The Book of Mark: “Encountering the Miracles and Mission of Jesus Christ”

 The Book of Mark:

“Encountering the Miracles and Mission of Jesus Christ”

Opening Illustration:

Good morning friends and family. My name is Stuart Davidson and I am the pastor here at Eastern Shore Baptist Church. What a blessing it is for me to be here with all of you this morning. Today, we are in week 4 of a 20 week series entitled “The Book of Mark, Encountering The Miracles and Mission of Jesus Christ”. This morning we are going to talk about one of the more impressive miracles that Jesus performed. 

Before we discuss that, I want to share with you a true story about one of our very own church members. The event happened several years ago. Michaelyn Gober had just left on Choir Tour with our church. Her husband Adam decided to go on a deep sea fishing expedition in the Gulf of Mexico. Adam was only about 20 miles from shore when the crew noticed that something was wrong. There was a plug in the boat that had come dislodged. As long as the boat was moving, water couldn’t find its way into the vessel. However, when the boat stopped, water gushed in. The boat was sinking and it was sinking fast. Adam and his friends sprung into action. The began to feverishly call the shore via radio. After all, there was no cell signal that far out. Adam in his quick thinking had the team call me because he couldn’t reach Michaelyn. Imagine my surprise to hear that Adam was in a sinking ship off the coast of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. At first I thought this was surly some crank call. Some sort of prank. However, it was no joke. Adam was in a serious situation. By this time, Michaelyn was well on her way. She was in a bus with 50 teenagers. There was no way for her to easily get back to the Eastern Shore. I called her and gave her the information that her husband was in a sinking vessel. Yet again, she thought that I was kidding. Who could have blamed her? After all this is not something that happens everyday. The seriousness of the discussion set in and a somber mood crept in. Bottom line, her husband was in danger. He was miles away from help. He was sinking. This was no laughing matter. 

I have been pastoring now for about 14 years. I have been in ministry for well over 20 years. I have heard it all, seen just about everything. However, this was a new one for me. How do I comfort the wife of a cherished brother? What do I say? For the record, my wife and I have known Michaelyn for more than 20 years. She is a dear friend and I hurt badly for her in that moment. As I was talking to Michaelyn on my phone I heard the Lord speak to me.

“Pray for her Stuart. Pray for Adam. Help is on the way.”

“Yes Lord.”

I started to pray for Michaelyn. I prayed for Adam. I reached into my mind, deep into my storehouse of memorized Scripture and I landed on Mark 4:35-41. “Why are you so afraid” Jesus said. I drew encouragement from Isaiah 41:10, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." These are the Scriptures that I hung on to, that I prayed over Adam and Michaelyn that morning. 

A few hours would pass. I received a phone call in the early afternoon. The United States Coast Guard were able to pinpoint Adam’s boat. It had turned over in the Gulf and the men were on top of the hull as it floated and bobbed on top of the water. They threw a lifeline to Adam and his comrades. They were saved. Salvation had come. They were rescued. 

Now maybe you have never been on a sinking ship but you know the feeling. That feeling over being overwhelmed. That feeling of being alone, no one to help you. No one to rescue you. Sharks in the water waiting to devour you. You know the feeling of being in a storm, your life sinking, ebbing away. You’ve been through the storm of addiction, the storm of loss and death, the storm of divorce, the storm of being fired, the storm of being abused, the storm of failure, the storm of betrayal. You ask the question, “where was Jesus in the middle of my storm”? “Where is my salvation?” “Where is my rescue?”

Let me tell you friend a deep truth, Jesus Christ is not just in your storm with you, Jesus is the Lord of your storm. Just like Adam and his friends were not abandoned, you are not abandoned either. Just like help was on the way for Adam, help is on the way for you too. Just like Adam was rescued, your rescue is coming as well. 

In fact, that is the title of my message this morning. “Jesus, Lord of Your Storm”

Today’s Message:

“Jesus, Lord of Your Storm” 

So, what happens when your boat flips? What do you do when your life is turned upside down and inside out? Where do you turn? Where do you go? If we are being honest, most of us run. We so hate being under stress or strain that we run. We so hate being in pain or under pressure we run. We run to thing that numb the pain, that ease the stress, that make us feel better in the moment. If you remember my message from last week, I merely mentioned vaping, smoking and alcohol. Believe it or not, I had two church members that spoke to me last week. Do you know what they told me? Two separate people, in separate instances, told me that they had taken up vaping and alcohol because it made them feel better. It helped them relax. Sadly they both told me that what promised them relaxation has turned them into slaves. They were now addicts, unable to break the hold of those drugs. When we are afraid, when we are stressed, when we hurt, we run to work. We busy ourselves thinking that if we work hard enough, we will forget our problems. We run to relationships. This is especially true with the younger generation. It is called “hook up culture”. Relationships are empty, vapid, and devoid of substance. Youth today are having casual sexual encounters because it makes them “feel better” and takes their mind of the emptiness in their spirits. 

