
LifeGroup Notes
BIG IDEA
Jesus is the perfect example of how we should live our lives in service to those around us. Tonight, we get to see Him in service to those closest to Him, rescuing His disciples who found themselves in the middle of a storm on high seas with no other place to go! The miracle of Jesus walking on water is one of the most vivid and awe-inspiring miracles He performs, showing us His awesome power over His creation, yet His compassion and love for those He holds dear. As we read through this miracle, it is easy to focus on the amazing walk of Jesus across the sea, but there is so much more lying under the surface into which we can dive deeper.
Passages we’ll review:
John 6:16-21; Isaiah 41:9-10; Job 9:8; Psalm 107:23-32; Hebrews 11:1
OPEN
As you begin tonight, think about a time in your life when you have been in the midst of a storm.
What emotions did you experience during this trial? What helped you through this time?
[WATCH THE VIDEO]
Make sure everyone can see the screen and the audio is at a comfortable level.
What jumped out at you from the video in this session? What are some of your favorite miracles performed by Jesus?
READ
Read John 6:16 - 21
At what time of day did the disciples head out into the Sea of Galilee? What was the significance of this?
As the disciples got out into the middle of the lake, what happened?
Due to its location in the Jordan Rift Valley, the Sea of Galilee is often subjected to an evening west wind that can lead to sudden severe storms and massive waves.
As the disciples got out in the middle of the lake in the midst of one of these storms, how do you think they felt?
Earlier in the day, they had seen Jesus work a great miracle when He fed the multitude. Now, as they saw Jesus approaching on the water, they were terrified.
Why do you think they were so afraid?
How did Jesus calm their fears?
Read Isaiah 41:9 - 10
What was the hope that the people were reminded of? What were they promised?
As we mentioned last week, the people of Israel had a reputation for their cycles of obedience and disobedience. During their times of disobedience, they were often exiled into a land of slavery. They often turned to other gods to worship, but God’s covenant with them was unconditional.
What other miracles occurred once Jesus got into the boat?
Read Job 9:8
How does this relate to the miracle of Jesus calming the sea?
Read Psalm 107:23-32
In this passage, we see a situation much like the one the disciples faced.
As the storm raged and the ship was violently tossed about, what did the people do?
What happened as a result of their faith in Him?
According to verses 31-32, what should be our response to God’s provisions in the midst of difficult times?
Read Hebrews 11:1
How can this verse encourage us in the difficult storms we encounter in life?
Faith expects God to act. The disciples encountered a terrible storm in the darkness of night, unable to see what was around them. Sometimes, in the middle of our storms, we may feel lost in the darkness that surrounds us. But if we can learn from the faith of the disciples and others throughout the Bible, we can trust that God will never leave us or forsake us. We can always put our hope in Him!
What encouraged you the most in today’s study? Are you in the midst of any storms right now?
Warren Wiersbe wrote: “In Scripture, a storm is often a symbol of the awesome presence and power of God. The cloud and darkness, the thunder and lightning, and the earthquake and fire all manifested the greatness of God and produced a holy fear in the hearts of the people.”
LET’S PRAY
As you find yourself in the storms of life, remember that we serve a holy God who not only created the world around us, but also controls it. When difficult times come, we can rest in the promise that Jesus brings peace in the midst of the storm. He allows the storms to come in order that we may grow in our knowledge and understanding of Him. The disciples’ experience in the storm taught them to trust Him more.
Consider the following as you pray together:
1. Pray that as you encounter various trials that you will be comforted by and strengthened in Him. As you go through those trials, remember to praise Him for who He is! Use your experiences to be a light to those who don’t know Him.
2. If you are not currently in the midst of a trial, remember to always pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ who are going through trials, that they may have His peace in the midst of the storm.