Gospel of Mark Part 27: Jesus Calms the Storm [Small Group Discussion]
- Rev. Bruce A. Shields
- Jul 5
- 3 min read
Title: Faith in the Midst of the Storm
Scripture Focus: Mark 4:35-41 – “And on that day, when evening came, He said to them, ‘Let us go over to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd, they took Him along with them in the boat, just as He was; and other boats were with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat so that the boat was already filling up. And Jesus Himself was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion; and they got Him up and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?’ And He woke up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Silence! Be still.’ And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. And He said to them, ‘Why are you so cowardly? Do you still have no faith?’ And they became very afraid and were saying to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?’”
OPENING QUESTION
Can you remember a time when you faced a “storm” in life and saw God bring peace in the middle of it? How did that experience change your faith?
BACKGROUND
After a long day of teaching, Jesus instructed His disciples to cross the Sea of Galilee. A violent storm arose, filling the boat with water, and the disciples feared for their lives. Jesus, sleeping peacefully in the stern, was awakened by their cries. With a word, He calmed the wind and waves, then challenged their lack of faith. This miracle revealed not only His authority over creation but also His expectation that His followers trust Him in life’s storms.
KEY POINTS
1. Storms Are Inevitable
Being a Christian does not exempt us from life’s hardships (Matthew 7:24-27).
Storms can be literal (natural disasters) or figurative (illness, financial struggles, loss, persecution).
Sometimes storms come because we follow Christ (John 16:33, 2 Timothy 3:12).
The apostles faced repeated trials, yet continued in faith (Acts 14:22, 1 Peter 4:12).
2. Jesus Is Present in the Storm
The disciples had Jesus in the boat, yet still panicked—revealing their lack of understanding of who He truly was (Mark 4:40-41).
Fear often grows when we believe the storm is greater than the Savior.
Faith shifts our focus from the size of the storm to the power of Jesus.
3. His Word Is Our Anchor
Jesus had said, “Let us go over to the other side.” His word guaranteed their arrival.
God’s promises stand firm despite circumstances (Matthew 7:24-27, Isaiah 55:10-11).
We prepare for storms by grounding ourselves in Scripture and prayer (Matthew 6:5-8).
4. The Greatest Storm Is Still Ahead
The Day of Judgment will be the ultimate test (2 Peter 3:10-12, 2 Corinthians 5:10).
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provides safety from eternal condemnation (Romans 5:6-10, Mark 16:15-16, Acts 2:38, Revelation 20:11-15).
APPLICATION
A. Expect storms – Trials are a normal part of Christian life; they refine our faith.
B. Remember who is with you – The same Jesus who calmed the sea is with you now.
C. Trust His Word – If He has promised it, no storm can stop it.
D. Prepare for the ultimate storm – Stand ready for Christ’s return by obeying the gospel and walking in faith.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Why do you think the disciples still panicked even though Jesus was in the boat?
How can fear reveal a lack of faith in our lives?
What are some promises from God’s Word that can anchor you during a trial?
How should we respond when storms come because we follow Jesus?
What does this passage teach us about the authority of Christ over all creation?
MEMORY VERSE
John 16:33 – “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
PRAYER FOCUS
Pray for a faith that stands firm no matter how fierce the storm. Thank Jesus for His presence and authority over every trial. Ask Him to help you trust His Word more than your circumstances.
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