Well, those are all options. Run to stuff. Run to people. Run to relationships. Run to addiction. I want to give you another option. Why not run to Jesus? In fact, do me a favor this morning and fill in the blanks under “Today’s Thought”. When tempests arise, turn to Christ, trust in Him! Let me say it again, when the storms of life come to your shores, when your boat is flipped and you are sinking, turn to Christ and place your trust in Him. 

Today’s Thought:

When Tempests Arise, Turn To Christ, Trust In Him!

Imagine if Adam had tried to fix the situation. What if he said, “you know what, Im going to swim my way out of this”? That sounds pretty foolish. He is a good swimmer Im sure but he cannot swim 20 miles. No, Adam put his faith in something. He put his faith in a device. He trusted it. He believed in it to save him. Do you know what Adam put his faith in? That’s right, the radio. Adam was in a bad situation but he knew that radio was not going to let him down. Friends, the same holds true with Christ. You may be in a bad situation this morning too. You may be floundering, faltering, or failing. You may even be sinking. I don’t know but what I do know is that if you put your faith in Christ, you will be saved. Depend on it. Trust it. Bank on it. Listen to this quote…

"Just as a sailor does not fear the storm because he has learned how to navigate his ship, so too can we face the storms of life with courage and confidence when we trust in the One who calms the wind and the waves. For in Christ, we find not only refuge from the storm, but strength to endure it, and ultimately, victory over it." 

Today’s Quote:

"Just as a sailor does not fear the storm because he has learned how to navigate his ship, so too can we face the storms of life with courage and confidence when we trust in the One who calms the wind and the waves. For in Christ, we find not only refuge from the storm, but strength to endure it, and ultimately, victory over it." 

- Unknown

Background and Context:

This morning we are reading from Mark 4:35-41. Before we jump into this passage, I want to give you the set up. I want to give you the background and context. 

Jesus has been on a roll, teaching and preaching to crowds all day long. He's been challenging norms, using parables to explain deep spiritual truths to everyone who would listen. The crowds are buzzing with excitement, hanging onto his every word.

Now, as the sun starts to dip low in the sky, Jesus decides it's time to take a breather. He gathers his disciples and suggests they hop into a boat and cruise to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Can you imagine the scene? The disciples are probably thinking, "Sweet! A little boat ride with Jesus sounds like just what the doctor ordered!"

So, they set sail, with Jesus chilling out in the back of the boat, probably catching some much-needed sleep after a long day of preaching. But just when they think it's smooth sailing ahead, BAM! A wild storm brews up out of nowhere! For the record, this is common on the Sea of Galilee. Even today, it is not unusual for sudden storms to appear, out of no where. 

The wind starts howling, the waves are crashing over the sides of the boat, and suddenly, these seasoned fishermen, these tough, rugged disciples, are losing it! They're bailing water, clinging onto the boat for dear life, thinking they're done for!

But you know what? In the midst of all that chaos, Jesus is snoozing away! Can you believe it? His disciples are panicking, and where's Jesus? He's catching some Z's like it's no big deal!

So, they do the only thing they can think of: they wake Jesus up, shouting, "Master, don't you care that we're all gonna die?" And what does Jesus do? He stands up, looks at the storm raging around him, and with a voice that could calm the fiercest hurricane, he says, "Peace! Be still!"

And just like that, the wind stops howling, the waves settle down, and there's this beautiful, serene calm that washes over the sea. Can you imagine the looks on those disciples' faces? They're staring at Jesus like, "Who is this guy? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"

Friends, this story isn't just about Jesus calming a storm. It's about his incredible power and authority over every situation in our lives. When the storms of life hit us—whether it's sickness, financial struggles, or relationship problems—Jesus is right there in the boat with us, ready to speak peace into our storms.

So, let's hold onto that truth today: no matter how wild the waves may get, Jesus is in control, and he's got us covered! 

