February 5, 2023
Message Big Idea
Sometimes we encounter ‘great’ and powerful storms in our lives which stir up visceral fear and doubt. Yet, there is one who can speak ‘great’ calm into our situations, at a word, bending reality to His divine will. In light of this, how can we not respond in ‘great’ fear and awe at the one powerful enough to call every fiber of existence to obedience and submission?
Lean In
- Take a moment to reflect (if you are going through this on your own) or share (if you are with others in a group setting): What are you grateful for today? What are you struggling with today?
- Watch this short video from Dr. S.M. Lockridge’s famous sermon “Seven Way King” (aka ‘That’s My King’): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzqTFNfeDnE
- After it is over, spend some time in quiet reflection upon who Jesus truly is.
Look Down
- Read Mark 4:30-5:20 (Read twice – ESV and either NLT or Message)
- Take a moment to briefly retell the passage in your own words.
- What words or phrases “jumped off the page” and intrigued you the most? Why?
Look Out
- What does the world say about who Jesus truly is? Who is He to atheists/agnostics? Who is He to Muslims? Who is He to those in power? Who is He to the non-religious? Who is He to Hindus? Etc.
- John David mentioned how even Christians can reduce Jesus to merely a friend, a buddy, or the pal upstairs. How have you observed this within the Church? Why do you think we are quick to familiarize Jesus and place Him in a box of our own making?
Look In
- In C.S. Lewis’ novel The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, two characters discuss Aslan the Lion, Lewis’ fictional portrayal of Jesus: “Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion.” “Ooh” said Susan. “I’d thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion”…”Safe?” said Mr. Beaver …”Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.” Reflect for a moment and consider your own perceptions of who Jesus is. Humbly confess the ways you have held a limited, familiarized, and tamed idea of Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords.
- In Mark 4, we see a sequential movement through three ‘great’ things: a ‘great’ storm, a ‘great’ calm, and ‘great’ fear. Have you experienced a similar movement in your own life? What was your ‘great’ storm? Describe the ‘great’ calm. Did you have a moment of ‘great’ fear before the one powerful enough to calm such a storm?
- What are some ways in the coming weeks that you can expand your understanding of the one (i.e., Jesus) you’re truly dealing with? Meditation? Worship? Faith in a real-life storm?
Live It Out
- What is one thing God seems to be asking you to do in response to this passage? (i.e., “I will ….”)
- Who can you tell about this “I will” statement in the next 48 hours?
- Journal about your time in God’s Word this week. Stop to listen to what He might be telling you. Celebrate His presence through His Word.