Gospel lesson for the week

Mark 4:35-41

Jesus' calming of the storm on the sea reveals his power over evil, since the sea represents evil and chaos. The boat on the sea is a symbol of the church and invites us to trust God amid life's turbulence.

³⁵On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." ³⁶And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. ³⁷A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. ³⁸But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" ³⁹He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. ⁴⁰He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" ⁴¹And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"

Gospel Reflection Questions 
 to share and discuss

1. As this text begins, Jesus needs to rest.  What do you do when you feel tired in your spiritual journey?
   
   
2. The disciples say to Jesus, “do you not care that we are perishing?”  How do you think Jesus felt when he heard this?.
   
   
3. When you are afraid, and/or feel “low” in your faith, what do you do to live through your fears and build up your faith?
   
   

Prayer

Dear God, sometimes we, too, live in what appears to be the midst of a storm.  In those times, and all times, help us to live in your presence and have faith that, whatever the outcome will be, your love sustains us and you will be with us.  Amen.

This is Mt. Olive’s weekly online Bible Study for youth, adults and families. Each week we will reflect on the coming weekend’s Gospel text covered at our upcoming worship services. This is your opportunity to read the text, reflect on the questions, share and discuss with friends and family, and share a prayer.

< SUBSCRIBE >
Get our weekly Bible study newsletter emailed to you!

illustration by Julie Lonneman exclusively for Augsburg Fortress.