Mark 4:35-51
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This is the first (seventh) week in our mini-series on The Fruit of the Spirit. This sermon is called "The Peace of Jesus"
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
Connect What are you tempted to boast in? What might you change to boast only in the cross of Christ?
Warm-Up
- Do you think most people long for peace? What type of peace do they long for?
- If most people long for peace, why do you think they simultaneously consider it unreachable?
- What is the biblical idea of shalom all about? How is this greater than a worldly idea of peace?
Read Mark 4:35-41
- Have you ever been on a boat during a storm? What was it like?
- What was Jesus doing during the storm? Why do you think the disciples were so upset?
- Why do you think they may have thought that Jesus’ inaction equated to a lack of care?
- When you’re in the midst of trouble and afraid, do you ever feel a bit like the disciples?
- Does God promise us a trouble-free life as Christians? How have you known peace amidst storms?
- What question does Jesus (first) ask the disciples? Why should they not be afraid? Why shouldn’t we?
- Are there any particular things that you’re afraid of? Is your relationship with God helpful?
- What happens after they cross the lake? How was the storm a spiritual preview of what happens next?
- What is the second part of Jesus’ question? Was this about the strength or the object of their faith?
- What had the disciples seemingly failed to grasp who Jesus is and therefore have faith in him?
- When Jesus calms the storm, how do the disciples respond? Why do they go from afraid to terrified?
- Why is it impossible to have true peace apart from Jesus? When afraid, what helps you look to Jesus?
Read Romans 5:1-5
- What is the ultimate peace that we need? How did Jesus achieve this for us? How do we receive it?
- How were we enemies with God? How are we involved in proclaiming the peace made possible to all?
- How do we all have a role in being peacemakers? For what purposes?
Read John 14:25-27
- In what way does Jesus give differently to how the world gives? Why is this such good news?
- In what way is the peace given to us both now and not yet? What type of future do we look forward to?
- By what power can you experience God’s peace today?
Apply What is a signal (e.g., a thought, feeling, or behaviour) that indicates that you are beginning to fear? How could you rely on God’s power in those times to know the peace and presence of Jesus more?
Prayer
Holy Spirit, we pray that this day you will fill us with yourself and cause your fruit to ripen in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Amen.
Going deeper resources
On Your Frontline this Week
How have you seen God at work? Take some time to give thanks.
For Families
- Download: some of the family resources to use at home: stbartskids.org
Listen, Watch, and Read
- Listen (sermon): “Peace — Overcoming Anxiety” by Tim Keller:
https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/peace/ - Listen (sermon): “The Promise of Peace” by Chris Wright:
https://www.allsouls.org/Media/AllMedia.aspx?show_media=98975&show_file=108668 - Water (video): “Shalom — Peace” by the Bible Project:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLYORLZOaZE - Listen (sermon): “Does God care?” by Vaughan Roberts:
https://stebbes.org/sermons/does-god-care/#sermons - Listen (sermon): The Omnipotent King” by Pete Wilkinson:
https://stebbes.org/sermons/the-omnipotent-king/#sermons
Series Resources
- Read (book): “The Freedom Trap” by Priyan Max Jeganathan. 📚
- Read (book): “Why the Gospel” by Matthew Bates.
- Read (commentary): “Galatians (The Story of God)” by Nijay Gupta.
- Read (commentary): “Galatians for Everyone” by Tom Wright.
Watch (video): “Galatians” by the Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-galatians/
