Slices
Prepare
What causes you to become fearful or overwhelmed? Name and give your fears and doubts to Jesus in prayer now.
Bible passage
Jesus calms the storm
23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!’
26 He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
27 The men were amazed and asked, ‘What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!’
Explore
Recently in Israel, I visited a carefully preserved fishing boat nicknamed ‘the Jesus boat’ at Kibbutz Ginosar. Discovered in the mud of Lake Galilee in 1986, it is confirmed to be an actual fishing boat used by fishermen at the time Jesus travelled around Lake Galilee. I was stunned by how small and insufficient it was (8.3 m x 2.3 m x 1.3 m) to protect the disciples, plus Jesus and gear, through a furious storm. Yet Jesus sleeps virtually at their feet as the storm rages (v 24). How exposed and vulnerable must the disciples feel (v 25)?
Scared and confused, with waves already swamping the boat, they turn to Jesus. When Jesus completely calms the storm on command, they witness the magnitude of his power (vs 26,27). Every demonstration of power speaks to who Jesus truly is: the Son of God. Surely only God can control the wind and waves? The disciples are amazed as they witness another instance of God’s power at work.
Jesus knows the storm is not the real problem. It’s their faith (v 26). There will be many life storms ahead. To weather them, they will need to trust in God’s power. As do we.
Respond
Sit quietly with God. What tough situations are you facing? Do you trust that God is strong enough to deal with what you cannot? Ask God for his peace and courage to navigate the tough stuff.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Numbers 12–14; Psalms 28,29
Pray for Scripture Union
Give thanks for over 1,000 volunteers who served children and young people through one of our missions, holidays or events last year. Pray that those who are thinking about serving this year will apply and help to reveal Jesus to this generation.
