SERMON OUTLINE:
(1). Jesus stresses the importance of listening (vs 19-22)
(2). Luke stresses the seriousness of the storm (vs 23-24).
(3). Luke stresses the authority and power of Jesus (vs 24).
(4). Luke stresses the response of the disciples (vs 25).
SERMON BODY:
Ill:
• The Queen's former protection officer, Richard Griffin,
• Shared this story with The Times newspaper.
• He was out walking with the Queen on the Queens Scottish estate,
• When they met a group of American tourists.
• One of the groups failing to recognise the Queen,
• Asked her if she lived in the area,
• With her responding saying that she had a house nearby,
• (aka Balmoral Castle).
• The tourists then inquiringly asked if she'd ever met the Queen,
• With the monarch gesturing to her protection officer Richard and saying,
• "No, but this policeman has."
• You'd think that the Queen's comment might have given her identity away,
• But it did not,
• The group simply moved on with no idea of who they'd just met.
• TRANSITION: We might find it hard to believe,
• That you can be in the presence of royalty and not even know!
• Two-thousand years ago, the King of Kings,
• Walked on planet earth and many failed to recognise him.
• But this incident of Jesus calming the storm,
• Helped to open the disciples’ eyes as to who Jesus was!
(1). Jesus stresses the Importance of Listening (vs 19-22)
“Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. 20 Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.”
21 He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.””
• Quote: A Turkish proverb teaches,
• ‘That if speaking is silver, then listening is gold.’
Ill:
• Erik Weihenmayer (WINE-mayor) is known as a world-class athlete.
• He’s a skydiver, a paraglider and a marathon runner.
• That in itself is impressive but eric is also blind,
• He suffers from a degenerative eye disease,
• Which meant he lost his sight when he was just 13 years old.
• But that didn't stop him climbing up a mountain,
• Where 90 percent of climbers never make it to the top,
• And 165 climbers have died trying since 1953.
• Yet on May 25, 2001, he reached the peak of Mt. Everest.
• Erik succeeded, in large measure because he listened well.
• He listened to the little bell tied to the back of the climber in front of him,
• So, he would know what direction to go.
• He listened to the voice of teammates who would shout back to him,
• "Death fall two feet to your right!"
• He listened to the sound of his pick jabbing the ice,
• So, he would know whether the ice was safe to cross.
• When we face a dangerous situation,
• Listening may well make all the difference.
THESE VERSES REALLY CONCLUDE LAST WEEK’S STUDY:
• Jesus told two parables,
• The parable of the Sower (vs 1-15) & the parable of a lamp on a stand (vs 16-18)
• The punchline from the first parable is verse 15:
• “Who hear the word, retain it.”
• Living Bible: “They listen to God’s words and cling to them.”
• The punchline the first parable is verse 18:
• “Therefore, consider carefully how you listen.”
• TRANSITION:
• Luke then inserts the story about Jesus’ mother and brothers (vs 19-21),
• He does this to stress the importance of obeying Jesus’ teaching.
• Over and above just listening to and even agreeing with his teaching.
• Verse 21b stresses the key truth,
• “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”
• In other words, being close to Jesus is not based on biological/ blood relationship,
• But obedience to God’s Word.
• This means that any person, Jew or Gentile, male or female, young or old,
• Rich or poor, Manchester United fans and the others…
• Can be closer to Jesus than his natural mother and brothers were.
• The way to be close to Jesus is to listen carefully to his Word,
• WITH a view to obey it!
Ill:
• A businessman well known for his ruthlessness,
• Once announced to the writer and humourist Mark Twain,
• “Before I die, I mean to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
• I will climb Mount Sinai and read the Ten Commandments aloud at the top.”
• Mark Twain replied,
• “I have a better idea; you could stay in Boston and keep them.”
• TRANSITION: It is the application of truth that ‘sets us free.’
• And not just the acquisition of truth.
Note:
• Verses 19-21 concludes the section of teaching,
• Regarding listening and doing!
• Verses 22-25 start a new block of teaching,
• This bloc of teaching will show Jesus in four supernatural settings.
