Bible ReadingMatthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
[31:19]Matthew 8:23-27 “And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing.’ And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?’ Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?’”
[46:13]Mark 8:14-21 “Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. And he cautioned them, saying, ‘Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.’ And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread. And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, ‘Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?’ They said to him, ‘Twelve.’ ‘And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?’ And they said to him, ‘Seven.’ And he said to them, ‘Do you not yet understand?’”
[52:35]Matthew 14:22-33 “Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’ And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me.’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.”
[49:19]John 16:7 “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.”
[01:18:43]Observation questions- In Matthew 28:19-20, what are believers called to teach disciples to do—not merely know or agree with?
- What do the disciples say and do when the storm threatens their boat in Matthew 8, and what question does Jesus ask them? [47:15]
- In Mark 8, what recent miracles does Jesus tell the disciples to remember, and what problem are they focused on instead? [53:04]
- In Matthew 14, what happens when Peter shifts his attention from Jesus to the wind? [50:34]
Interpretation questions- The disciples faced a real storm, yet Jesus connected their fear with little faith. What does this show about the difference between recognizing danger and responding as though Christ is absent or unable to help? [59:26]
- Jesus expected the disciples’ faith to increase after they had repeatedly seen His power. What might it look like for a believer to remember God’s past faithfulness when a new need or trial comes? [55:36]
- Jesus regularly withdrew to pray, while the disciples slept in Gethsemane and tried to act in their own strength. Why is prayer more than asking God to fix a problem or checking off a daily task? [01:14:33]
- Jesus says that His departure would be for the disciples’ advantage because the Helper would come. How does the Holy Spirit’s work explain the change from fearful disciples in the Gospels to bold witnesses in Acts? [01:21:25]
Application questions- What is one current situation that has been stirring fear, worry, or anxiety in your heart? What would it look like to bring that concern honestly to Christ while trusting that the storm does not have more authority than He does? [59:17]
- Think of a time when God has provided, protected, guided, or sustained you in the past. How could remembering that specific act of faithfulness help you face a present concern differently? [53:10]
- Where are you tempted to treat one “loaf of bread”—one limited resource, unanswered question, or uncertain outcome—as though it means everything will fall apart? [52:49]
- Faith is not carelessness, poor stewardship, or expecting God to give every comfort we want. Is there an area where you need both wise responsibility and deeper trust that Christ will supply what is needed for His purposes? [01:03:37]
- What does your normal time with God look like during a busy week? Does it make room for communion with Him, or does it often become something rushed, mechanical, or guilt-driven? [01:12:25]
- What is one realistic step you could take this week to spend unhurried time with the Lord—perhaps a walk, a quiet place, an earlier morning, or time without your phone? [01:15:30]
- Where have you been relying mainly on your own ability, personality, preparation, or confidence? How might you specifically ask the Holy Spirit to help you have faith, pray, and speak boldly for Christ? [01:21:43]
