Sermon Discussion Questions: Who Then is This?
Mark 4:35–41
The following outline and discussion questions have been prepared to accompany the sermon from May 19, 2019 “Who Then is This?” These questions can be used for discussion in small groups, family devotions, or for personal reflection.
Main Idea: Jesus is truly the Son of God because only God can still a storm.
Outline:
I. The Test of Faith (Mark 4:35–38)
II. The Pattern of Faith (Mark 4:38a)
III. The Object of Faith (Mark 4:39–41)
Discussion Questions:
1. Read Jonah 1:4–16 and Mark 4:35–41. How do the similarities and differences between this account and Jonah 1:4–16 help us grasp the writer’s purpose?
2. How was this storm a test of the disciples’ faith?
3. How is Jesus a pattern of faith? (Cf. Ps 3:5; 4:8; Prov 3:24–26)
4. How do the disciples interpret Jesus’ peaceful sleep in the midst of the storm?
5. What does the title “teacher” reveal about the disciples’ “current” beliefs about Jesus?
5. How does Jesus’ miracle reveal that he is the right and proper object of their faith? (Cf. Ps 89:8–9; 65:5–7; 107:23–29)
Application:
6. Have you been tempted to think that God over-promises but under-delivers?
7. Think carefully about your experience, how did you beliefs and expectations of the Christian life lead you to think that God was negligent, unloving, or unfaithful?
8. Read the following passages (John 15:18–21; Rom 5:1–5; 2 Cor 1:3–10; 1 Pet 1:6–9)
- What does the Bible tell Christians about suffering and pain?\
- Does the Bible ever promise us that God will shield Christians from suffering and pain?
- What does suffering and pain accomplish in the true believer’s life?
- How do these truths prepare true believers for disappointment, pain, and tragedy?
- How can these truths embolden your faith in the midst of trials? (Cf. Ps 3:5; 4:8; Prov 3:24–26)
9. What do you sense God calling you to do as a result of this message?
“The best of life on Earth is a glimpse of Heaven; the worst of life is a glimpse of Hell. For Christians, this present life is the closest they will come to Hell. For unbelievers, it is the closest they will come to Heaven.” Randy Alcorn