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!”

Jesus has power over all things.

MARK 4:35-41

OCTOBER 21, 2018

Experiencing Jesus’ power helps us to move from...

1. fear: The storms make it difficult to see Jesus for who he is. “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4–9

2. to faith: Jesus is powerful and able to calm the storm. “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side. Psalm 3:4–6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. Proverbs 11:28

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17–19

Stewardship Focus: We give to put our trust in God and not ourselves.

AMAZING POWER

((Message Outline on back panel)

Awe and Wonder: Experiencing Jesus in the Gospel of Mark: Jesus’ teaching and works amazed his disciples, his opponents and the crowds. As Jesus demonstrates the Kingdom of God, we are left in awe and wonder, and invited to follow him and join him wherever he goes. Make a commitment to read this passage every day this week. What amazes you about Jesus?

My reflection: My action:

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS Awe and Wonder: Experiencing Jesus in the Gospel of MarkAmazing PowerKey Scripture: Mark 4:35-41

CONNECT• What was something that you remember being afraid of as a child? How did you

deal with your fears? Was there anything that helped calm your fears?• When have you been amazed by someone else’s faith?• From whom have you learned the greatest part of your understanding of faith?

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION• Read Mark 4:35-41 aloud. What did you especially appreciate or need to hear

from this week’s scripture or message? How will you apply it to your life? What did you notice about yourself by reflecting daily on this week’s scripture?

• In what way can you identify with the disciples? What did the disciples learn

about Jesus in the storm?

• How do you react to Jesus when he seems to be asleep in your life? In what area of your life is it hard to have faith? In what ways has God shown his love and care for you when you were afraid?

• Why do you think the disciples were still afraid after Jesus calmed the storm? How does it differ from their previous fears?

• What keeps you from releasing your fears and moving to deeper faith?

• To what degree do you believe that Jesus has the power to be with you in the storms of life? How would your prayers reflect an increasing level of faith in Jesus?

• What does this passage reveal to you about the mystery of God’s presence? What causes our faith to grow? What hinders our faith? What builds your trust in Jesus?

• What do you want to remember the next time something in your life feels out of your control?

• What, in your experience, has been the relationship between finances and possessions with fear and faith?

• How could a change in our attitude and behaviors toward financial generosity help us move from fear to faith in our relationship with Christ?

• What does the simple act of giving reflect about our relationship with Jesus?

OCTOBER 21, 2018

SPIRITUAL PRACTICEPrepare: For a moment, think about the faith that was growing in these disciples as they experienced Jesus’ power. As you listen to this familiar passage read, can you hear it as if you are in the boat with the others? As if Jesus is speaking to you? Imagine what it feels like to be in the boat as the wind and waves begin to swell. Close your eyes as you listen.Leader reads Mark 4:35-41: As you listen, focus on the disciples (pause to respond to the prompt).• What does the expression on their faces tell you about them?

Leader re-reads Mark 4:35-41: As you are tossed back and forth on the boat, focus on Jesus.• What do you feel as you see Jesus asleep while you fear for your life?

• What storms or difficulties are you going through right now that make you wonder whether Jesus’ power can save you?

• What can you imagine Jesus saying to you in this moment? Ask Jesus to show you the ways he is present, with his power, in your struggles.

• Who would be impacted if your faith and trust in Jesus expanded?

Group Debrief: What did you notice about yourself in observing the disciples and Jesus? Describe how you feel doing this exercise (i.e. challenged, inspired, comforted)?

PRAYER and BENEDICTIONShare your requests: Are there personal challenges the group can pray for this week?Pray for one another: Thank God for what you have learned in this passage and ask God for wisdom to apply it during the coming week. Close by praying Philippians 4:4-9 aloud.

AT-HOME DAILY CHALLENGEContinue to read and reflect on scripture daily. In addition to the daily passage, take time to read all of Mark 4 during the week. Journal your reflections and actions using the following prompts:

What amazes you about Jesus from this passage? How could you respond to Jesus’ teaching in this passage? What is the work Jesus is inviting you to participate in with him today? What is the work you desire to submit to God today? Take a moment to reflect on the promise that Jesus is present with you and calling you to trust him in the midst of your current challenge.