Being In Awe | Mark 4:35-41
Being In Awe | Mark 4:35-41 - Week 4 | Sept 29, 2024 by Nathan Mandsager
Podcast
Study Guide on Mark 4:35-41
Quiz
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences based on the sermon "Being in Awe."
Why were the disciples afraid of the storm on the Sea of Galilee?
How does Nathan Mandsager define "awe"?
What does Jesus do to the storm, and how does he speak to it?
According to the sermon, what is the main question the disciples grapple with during the storm?
How did Nathan and his wife experience awe amidst their personal struggles?
What is the relationship between the power of Jesus and his love, according to the sermon?
What does the sermon suggest is NOT a valid reason for seeking awe of God?
How does the speaker connect the disciples' fear in the boat to the experiences of people today?
Why does the speaker suggest that there is something "scarier" than a deadly storm?
What does the speaker encourage his listeners to do in light of the message about Jesus' power over the storm?
Answer Key
The disciples were afraid because the storm was particularly severe, even for experienced fishermen like themselves, and their boat was filling with water.
Mandsager, drawing upon the work of others, defines awe as "the perceived vastness that requires accommodation," meaning recognizing something so grand and powerful that it forces a change in our perspective.
Jesus calms the storm, commanding it to "peace, be still" or, as the original language suggests, telling it to "be quiet and stay quiet."
The disciples' main question is whether Jesus cares about their plight and, if so, whether he will act to save them.
Nathan and his wife found awe in the midst of personal hardship while hiking in the Adirondack Mountains, where the grandeur of nature reminded them of God's greatness and their own smallness.
The sermon emphasizes that the power of Jesus is always in service to his love, meaning that his mighty acts are motivated by compassion and a desire to help those in need.
Seeking awe of God should not be viewed as a way to manipulate him or get what we want, as if it were a transactional exchange.
The speaker argues that everyone faces "storms" in life, whether literal or metaphorical, and like the disciples, we may question God's presence and care during difficult times.
The speaker suggests that encountering someone who can control a deadly storm is even more awe-inspiring and potentially frightening than the storm itself, highlighting Jesus' divine power.
The speaker encourages his listeners to seek a perspective of awe regarding Jesus, recognizing his vast power and trusting in his love and ability to help them navigate the "storms" of their own lives.
Essay Questions
Analyze the events in Mark 4. How does this specific incident of the storm connect to the other teachings in the chapter?
How does the sermon define and explore the concept of awe? Discuss specific examples used in the sermon that illustrate this concept.
Compare and contrast the reactions of the disciples to the storm with Nathan and his wife's response to their personal struggles. How does their understanding of Jesus' power differ?
Critically examine the sermon's assertion that seeking awe of God is not a formula for getting what we want. What are the implications of this statement for understanding prayer and our relationship with God?
The sermon concludes by highlighting the connection between Jesus' power and his love. In what ways does the story of Jesus calming the storm demonstrate both of these attributes? How does this understanding impact our own approach to facing difficulties in life?
Glossary of Key Terms
Awe: A feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder, often inspired by something vast or powerful. In the context of the sermon, it refers to recognizing the greatness of God and adjusting one's perspective accordingly.
Sea of Galilee: A freshwater lake in Israel, significant in the Gospels as the location of many of Jesus' miracles and teachings.
Disciples: The close followers of Jesus, often referred to as his students or learners.
Accommodation: In the context of awe, it refers to the necessary shift in thinking and perspective required when confronted with something vast and beyond our comprehension.
Adirondack Mountains: A mountain range in northeastern New York State known for its natural beauty and hiking trails.
Chronic Pain: Persistent pain that continues for an extended period, often resistant to treatment.
Spiritual Death: A state of separation from God, often associated with sin and its consequences.
Tunnel Vision: A narrow focus on a particular problem or issue, often to the exclusion of other perspectives or possibilities.
Insurmountable: Too great to be overcome. In the context of the sermon, it refers to challenges that seem impossible to handle without God's help.