• Jesus calms the storm (vs 22-25).
• Jesus restores a demon-possessed man (vs 26-39).
• Jesus raises a dead girl and heals a sick woman (vs 40-56).
JESUS STILLS THE STORM (VS 22-25).
• All three Synoptic gospels record this incident (important incident).
• Matthew chapter 8 verses 23-27.
• Mark chapter 4 verses 35-41.
• Luke chapter 8 verses 22-25.
• Luke in his account is actually quite brief in his description of these events,
• He misses out a lot of the details that Matthew & Mark record,
• And he focusses in on three of significant things.
(1). Luke stresses the seriousness of the storm (vs 23-24).
Ill:
• Storms are no respecter of persons!
• Last week even the Queen Elizabeth II's plane had a very bumpy flight,
• She was on her way back to Windsor.
• After enjoying a short break at Balmoral, Scotland.
• Her jet was stuck in a lightning storm,
• The 13-seater plane circled for around 15 minutes,
• Until it was deemed safe enough to make a second attempt to land.
• TRANSITION: Storms are no respecter of persons!
• Even the Son of God was caught up in one.
“As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.
• The journey across the Sea of Galilee was about 6 to 8 miles.
• It was one these experienced fishermen had often made,
• It should have been straight forward and not taken very long.
• Storms are not unusual on the Sea of Galilee.
• In fact, it is notorious for its storms,
• They come out of the blue with shattering and terrifying suddenness.
• Because the Sea of Galilee lies in a basin,
• And is subject to storms caused by atmospheric pressure which,
• In turn is created by the surrounding mountains.
• I imagine the disciples were not expecting a storm this day.
• They were anticipating a tranquil crossing,
• A- after all it was Jesus’ idea to cross over the water!
Note:
• If you want to know how violent the storm was you need to read Mathew’s account.
• In chapter 8 verse 24 he describes it using the Greek word ‘Seismos’,
• Which translated means ‘like an earthquake’.
Ill:
• The first time I went to Israel, our group experienced an earthquake.
• It was a mild one – didn’t even make the news over here.
• But the feeling of powerlessness is quite incredible!
• TRANSITION:
• For the disciples you can almost smell the fear as the waters crash over the boat.
• You can imagine the futility of them trying to bail out water from their boat.
• And it just kept coming back over the sides with interest!
• They were in trouble, and they knew it!
• They are powerless, unable to overcome their circumstances,
• And as the wind blows, the boat creaks, the disciples panic!
• The point is this,
• These experienced, sea-hardened fishermen,
• Had never experienced anything like this storm before!
Question:
• Let me pause to ask you - how do you handle storms in your life?
• Because as sure as eggs are eggs, they are going to come!
• Quote: written by a pessimist or perhaps a realist!
• “You’re either going into a storm, in the midst of a storm or coming out of a storm.”
• Question: how do you handle storms in your life?
• And remember the Christian gets additional storms for belonging to Jesus
• (John chapter 16 verse 33).
• It was because the disciples were obedient to the command of Jesus in verse 22.
• That they had to face this terrifying storm!
Ill:
• Chippie the parakeet never saw it coming.
• One second, he was peacefully perched in his cage.
• The next he was sucked in, washed up, and blown over.
• The problems began when Chippie’s owner.
• Decided to clean Chippie’s cage with a vacuum cleaner.
• She removed the attachment from the end of the hose and stuck it in the cage.
• The phone rang, and she turned to pick it up.
• She’d barely said "hello" when "ssssopp!"
• Chippie got sucked in.
• The bird owner gasped, put down the phone,
• Turned off the vacuum and opened the bag.
• There was Chippie -- still alive but stunned!
• Since the bird was covered with dust and soot,
• She grabbed him and raced to the bathroom, turned on the tap,
• And held Chippie under the running water.
• Then, realizing that Chippie was soaked and shivering,
• She did what any compassionate bird owner would do.
• She reached for the hair dryer and blasted the pet with hot air.
• Poor Chippie never knew what hit him.
• A few days after the trauma, the reporter who’d initially written about the event.
• Contacted Chippie’s owner to see how the bird was recovering.