Statement of Belief:

We believe the Bible to be inspired, God breathed, infallible, and authoritative. We believe the Bible is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training believer’s in righteousness. God’s Word gives life. It provides peace in trouble and protection in tribulation. It is alive, active, and cuts to the core of the human soul. Since there is no other book like it, let us stand to show our reverence and respect.  

Today’s Scripture:

Mark 4:35-41 NLT

As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's cross to the other side of the lake." [36] So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). [37] But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. [38] Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, "Teacher, don't you care that we're going to drown?" [39] When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Silence! Be still!" Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. [40] Then he asked them, "Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?" [41] The disciples were absolutely terrified. "Who is this man?" they asked each other. "Even the wind and waves obey him!"

Pastor: “This Is The Word of The Lord”

Congregation: “Praise His Name, Praise His Holy Name”

3 Ways That You Can Remain Secure In Your Storm…

Lesson One: Jesus Is Present, You Are Not Abandoned vs. 39

This morning, I want to cover three short points with you. I want to give you three ways that you can remain secure in your storm. Again, the storm that the disciples was a real storm. They were really terrified. They were really thinking that they were going to die. While it was real for them, their storm serves as a great metaphor for our lives. 

I am 45 years old. I will be 46 in a couple of months. To some I am really young. A mere child. To others, I am older than dirt. In all of the 16,435 days that I have been alive, I have discovered that all of us are living in one of three circumstances. You are either in the storm, you are just coming out of the storm, or your storm is coming for you. That’s it. None of us are immune to the storms of life. The disciples storm was a mixtures of waves, water, and wind. Your storm may be a terminal illness, the death of a spouse, the loss of a child, a sudden job loss, a rebellious son or daughter. Either way, everyone in this room will one day go through a storm. 

Here is our first lesson this morning, lesson one, Jesus is present, you are not abandoned. 

“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Silence! Be still!" Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.”

That is good to remember…amen? Amen indeed. It is good to remember that no matter how bad life gets, no matter what the struggle is, no matter the trouble that we find ourselves in, that Jesus is with us and promises never to abandon us. God makes multiple promises throughout Scripture that he will never leave us or forsake us. It is found in multiple books of the Bible, in both the Old and New Testaments. In fact, one of my all time favorite chapters in the Bible is Romans 8. In Romans 8, Paul the Apostle reminds the Roman believers that nothing can separate us from the love of God. 

Romans 8:38-39 NLT

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow-not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. [39] No power in the sky above or in the earth below-indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Growing up, I was a bit of a history buff. I loved reading about historical figures, how they lived and how they overcame trials. One of my favorite characters was Joan Of Arc. Joan Of Arc was born in 1412 in France. Joan grew up a peasant, about as poor as a person could be. She grew up starving, living on the streets, just trying to live. Through a series of events, she rose to fame and notoriety. Throughout all of her successes, she was a remarkable woman who claimed that God gave her visions and that God spoke to her. She was a deeply religious person, a committed Christian and a passionate follower of Christ. She was also a patriot, a wise military strategist, and a fearsome warrior. She was really a woman lightyears ahead of her time for sure. Eventually, she was captured by the English, tried for heresy and witchcraft, and burned at the stake in 1431. She was only 19 years old. Today, she is considered one of France’s great heroines. 

Joan Of Arc said, when she was abounded by those who would have stood with her, those who might defend her, “it is better to be alone with God. His friendship will not fail me nor His counsel nor His love. In His strength I will dare and dare and dare until I die.”

You see brothers and sisters, if you are in Christ, you are never alone. No matter the storm. No matter the wind and the waves. No matter what happens to you, you have Christ and Christ has you. 

Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you."

3 Ways That You Can Remain Secure In Your Storm…

Lesson One: Jesus Is Present, You Are Not Abandoned vs. 39

Lesson Two: Jesus Is Powerful, You Are Not Afraid vs. 40

So, what’s our second lesson? Our first lesson is that Jesus is present, you are not abandoned. Our second lesson comes from verse 40, Jesus is powerful, you are not afraid. 

Then he asked them, "Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

Do you have no faith? Think about what the disciples had already seen. Think about all the miracles that these guys have witnessed. People have already confessed Jesus as God, the Son of the Most High, the Savior of the world. Do the disciples really think that God is going to die from drowning?

