On this Fourth Sunday after Pentecost we hear the disciples' frightening experience of being tossed about in the stormy waters of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus wakes up to the unfolding chaos and fear around him, but rather than sharing his followers' anxiety, he confidently rebukes the wind and calms the waters, and then questions the faith of those who follow him! Our lives and our world are filled with things that create fear in us...how do we live faithfully in the face of fear? We will explore this question, and reflect on how God can bring us assurance in the midst of our fears, rather than denial of fear's reality.
Our Scripture passage is found in the Gospel according to Mark. You may find the Scripture lesson by selecting the following link: (Mark 4:35-41).
For continuing study, reflect on these questions (found in the study guide below):
Read the Scripture lesson for the day (link is above), and reflect on the following thoughts: what do you think the disciples were afraid of, other than the storm itself? How do you understand Jesus' statement that his followers had a lack of faith due to their reaction of the storm and his sleeping?
After reading the "WHAT..." paragraph in the guide below, reflect on the idea of "faith and fear" and what role "faith" plays in our lives as we face our fears? What do you think of the author's statement: "be are challenged with the question of where our faith will take us - to paralysis or to action."
After reading the "WHERE..." paragraph below, consider the idea of order & chaos: as the author writes, "unrestrained water is death-dealing; water contained within its limits is life-giving" - reflect on the idea of a single substance that provides two very different outcomes...and are there other parts of life that may seem similar but can result in very different results?
After reading the "SO WHAT..." paragraph below, consider the idea presented by the author: "fearsome things are very real..." but, "they do not need to have the last word." Reflect on the idea that "fear does not get the last word" yet, fear is a tangible part of our lives.
After reading the "NOW WHAT..." paragraph below, reflect on the author's statement, "God's all-powerful word is still spoken amid the noise and chaos of our lives and world." As you consider the power of God's word vs. the "fear" of worldly chaos, how does this impact your life?