• "Well," she replied,
• "Chippie doesn’t sing much anymore -- he just sits and stares."
• I guess it is not hard to see why!
• Sucked in, washed up, and blown over!
‘Its times like these’ you and I need to hold on to the promises of God:
• The promises of God and the words of Jesus are like:
• ill: They are like anchors for the soul.
• Replacing fear and anxiety with faith and trust!
• Jesus had said they would make it!
• They needed to take him at his word.
• He did not say it would be plain sailing.
• But he did promise they would arrive on the other side.
(2). Luke stresses the authority and power of Jesus (vs 24).
Ill:
• Queen Elizabeth II became Queen while staying in a Kenyan treehouse,
• It was February 6, 1952.
• And the 25-year-old princess and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh,
• Were in the African country on a Commonwealth tour.
• She had an official coronation 18 months later (2nd June 1953),
• But the moment she actually became queen was while staying in a Kenyan treehouse!
• TRANSITION: Now, Queen Elizabeth is the supreme ruler in Britain, yet in practice,
• She has very little authority. The British Parliament has the real power.
• The Queen can advise and encourage, but she cannot dictate laws.
• Jesus was a man of power & authority,
• He was not ‘a lame duck’ like the Queen,
• He may not be much to look at outwardly, but inwardly he has all authority & power!
“The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm”
• With the waves frantically crashing over the sides of the boat.
• Jesus oblivious to the upheaval just slept on!
• Here we see the true humanity of Christ:
• He needed rest and time away from crowds,
• And He was so exhausted that even the battering of the boat did not awaken him
Notice:
• Verse 24: The disciples’ words are short and sharp
• Quote: Mark chapter 4 verse 38: “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
• The disciples rudely awaken him and take him to task.
• For his apparent negligence and disregard for their safety.
• The Bible scholar Moffatt translates this expression as.
• “Teacher, we are to drown, for all you care?”
• What a question to ask their Lord and master!
• “Don’t you care”
• It is a petulant cry full of criticism and annoyance.
• We know the very reason he had come to planet earth was because he cared!
• He left heaven on our behalf not his!
• He came to earth and even to death on a cross to save us and not himself!
Ill:
• A monk who lived in medieval times, announced to the people.
• That he would be preaching next Sunday evening on “The Love of God.”
• The following Sunday evening the congregation gathered.
• It was the end of the day & the light no longer came in through the cathedral windows,
• In the darkness of the altar,
• The monk lighted a candle and carried it to the crucifix.
• First of all, he illumined the crown of thorns,
• Next, the two wounded hands, then the marks of the spear wound.
• In the hush that fell, he blew out the candle and left the chancel.
• There was nothing else to say!
• Listen: If ever you doubt the love of God.
• And we all do at times, especially when we are in a storm.
• Just look at the cross – and remind yourself again at the extent if God’s love!
The disciples ask a question: “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
• Sometimes it might seem that way.
• But never forget he cares! Boy, does he care!
• The point is: Jesus wanted the disciples to trust in him even when he was asleep.
• And even in the heart of a storm.
• His presence should have been all the assurance they needed.
Notice: How Jesus responds (vs 39):
• With a word of command Jesus calms the storm.
• “Quiet! Be still!”
• It is an authoritative order meaning literally “Be muzzled!”
• Notice the effect is immediate as the storm is stilled!
Ill:
• David Telford on hearing his Dad preach on this passage laughed out loud.
• Later when his dad asked him why he laughed out loud during the sermon,
• He replied because you told a joke.
• His dad said, “I tell lots of jokes but not at the moment you laughed”.
• “Yes, you did!” said David, “You said Jesus spoke to the sea and it obeyed him.
• David as a young child was spot on in his understanding:
• These miracles of Jesus are pure fantasy, made up nonsense.
• Or they are the most incredible events known to mankind,
• The Bible teaches they are miracles performed for a reason!
• Signs to grab your attention and teach you some important truths.
• TRANSITION: Every Jew knew that hat only God has the power to control nature.
• Only God has the authority to still the sea!
• Therefore, if Jesus is able to do it then he must be…
• That leads us on to our third and final point.
(3). Luke stresses the response of the disciples (vs 25).
“Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.
In fear and amazement, they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”
Ill:
• Queen Elizabeth II has a strong Christian faith,
• This has been evident throughout her life in her words and actions.
• As well as her formal role as,
• 'Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England',
• Which came with monarchy,
• Her personal faith was evident even before she was crowned.
'Pray for me … that God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making, and that I may faithfully serve Him and you, all the days of my life.’
• That was the prayer request made by Queen Elizabeth II,
• In her first Christmas broadcast in 1952.
• Her Christmas broadcasts to the Commonwealth,
• Are among the few speeches she writes herself.
• They frequently refer to Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity.
‘For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life.’
• TRANSITION:
• The Queen has an answer to the question of Jesus, “Where is your faith?”
• The disciples are speechless.
Note:
• This part of the narrative (vs 25b) is my favourite part of the story.
• Now, we see that the disciples are terrified, and it's a different kind of fear.
““Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.
In fear and amazement, they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.””
• TRANSITION: Every Jew knew that hat only God has the power to control nature.
• Only God has the authority to still the sea!
• The sea is often seen as being rebellious and untameable,
• Chaotic in power and size, unable to be restrained.
• The disciples of Jesus were all Jewish and they would have known the Psalms,
• Maybe by memory but certainly heard them read in services & quoted in prayers.
• The disciples knew who it is that stills the seas.
• Quote: Psalm 65 verse 7 identifies God as the one,
• "who stills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves."
• Quote: In Psalm 89 verse 9,
• "You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them."
• Quote: Psalm 93 verse 4,
• "Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea,
• the LORD on high is mighty!"
• Quote: And Psalm 107 verse 29,
• "He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed."
• Therefore, if Jesus is able to do it then he must be…
• Divine - God in human form.
• The disciples are awe-struck with the person of Jesus,
• Before they were terrified of the storm,
• But now they are terrified, petrified, scared stiff.
• By the person who is with them inside the boat!
What this passage shows us are the two natures of Jesus:
• Man, as though he were not God.
• God as though he were not man.
Quote: Charles Wesley’s hymn: ‘Hark the herald angels sing’:
“Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel”
• i.e., Man, as though he were not God.
• i.e., He was tired, hungry, vulnerable – truly human.
• i.e., God as though he were not man.
• i.e., As in Genesis chapter 1 – with a command nature obeyed its creator!
• i.e., The Psalms also remind us again and again only God can command the sea!
Notice:
• Having got their full attention.
• In verse 25 Jesus then asks a question, “Where is your faith??”
• It is a rhetorical question that Jesus asked them.
• He was not asking for a verbal response.
• But was asking the disciples to exam their hearts.
Punch line:
• Jesus asks the same question: “Do you still have no faith?”
• In other words, ‘what is stopping you from believing?’
• This miracle concludes with a challenge regarding faith.
• BUT remember it’s not the amount of faith that you have.
• It’s what you put your faith in that makes a difference!
Ill:
• I am not a great flyer,
• I don’t enjoy the take-off and landing, And I am not too keen on the bit in the middle!
• But I know that it is not my feelings or faith that counts,
• What is important is the plane and the pilot!
• Question: Have you realised who Jesus is?
• Question: Have you trusted him as your Saviour & Lord?
Ill:
• And if you have yet to receive Jesus Christ as your saviour, then do so now.
• I often say it’s as easy as A.B.C.
• A = Admit –I am a sinner by nature and by practice.
• And I know my sin is an offence to a holy God.
• B = Believe – That Jesus bore your sins when he died on the cross.
• Put your faith and trust in him and his finished work and not your good works.
• C = Consider – Am I willing to make Jesus Christ Lord of my life?
• Am I willing to repent, turn from and turn to and start to live for him?
• D = Do – will you do that now as I lead you in a short prayer of commitment to Christ.
• Let’s pray.
SERMON AUDIO:
https://surf.pxwave.com/wl/?id=xAIv1GCu9Q7Db93EVyKkiFpJBWQy7oQ3
