In the Boat with Jesus
April 26, 2020 Morning Service
Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK
Rick Boyne
Message Point: We must look at Jesus rather than looking at our circumstances.
Focus Passage: Mark 4:35-41
Supplemental Passage: for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU," (Hebrews 13:5b)
Introduction: This was written during the COVID-19 pandemic in May of 2020. It was meant to address the fear that was being experienced by so many people. Relate a personal story of being afraid.
I. The Storm
a. They were all in the same boat
b. Jesus just happened to be in the back asleep
c. The storm raged and the small boat was taking on water
d. The Disciples were afraid they would drown
e. What storm are you in right now? Pandemic, unemployment, reduced wages, stress, family issues, etc
II. The Reaction
a. The Disciples were griped in fear
b. They were struggling in their task to keep the boat afloat
c. The Disciples saw Jesus asleep and presumed that He didn’t care about them
d. How are you dealing with your storm? Has fear overtaken you? Or is it anger? Or defeat?
III. The Results
a. They appealed to Jesus
b. It wasn’t an eloquent prayer, but a plea to be saved from drowning
c. Jesus responded to them and calmed the sea
d. But He also rebuked their lack of faith
e. Have you appealed to God about your situation?
Application/Invitation: We must realize that we are in the boat with Jesus. That means that He is with us through our struggles. It means that he isn’t going to abandon us to save Himself. It means that we need to recognize that Jesus is with us and that we are never alone. No matter the storm. No matter the struggle. No matter the circumstance. We are in the boat with Jesus. He is all powerful. He is in control of all things. He is our Master and Lord. This should give us great comfort, relief, strength and faith. But instead of realizing that we are in the boat with the Savior, we only notice that He hasn’t answered right away. We only notice the waves and the wind and the water coming in the boat. And, like Peter, when we take our eyes off Jesus, we end up faltering. Keep your eyes on Jesus!
