12 January 2014

"How Is It That You Have No Faith?"

"How Is It That You Have No Faith?"
Text: Mark 4:35-41

Speaker:
Rev. Dr Charles Tan
Series:
2014

Message Notes

THE END OF A LONG DAY OF TEACHING

1. It was Jesus’ practice not to stay too long in one region

2. He was committed to teaching/preaching to other villages and cities            Mark 1:38-39

A BOAT TRIP

1. The Sea of Galilee

2. Boats were used to ferry people across the Sea

3. Jesus made a seemingly innocuous statement

“Let us cross over to the other side.”            Mark 4:35

A SUDDEN STORM

1. This is not uncommon

2. The severity of the storm however was uncommon

3. It was frightening even to the fishermen who were seasoned sailors

TURNING TO JESUS

1. They woke Him from His rest

2. They voiced their fears

3. They also voiced their concern that Jesus did not seem to care they might perish in the storm            Mark 4:38

THE CALMING OF THE STORM

1. Jesus arose and rebuked the wind            Mark 4:39

2. He uttered the words “Peace, be still”            Mark 4:39

3. The winds obeyed Him instantly            Mark 4:39

JESUS’ WORD TO HIS DISCIPLES

1. Why are your fearful?

2. How is it that you have no faith?            Mark 4:40

ASTONISHMENT OF THE DISCIPLES

1. They feared exceedingly

2. “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”            Mark 4:41

POEM – Charles Tan

HOW IS IT YOU HAVE NO FAITH?

The day’s work of speaking to the multitudes was done,
Jesus had spoken parable after parable, from morn till set of sun.
The next ministry would require them to “cross over to the other side,”
However, these words of Jesus, in the hearts of the disciples, did not abide.

Jesus had taken the form of mortal flesh,
And thus experienced tiredness like the rest.
Suddenly a wild tempest arose and threatened to capsize the boat,
Jesus continued to rest while the disciples were trying their best to keep afloat.

The disciples became alarmed and fearful that they might all drown at sea,
What a tragic end of their life and ministry if they all died in the Sea of Galilee!
They hastily woke up Jesus from His badly-needed rest,
They were disturbed that He seemed unconcerned, they were so close to death.

Jesus arose and gently rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace be still.”
The disciples were astonished; the wind and the sea, they both obeyed His will!
Jesus knew what the problem was; their faith in Him was not strong,
The humbled disciples had much more to learn about Jesus, whose word can calm a storm.

Inspiration: Mark 4:35-41