Where Is Your Faith? (Lecture)

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. The Master’s Resolve

2. The Master’s Rebuke

3. The Master’s Reprove

Introductory Remarks.

1. Our lesson today will discuss the theme: "Where is your faith?" Jesus asked His disciples this question after rebuking the wind and the Sea for their raging as they passed to the other side of Galilee in a ship. Both Matthew and Mark also wrote of this miracle in their gospels. This miracle established Jesus' authority over nature (the wind and Sea). Immediately, we might ask, how could these disciples have been frightened while on the ship with the Master? They had witnessed his healing of the sick, casting out demons, and he gave them the power to do the same. Why were they afraid? They were on the ship with Jesus. We might ask this same question: "Why are we afraid? Jesus is with us?" He promises: "I will never leave you, nor forsake you," Hebrews 13:5-6; Matthew 28:20; Isaiah 41:17.

2. First, we will consider the Master’s resolve to teach and preach His message regarding the kingdom of God. Let’s go over to the other side. His works preceding this event find Jesus in a ship teaching and preaching to the multitude. To the people, He spoke in "parables," but, unto His disciples, He spoke, explaining the meaning of His words regarding the kingdom of God. The Lord gave His disciples clarity and the reasons for His teaching methods to the people. He cites the prophet Isaiah who wrote: "That seeing they may see, and not perceive, and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them," Mark 4:12; Isaiah 6:9-10; Acts 3:19.

3. Second, we will discuss the Master's rebuke of the wind and the water. Luke continued: "But as they sailed, He fell asleep: And there came down a storm of wind on the Lake, and (the ship) was filled with water, and they were in jeopardy. And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, Master, Master, we (are about to) perish. Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: they ceased, and there was a (great) calm," Luke 8:23-24. Even the wind and seas obey Him; yet the highest of His creation: man will not listen to, hear, nor obey the king of glory even though He promises to be: "The author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him," Hebrews 5:8-9. After quieting the storm, He allayed their fears. Jesus asked about their faith. Such an event like this storm will strengthen one's faith in God.

4. Lastly, we will investigate the Master's reprove of His disciples' faith. Luke concludes: "And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid, wondered, saying to one another: What manner of man is this! For He commandeth even the wind and water, and they obey him," Luke 8:25. This storm, without a doubt, was an extraordinary event in the life and teaching of Jesus unto His disciples. These men were terrified! Fearful that they all were about to perish. The Lord, in this miracle, demonstrates His power over nature. Earlier, we witnessed His authority over sickness, disease, and sin. Jesus said: "But that you may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he (the man with palsy) arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.” Mark 2:10-12. Why, then, could He not command the wind and the waters, and they obeyed Him? Now, with this brief introduction, let’s consider our first point in this lesson.

BODY OF LESSON

PART 1: THE MASTER’S RESOLVE

A. Let’s go to the other side. Luke wrote: “Now it came to pass on a certain day that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake,” Luke 8:22.

1. The disciples did not fully know why then; Jesus wanted to pass to the other side of the Lake, into the country of Gadarenes. However, we know that to Him, it was necessary. What good work does He plan on the other side? What are the lessons to be taught unto His disciples? More about this later.

2. There was a great multitude at the seaside, eager to hear Him preach concerning the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God was the theme of the Master's preaching. It should also be our message!

3. Mark, the nephew of Barnabas, wrote this gospel of action, Colossians 4:10. The first of two disciples’ who wrote their gospels declaring the work and miracles of Jesus. Mark describes Jesus’ preaching of the kingdom in this fashion: "Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. And saying: The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent you, and believe the gospel,” Mark 1:14-15. Luke continued--