Nature’s Master

Sermon 32 in Series

Luke 8:22-25

[22] One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, [23] and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. [24] And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. [25] He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  How do the Gospels move back and forth between Jesus’ words and his deeds? What does this show us about the Incarnation?
2.  Where do we see God’s providence in this narrative? How does it relate to other passages we’ve seen in Luke?
3.  What is the significance of Jesus sleeping? How does this passage help us put together the two natures of Christ?
4.  What details highlight the seriousness of the storm (also from Mark and Matthew)? How does this accentuate the greatness of Jesus’ miracle?
5.  What is the function of this miracle story in Luke’s Gospel? How does it inform us, put us in a state of awe, and comfort us in the face of difficulties?
6.  As we reflect on the disciples’ fear over the storm, how is it understandable and yet inappropriate? What does Jesus’ correction teach us about the Christian life?

References: Psalm 148 (corporate reading); Colossians 3:2; Luke 8:15; Mark 4:35-36, 38-39; Matthew 8:18, 24; Hebrews 4:15; Luke 4:35, 39, 41; Psalm 29:4; 106:9; 65:7; 104:7; 107:29; Genesis 1:9-10.