Sermon Study Guide

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Learning to Trust the One Who Guides You Safely Through the Storm “Learning Jesus” (The Gospel of John) John 6:16-21 March 3, 2019

BIG IDEA What gets you through the rough times in life? Where do you turn when the balloon pops? The answer to these questions may very well determine how deeply you’ll go with Jesus and how effective you’ll be for the gospel. I want you be assured that you can trust Jesus— the one who guides you safely through the storm.

THIS WEEK’S SCRIPTURE Context: This is the fifth of seven signs that Jesus did in order to prove that He is who He said He is. The Seven Signs Changing water into wine at the wedding at Cana (Jn. 2:1-11)  Healing the royal official’s son (Jn. 4:46-54)  Healing the paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem (Jn. 5:1-15)  Feeding the 5,000 (Jn. 6:5-13)  Walking on water (Jn. 6:16-21)  Healing the man born blind (Jn. 9:1-7) 

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Raising Lazarus from the dead (Jn. 11:1-44)

There are two miracles in this short paragraph. It’s an awesome testament to the raw power of Jesus! Within the Gospels, there are two parallel accounts of this story; in Matthew 14:22-33 and Mark 6:45-52. Jesus had just fed thousands of people. Now He would prove that He is the one that not only feeds His sheep, but is about the business of saving His own.

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John 6:16-21 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.

DISCUSSION & APPLICATION 1. The Storms of Life Strike Quickly John 6:16-18 – When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. Storms on the Sea of Galilee can be sudden. Life’s storms can come out of nowhere, too. It’s easy to become complacent when we’re enjoying smooth sailing. We have everything under control. But when the bottom falls out, when things start to spin out of control, and when storm crowds threaten, we can call on Jesus. The Lord never fails His own. He guides His children safely through storms. 1 John 5:5 – Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 Peter 5:7 – Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. a. Can you describe a storm in your life? How quickly did it hit you? What effect did it have on you?

b. Did you experience Jesus in this storm? Why or why not? If so, what did He do to help you get through it?

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c. 1 Peter 5:7 commands us to “cast your anxiety on Him.” How do you do that?

2. Storms Seem to Block Progress John 6:19 – When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. Mark 6:47-48a – And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. Jesus was on a hillside praying. From His vantage point He could probably see the fishing boat bobbing in the waves. It was a sudden event for them, but Jesus knew exactly what would happen. Though their progress was slowed, they were exactly where they needed to be in order to learn more about the Lord’s ability to guide them safely through a storm. a. Do you feel like Jesus has His eyes on you? Can you think of a time when you felt like you were alone? What did that feel like?

b. The Lord has an uncanny ability to lead us to places that are unpleasant in order to introduce us to His saving power. Can you describe a time in your life when He did this for you?

c. Why does God take the time to lead us into storms? Can storms be a gift?

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3. Jesus Appears In the Midst of Storms John 6:19-20 – When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Jesus offered Himself to His men in order to grow their faith and help them to understand that He could take them through any storm. In fact, it would be fair to say that it is in life’s darkest and scariest moments, when the wind howls the loudest, that Jesus emerges. He comes to us with outstretched arms, to guide us through the storms of life. a. The Lord emerges in times of trouble. But sometimes we don’t notice. What are some of the strategies we use to avoid pain, and thus miss the appearance of the Lord?

b. When the disciples realized that it was Jesus walking on water, they welcomed Him into their boat. Their fear was eased. Have you welcomed Jesus into your storm? Wouldn’t now be a good time to do that?

c. Are you afraid that Jesus will abandon you if you take this step of faith? He didn’t abandon His disciples. In fact, He took them safely home.

4. We Can Welcome Jesus Into Our Storms and Miracles Happen John 6:21 – Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going. With this statement, John chronicled another miracle. This moment takes on even more importance when we realize that in that culture, the sea often symbolized danger and chaos. But Jesus took them to a safe place.

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a. The signs and wonders described by John are meant to elicit belief. When you watch Jesus keep His disciples safe, what do you feel inside?

b. The Lord keeps His children safe. In what ways has He done this for you?

c. Is there an area of your life in which you feel vulnerable? Now would be a good time to pray and ask Jesus to protect you.

d. Do you want to be assured that Jesus will save you and that you will be in heaven when you die? Please talk with your group leader or a pastor. We’d love to share the saving love of Jesus with you!

PRAY Dear Lord, storms tend to rage all around me. One minute things are quiet and the next seems like chaos. Help me to depend on you. Help me to trust you. Thank you for loving me. Amen.

DIG DEEPER For further study this week:  

The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith – a book from Timothy Keller Future Grace: The Purifying Power of the Promises of God – a book from John Piper

NEXT WEEK’S BIG IDEA Seven Signs Point to Jesus as Son of God; Sign #6 – The Healing of the Man Born Blind (John 9:1-41)

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