Mark 4:30-41 (CLICK HERE FOR BIBLE VERSES)
Hi GAMErs,
Today’s passage is Mark 4:30-41. With an open mind and a humble heart, read this passage and see what sticks out to you in this passage. Is there a verse, a phrase, or a lesson you think the Holy Spirit may be highlighting for you in this passage? After you’ve thought about the passage yourself a bit, read the GAME sharing below. Let’s go!
Mark 4:30-32 (NIV)
30 Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it?
31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground.
32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade.”
On verses 30-32: Whenever the kingdom of God starts in any person, in any city, or in any place in the world, it always begins the same way: as the tiniest seed. Over time, however, it can become the biggest thing you see and strong enough to give protection and shelter to others. So don’t despise small beginnings. God doesn’t.
Mark 4:33-34 (NIV)
33 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand.
34 He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
On verses 33-34: Jesus never made a point without a picture. That’s what great communicators do.
Mark 4:35-41 (NIV)
35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.”
36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him.
37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.
38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
On verses 35-41: Notice it is Jesus who tells his disciples to go over to the other side and yet as they go they encounter a furious squall, a violent storm, which was common for the Lake of Galilee. Wait! If Jesus told them to go, why would there be a storm? Is it possible that these disciples would have been safer had they not obeyed Jesus? It’s true that the disciples might not have encountered the same storm had they stayed on the shore and never tried to go to the other side as Jesus had instructed. But they also wouldn’t have seen Jesus’ incredible power in the middle of the storm. They also wouldn’t have one of the most amazing stories of God’s power to tell.
What can we learn from this?
First, Jesus is sovereign over all creation. When Jesus speaks, the wind and the waves must obey.
Second, sometimes God will tell you to do something and things do not go smoothly for reasons beyond your control. That’s not because God is cruel or playing games with you. It’s because God is writing a greater story with your life. The storm you’re going through is something God will use to do something greater in and through your life. So don’t give up, but trust that Jesus will see you through the storm and at the end you will have a testimony to share about God’s power at work in your life.
Jesus, You don’t guarantee a life without storms, but You guarantee Your presence with us in the storms. You’re my only hope in the storm. Let the kingdom of God that was planted in me continue to grow and become everything You made it to be. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
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