Our church is currently studying the book of Mark. For twenty-eight weeks we're walking through the book and talking about the action-packed story of Jesus. Mark was more concerned with what Jesus did than what Jesus said. For this series I volunteered to write the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.
Small Group Questions ||| Remember ||| Mark 4:35-41
After Jesus taught the people with parables, He invited the disciples to travel to the other side of the lake. Most of Jesus’ miracles were driving out demons, healing the sick, or inviting the lame to walk. In this account we see that Jesus has power over all of creation. Jesus has the power to tell the weather and nature how to act. It seemed the the disciples were surprised that He had control over this aspect of life also. In fact, the disciples left the entire situation being terrified by what they had just experienced.
1) How can you explain the fact that the disciples had seen Jesus heal the sick, teach with the power, & do miracles but they were surprised that He could calm the storm?
2) Read Mark 4:38. What emotions do you think were expressed on the boat that evening in the Sea of Galilee? Share a time when you felt very close to Jesus but something happened in your life that caused you to doubt His presence.
3) Fear is a very real emotion. At times our fear can drown our faith and render us seemingly useless for the Kingdom of God. Read 1 John 4:18 and talk about the perfect love of Jesus drives out fear in our lives and in the story with the disciples.
4) Jesus answered the disciples question with action by calming the storm (read Mark 5:39-41). The account pictures Jesus as doing only what was possible for God to accomplish in the Old Testament (read Psalm 107:29–30). Talk about how Jesus has power over all creation (see Genesis 1:1-3 and John 1:1-14).
5) The words translated “rebuked” and “be still” were used in Mark 1:25 with reference to an exorcism. This consideration may imply a demonic element in the storm. How come there would be a possible demonic element to the storm?
6) Jesus put the disciples faith into question. Jesus didn’t ask the question because He wanted an answer, Jesus wanted them to think about their irrational fear and faith. Read Hebrews 11 and talk about the men and women of faith who have proceeded us. What encourages you most about this hall of faith list?
7) Mark taught us to remember that storms come and go, but God’s love and presence are consistent. Some people think God is mad at them or has negative thoughts to them, but that isn’t true (read Jeremiah 29:11 and 1 Peter 2:9). Talk about how these good thoughts impact how we live our lives.
Close your time in prayer.
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