Nevertheless, you don’t think clearly when you are in the middle of the storm do you? When the wind and the waves are bearing down on you, the only thought that you have is survive. I have to survive this event. I don’t want to die. 

So, the wind and the waves come. Out of nowhere a storm of epic proportion descends on the disciples. These experienced fisherman realize quickly that they are unprepared, they are overexposed, and out of their depth. They had never seen anything like this. So what do they do? They do what we all do? They leaned on their own understanding. They trusted their guts and they tried to find a way out under their own power. They dropped the sail, probably steer away from the wind. They probably tried to bail out as much of the water as they could. 12 men working in unison, tossing water overboard, still…it wasn’t enough. The boat was going down. They were going to die. 

They look to Jesus. He is sleeping peacefully. Rocking back and forth like a child in a cradle. Jesus having the best sleep of His life. 

Isn’t it funny that the moments that scare us the most are the moments where God has the greatest confidence. The events that we find the most trying and tiring are the events that God stands securely in His power and authority. 

The disciples to go Jesus, wake Him, and Jesus immediately rebukes the waves and calms the wind. 

"Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

The Greek word being used here for “faith” is pis'-tis. What exactly is Jesus saying when He asks them why they still “have no faith”? According to my Greek lexicon, it means that they were paying Jesus lip service. They were saying with their lips that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, but when the rubber met the road, they did not have conviction of heart. They did not put their full trust, their full confidence in Christ. I had faith explained to me like this, it’s like jumping out of a plane with a parachute. You are putting your full confidence, 100% of your trust in that device to open and catch you. The disciples were willing to put on the parachute, but they were unwilling to actually jump out of the plane. 

Illustration:

Friends, do you know what faith looks like? It looks like Gordon and Jettie Everette. On Monday, Bill Browning and I went to see the Everettes and the Homers at Seabrook Village. Seabrook is a retirement community here in town. Bill and I went to visit with these two families and we went to share Holy Communion with them. It was a very sweet time. If you have never met Gordon and Jettie, you are really missing out. Gordon and Jettie have been married for nearly 70 years. Gordon is blind and deaf. He totally, wholeheartedly, and completely puts his faith in Jettie for everything. Jettie puts out his medicine. 

Gordon takes it without question. Jettie puts food on his fork and drink in his cup. She hands it to him because he cannot see. Gordan eats and drinks with complete confidence in Jettie. When it is time to leave their apartment, Jettie grabs her walker, puts Gordon’s hand on her arm, and she leads him where they are going. He doesn’t ask where they are going. He doesn’t question her in any way. He simply goes where he is led. Totally belief. Complete faith. Undying assurance. Gordon lives life with total dependance and full faith in his wife. 

Friends, that is faith. That is belief. That is what the disciples were missing. They were absent of what runneth over in Gordon and Jettie Everette’s marriage. 

Friends, Jesus is powerful. Have faith. We have nothing to fear. Jesus even tells us this truth in Matthew 6. 

Matthew 6:25-27 NLT

"That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? [26] Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? [27] Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

Are you not more important than birds of the air? More important than the Lillies of the field? Remember David’s words captured in Psalm 23. 

Psalm 23:4 NLT

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

3 Ways That You Can Remain Secure In Your Storm…

Lesson One: Jesus Is Present, You Are Not Abandoned vs. 39

Lesson Two: Jesus Is Powerful, You Are Not Afraid vs. 40

Lesson Three: Jesus Is Preeminent, You Are Amazed vs. 41 

The disciples were absolutely terrified. "Who is this man?" they asked each other. "Even the wind and waves obey him!"

Our last lesson is that Jesus is preeminent and we should be amazed. That is our last point this morning. 

What does it mean to be preeminent? 

To be preeminent means to be superior or outstanding, surpassing others in excellence, prominence, or importance. It implies being at the forefront, the highest rank, or the pinnacle of achievement within a certain domain. Being preeminent often suggests that one is widely recognized and respected for their expertise, leadership, or contributions.

So, what does it mean that Jesus is preeminent. It means that He is God. He is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. Meaning that He is all knowing. He is all powerful. He is everywhere all at once. Fully. Never created. Everlasting. He is the maker of all things and in Him all things hold together. He is the eternal judge. The firstborn from among the dead. God’s perfect sacrifice. He cannot be defeated. His will cannot be thwarted. Satan cannot overcome Him. Demons must obey Him. Humanity, all humanity, will recognize Him for who and what He is, that being the King, the Son of the Living God. That is preeminent. 

