Exploring the Text:

This account is found in the three Gospel - Matthew 14:22-36; Mark 6:45-56; John 6:16-24.

The Sea of Galilee, which is 13 miles long and 6 to 8 miles wide, and is located in a basin 700 feet below sea level, making it one of the lowest points on earth. Mountains surround it, and its southern end is a deep, cliff-lined valley. Cool air from the Mediterranean is drawn down through the narrow mountain passes and collides with the hot, humid air of Galilee lying over the lake. Thus, the size and shape of this area create a vortex effect within weather patterns so that sudden, violent storms come up without warning.

Boat/ship. This was perhaps a small fishing boat that held about fifteen people; it was roughly twenty-plus feet long and seven feet wide with oars and maybe a small sail that would certainly not work in a storm.

Introduction

The Account in the Book of Mark

I. Because we are in obedience to the Lord, it doesn't mean we will not be facing storms

Mark 6:45, "45 Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.

Jonah's storm is the storm that the Lord sends so that we can be re-directed when we run away from Him, disobey him, and try to go our own way. It's a storm of discipline.

The Disciples' storm - is the storm we face when we are in the midst of God's purpose and plan. It is the storm that comes even when we are following Jesus in obedience.

John 15:18-21, “18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’[b] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.

John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Introduction

The Account in the Book of Mark

II. Jesus sees us in the midst of our storm

Mark 6:47-48a, “47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. ”

Introduction

The Account in the Book of Mark

III. When the storm came the apostle kept pushing forward

Mark 6:48, “48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them,

The fourth watch of the night is between 3 AM and 6 AM.

John 6:18, “A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened.

Colossians 1:29, “For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.”

We should labor/work hard with the energy and the power of the Lord

Ephesians 6:10, “10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Psalm 18:31-33, For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? 32 It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. 33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights.

Psalm 18:39, “ You armed me with strength for battle; you humbled my adversaries before me.

What do we do when we face the storm in life:

I. We should recognize the One who had total dominion and control

John 6:19-20, “19 When they had rowed about three or four miles,[b] they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.”

Jesus has total dominion, control, and power over any circumstances we face, any law of nature, and any trials and tribulations we face.

What do we do when we face the storm in life:

II. We should receive Jesus into the Boat

John 6:19-21a, “19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” 21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat,

Peace comes not with the absence of trouble but with the presence of Jesus.

Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.”

What do we do when we face the storm in life:

III. We should know that Jesus can supernaturally help us accomplish the task he assigned us to do.

John 6:21, “21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

Matthew 9:26, “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Colossians 1:16, “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.”

Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Conclusion:

In the midst of the storm we face as we obediently follow Jesus, let us always remember that Jesus has total dominion and control of everything, that we should invite Him in our boat, and that He can do things beyond what we can imagine and fathom.

BENEDICTION

Numbers 6:24-26

May:

The Lord bless you
and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turns his face toward you
and give you peace.”’

As always . . . I Love You Church!!!