Mark 4:35-41 Risky Ministry
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’ 36And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. 37A great gale arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. 38But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’’ Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. 40He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?’ 41And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’
1. Listen to some risks the Disciples encountered :
• Preaching in the Ancient world was Risky A Christian preacher named Stephen learned the risk. When he delivered a sermon that angered enemies of the faith, Stephen was beaten to death with stones (Acts 7:57-60).
• The apostle Peter . Jesus told him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish” (John 21:18). With these words, Christ foretold the death Peter would be called upon to die.
• James, the son of Zebedee, learned about risk: “Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword” (Acts 12:1-2).
• The apostle Paul encountered the Risks. beatings, imprisonments, stoning, scourging, shipwreck, and more (2 Corinthians 11:22-26).
• Jesus Christ Knew the Risks AS well No one better appreciated the risks of obeying God than the Son of God Himself, who “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many”
• Communities upset because their swine run over the hill as a result of Jesus casting out a demons
• Following Jesus is risky filled with fear, anxiety, uncertainty, but yet they know it’s the right thing to do.
2. In the fourth chapter of Mark's gospel we find Jesus and the disciples in a risky situation.
• They're packed into a boat sailing across the notoriously volatile Sea of Galilee.
• The group found themselves being tossed about by a strong and sudden squall.
• Jesus, however, was unfazed by the adventure at hand. Mark says, “that Jesus was in the stern, asleep on the cushion" (v. 38).
• The Disciples say in this Risky Moment ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?
• In their Risky Moment Jesus says, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" (v. 40).
1. When Disciples are in Risky Moments note
• The disciples were far too focused on their circumstances.
• They were far too consumed with where their feet were located.
• Were they on steady ground or in a rocking boat?
• Their thoughts were ,Had Jesus led them to another cliff' edge or cliff hanger the place Where your dangling perhaps without hope.
• When Risky moments arise Faith tends to be shot
2. When we find ourselves in those cliff hanger moments or Risky Moments
• Jesus makes implications that faith is still possible in risky moments they think he doesn’t care, but Does Jesus care? Yes he cares, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?
• When surrounded by the enemy Take Authority In The name of Jesus 39He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!
• When confronted about money or possessions Jesus says be “Kingdom minded”
• Here’s a risky moment at work, I feel this nudge to invite my fellow worker to church
• Another Risky Moment I feel at church this awareness of sin and I know I should go to the alter and ask God to forgive me.