Because He is preeminent, the Creator, He has total control of His creation. This means that He can heal disease. This means that He can suspend the natural order and natural law to do what He desires. This means that He can walk on the water and calm storms with the power of His Word. 

Philippians 2:9-11 NLT

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, [10] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Because He is preeminent, we are amazed. The disciples were amazed at Jesus’ power, His authority, but they would be amazed later on for something else. They would be amazed at Jesus’ grace, His mercy, and His love. 

Closing Illustration:

You have probably never heard of Charles Gabriel. Charles Hutchinson Gabriel was born in 1856 Iowa. From a young age he showed a talent for love for music. In 1912, he moved to Chicago to work with a publishing company that produced some of the most famous hymns of the 20th century. While working in Chicago, Gabriel wrote and contributed to numerous hymns and publications. He is credited with writing between 7000 and 8000 hymns and songs in his life. 

His Eye Is On The Sparrow

Send The Light

The Old Rugged Cross

Away In A Manger

All songs that Charles Gabriel wrote. 

Charles Gabriel loved Christ. He loved writing music for his Savior. He also loved the church. Sadly Charles Gabriel experienced his own storm. His own tempest. While working and living in Chicago, he met his wife, Fannie Woodhouse. The marriage was difficult. It was rocky. The two did share a child together but things kept getting worse. One day, Fannie packed her bags and left Charles. She took their child with her. Charles was devastated. Remember, these were the times where divorce was not the norm. It was frowned upon the church especially. Charles lost his job with his Christian publisher. He was reprimanded by the church and forced to step down, eventually leaving the congregation all together. Charles was hurt, lost, and he felt alone. What would become of him?

It was at the lowest point of his life that he penned the hymn that I am about to read for you. Gabriel describes the hymn like this…these are his words…“This song of gratitude and praise for the atoning death of Jesus is a personal and Adventist interpretation of Luke’s account of Jesus’ sweating blood in the Garden of Gethsemane, a portion of the passion narrative not included in the other Gospels.”

You might know this song. Let’s see…

I stand amazed in the presence

Of Jesus the Nazarene,

And wonder how He could love me,

A sinner condemned, unclean.

 

How marvelous! How wonderful!

And my song shall ever be:

How marvelous! How wonderful!

Is my Savior’s love for me!

For me it was in the garden,

He prayed: “Not my will, but Thine.”

He had no tears for His own griefs,

But sweat-drops of blood for mine.

How marvelous! How wonderful!

And my song shall ever be:

How marvelous! How wonderful!

Is my Savior’s love for me!

In pity angels beheld Him,

And came from the world of light

To strengthen Him in the sorrows

He bore for my soul that night.

How marvelous! How wonderful!

And my song shall ever be:

How marvelous! How wonderful!

Is my Savior’s love for me!

He took my sins and my sorrows,

He made them His very own;

He bore the burden to Calv’ry,

And suffered, and died alone.

How marvelous! How wonderful!

And my song shall ever be:

How marvelous! How wonderful!

Is my Savior’s love for me!

When with the ransomed in glory

His face I at last shall see,

’Twill be my joy through the ages

To sing of His love for me

Gabriel wrote that song to say “thank you” to Jesus. Thank you for standing with me in my storm. For not giving up on me. For not letting me go. Gabriel would eventually be restored, remarried, and he would rejoin the church. 

Friends, Jesus wont let you go either. He is with you in your storm. Put your faith in Him. Trust Him. Turn to Him. 

Let’s pray. 

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

We thank you that Jesus is the calmer of our storms. Just as the disciples turned to Christ in the midst of their fear, we too come to You, trusting in Your power and sovereignty over the storms of our lives.

Lord, we confess that at times we have let fear overwhelm us. We have doubted Your presence and Your ability to bring peace in the midst of chaos. But today, we choose to fix our eyes on Jesus, the One who calms the raging seas and brings stillness to our souls.

We thank You, Lord, for Your unwavering love and faithfulness. Help us to trust in You more deeply, knowing that You are always with us, guiding us through the trials and tribulations of life.

Lord Jesus, we invite anyone here who has not yet made You their Savior to do so today. May they surrender their fears, doubts, and worries at Your feet, and receive Your gift of salvation and eternal life.

In the midst of life's storms, may we find refuge in Your arms, knowing that You are our rock and our salvation. May Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

We pray all these things in Your precious and holy name,

Amen.

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