Introduction

Good morning, church family! Today, we're going to embark on a journey through Mark 4:35-41, a passage that speaks to us about the ship that saved—the ship that carried Jesus and His disciples through a storm. We'll be looking at the making of the ship, its construction and design, as well as the strength of the ship and its ability to sail and stay afloat.

Before we dive in, I'd like to share a quote from Eric Ludy, "When you crash into the living God, the encounter is certain to renovate every square inch of your life's boat." As we journey through this passage today, let's remember that God is with us in our storms, ready to show His power.

Now, let's read Mark 4:35-41 together:

"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!”"

The Ship that Saved

This passage not only tells the story of Jesus and His disciples on a boat during a storm but also serves as a metaphor for the storms we face in our own lives. As we delve deeper into this passage, we will explore several aspects of this idea.

A well-built ship is designed to withstand the forces of nature, such as wind and waves. The materials used in the construction of the ship play a crucial role in its ability to stay afloat and sail through the storm. In our lives, the materials that make up our spiritual ship are the teachings and principles found in God's Word. These teachings provide us with the necessary guidance and strength to face the storms of life. Just as a ship's design is crucial to its ability to sail, the way we build our lives upon God's Word determines our ability to withstand the storms that come our way.

Despite the fierce storm, the ship remains afloat and carries them safely to the other side. In our lives, we too must rely on the strength of our spiritual ship, built upon the foundation of God's Word, to carry us through the storms we face. Our faith in Jesus and His teachings provides us with the strength and resilience needed to navigate through the challenges and trials of life.

We see that Jesus is present in the boat with His disciples. This is a crucial aspect of the story, as it demonstrates that Jesus is not only aware of the storm but is also with His followers in the midst of it. In our lives, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus is with us in the storms we face. He is not a distant observer but an active participant, ready to provide us with the strength and guidance we need to navigate through the challenges of life.

We also see that Jesus is asleep in the boat during the storm. This may seem surprising, considering the intensity of the storm and the danger it posed to the ship and its passengers. However, Jesus' sleep demonstrates His complete trust in God's protection and provision. In our lives, we too must learn to trust in God's protection and provision, even in the midst of the storms we face. This trust allows us to rest in the knowledge that God is in control and will see us through the challenges we encounter.

The disciples' reaction to the storm is also important. They are afraid and question Jesus, asking Him if He cares that they are in danger of drowning. Jesus responds by rebuking the wind and waves, bringing calm to the storm. He then asks the disciples why they are afraid and if they still have no faith.

In our lives, we too must learn to trust in Jesus and His power to calm the storms we face. Our faith in Him provides us with the assurance that He is in control and will see us through the challenges we encounter.

The passage concludes with the disciples asking each other who Jesus is, as even the wind and waves obey Him. This question points to the awe and wonder of Jesus' power and authority. In our lives, we too must recognize and acknowledge Jesus' power and authority over the storms we face. As we trust in Him and His teachings, we can experience His power at work in our lives, calming the storms and providing us with the strength and resilience needed to navigate through the challenges of life.

The Making of the Ship

When we consider the construction and design of the ship, we must remember that it was not just any ordinary vessel ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO