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The Rest of Jesus

Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with His disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat… MATTHEW 8:23-24 NLT

THERE’S NO STORM-FREE LIFE

Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with His disciples. MATTHEW 8:23 NLT

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world, you have trouble and suffering… JOHN 16:33 NET

Lies the enemy whispers:

…“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. JEREMIAH 31:3 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. 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. ROMANS 8:38-39 NLT

REMEMBER WHO’S IN YOUR BOAT

Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke Him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and the waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. MATTHEW 8:24-26 NLT

…make every effort to add to your faith… 2 PETER 1:5 NIV

EXPERIENCE HIS PRESENCE

Do not be anxious about anything… PHILIPPIANS 4:6 NIV

The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him.” MATTHEW 8:27 NLT

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place to be with God. Take a few deep breaths and invite Him to speak to you. Storms will come. Jesus never promised a storm-free life, but He did promise His presence. What storms have you faced – big or small? How did you respond? Were you surprised or frustrated by them, even scared or angry? How have those storms shaped you and revealed your faith? In the storm of Matthew 8:23-27, the disciples panicked, yet Jesus was in the boat with them the whole time. Consider this: Do you believe Jesus is with you right now? Whether you’re in the middle of a storm or not, how would your mindset change if you truly trusted His power and presence? Notice that when the disciples finally turned to Jesus, they experienced peace. When life feels overwhelming, where do you turn first – to friends, distractions, or something else? What would it look like to go to Jesus first, rather than as a last resort? Take a moment now to invite Jesus into any fear, stress, or questions you’re facing. Praise Him that the wind and the waves still obey His voice. Even when He seems silent, He is still present and in control. Trust Him to calm the storm, or calm your heart and mind in the middle of it, then thank Him for being with you.

Discussion Questions

For our Matthew series, we’re offering two options for discussing the sermon and Scripture. Choose option A or B to guide your group’s discussion time.

(A) The R.E.A.L. Bible Study Method:

1. Read the Passage. Start by reading Matthew 8:23-27 (NLT) out loud.

2. Explore the Theme. What are the main points or theme of the passage? What does this passage reveal about God and/or humanity? Consider the other passages referenced in the sermon notes in your discussion.

3. Apply the Lesson. How do we apply these passages to our lives today? What from the passage might God be encouraging or challenging you in?

4. Live It Out. What prayerful and specific action will you take based on what you learned?

(B) Choose a couple of questions from each section below to discuss as a group:

  1. START HERE: If your inner life were a weather report, what would your “weather” be this week?
  2. START HERE: When you’re overwhelmed, what emotion usually shows up first?
  3. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 8:23–27 (NLT). What stands out to you most in this story?
  4. KEEP GOING: Why do you think the disciples waited so long to wake Jesus up?
  5. KEEP GOING: If storms reveal what we really believe about God, what has a recent storm shown you about your beliefs?
  6. KEEP GOING: Why do you think many people assume that following Jesus should protect them from experiencing storms in life?
  7. KEEP GOING: Read 2 Peter 1:5 (NIV). Before the next storm arrives, what’s one step you can take in your discipleship journey to grow your faith?
  8. LIVE IT OUT: What would it look like for you to run to Jesus first the next time a storm hits?
  9. LIVE IT OUT: Who’s in your boat? How can you remain mindful of that as you go about the week ahead?