.

• The sides of the boat were low to make it easier to cast nets over the side and draw them in. Waves did not have to be high to threaten the boat!

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