Jesus: Sovereign Lord and Source of Peace

 

Summary

In our journey through the Bible, we find that the entire narrative centers on Jesus Christ. He is the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises and the embodiment of the New Testament revelations. The Old Testament conceals the New, while the New Testament reveals the Old. This interconnectedness highlights the promises made and kept through Jesus' birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Jesus, born of a virgin, was the Holy One, a unique event in history. His temptations were unparalleled, as He alone withstood the full force of Satan's power, illustrating His sovereignty as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

In Mark chapters 4 and 5, we see Jesus' sovereignty over disasters, demons, disease, and death. He calms a storm, demonstrating His power over nature. He casts out demons, showing His authority over spiritual forces. He heals a woman with a long-term illness, proving His dominion over disease. Finally, He raises a young girl from the dead, affirming His power over death itself. These stories reveal Jesus as the sovereign Lord, whose authority extends over all creation.

Jesus saves because He is sovereign. His lordship is integral to His ability to save. The misconception that one can accept Jesus as Savior without acknowledging Him as Lord is a misunderstanding of the gospel. Jesus' sovereignty is what qualifies Him to be our Savior. Our world, however, often rejects this sovereign Lord, leading to continued suffering and chaos. Yet, even in rejection, Jesus leaves a witness, as seen in the man freed from demons who was sent to testify to his community.

Peace grows as we submit to Jesus' lordship. In each story, peace follows the revelation of His sovereignty. The storm calms, the possessed man finds peace, the healed woman is told to go in peace, and the grieving home is restored. Where Christ reigns, peace follows. To experience greater peace, we must submit more fully to His rule, embracing His will over our own desires and fears. As we do, the increase of His government and peace will have no end.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Centrality of Christ: The entire Bible points to Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God's promises. Understanding the Old Testament requires the New Testament, as the former conceals what the latter reveals. Jesus is the center of the biblical narrative, embodying God's promises made and kept. [01:20]

2. Jesus' Sovereignty Over Temptation: Jesus' temptations were unique because He alone withstood the full force of Satan's power. This illustrates His sovereignty and His ability to empathize with our struggles, having faced the ultimate test without breaking. [06:18]

3. Authority Over All Creation: Jesus' miracles in Mark 4 and 5 demonstrate His authority over nature, spiritual forces, disease, and death. These stories reveal His sovereignty and His power to bring peace and restoration in every aspect of life. [19:00]

4. The Misunderstanding of Lordship: A common misconception is that one can accept Jesus as Savior without acknowledging Him as Lord. However, His sovereignty is integral to His ability to save, and embracing His lordship is essential to experiencing the fullness of salvation. [23:53]

5. Peace Through Submission: True peace comes from submitting to Jesus' sovereign rule. As we align our lives with His will, we experience the peace that follows His lordship. This submission leads to a deeper, more enduring peace in our lives. [37:59]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - The Bible's Central Story
- [01:01] - Old and New Testament Connection
- [02:08] - The Birth of the Holy One
- [03:09] - Jesus' Unique Temptation
- [06:31] - Jesus Begins His Ministry
- [07:31] - The Kingdom of God is Near
- [08:03] - Jesus' Sovereignty Over Disasters
- [12:32] - Authority Over Demons
- [16:08] - Healing and Authority Over Disease
- [19:15] - Sovereignty Over Death
- [22:36] - Jesus Saves as Sovereign Lord
- [28:43] - The World's Rejection of Sovereignty
- [34:36] - The Promise of Peace
- [38:19] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Mark 4:35-41
2. Mark 5:1-20
3. Mark 5:21-43

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Observation Questions:

1. In Mark 4:35-41, how does Jesus demonstrate His authority over nature during the storm? What was the disciples' initial reaction to the storm? [10:16]

2. Describe the condition of the man possessed by demons in Mark 5:1-20. How did the community try to deal with him before Jesus arrived? [14:26]

3. What was the woman's condition in Mark 5:25-34, and how did she seek healing from Jesus? What was Jesus' response to her faith? [18:30]

4. In Mark 5:35-43, what was the situation in Jairus' home when Jesus arrived, and how did Jesus respond to the news of the girl's death? [20:04]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does Jesus' ability to calm the storm in Mark 4:35-41 reveal about His nature and His relationship with creation? How might this understanding impact a believer's faith during personal storms? [12:14]

2. How does the transformation of the demon-possessed man in Mark 5:1-20 illustrate the power of Jesus' sovereignty over spiritual forces? What does this suggest about the potential for change in individuals today? [15:39]

3. In Mark 5:25-34, the woman's faith led her to seek Jesus for healing. What does this passage teach about the relationship between faith and healing? How might this apply to spiritual or emotional healing today? [18:45]

4. The delay in Jesus' arrival at Jairus' home resulted in the girl's death. How does this story in Mark 5:35-43 speak to the timing of God's intervention in our lives? What can believers learn about patience and trust from this account? [21:34]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent "storm" in your life. How did you respond, and what might it look like to trust in Jesus' sovereignty in similar situations in the future? [10:16]

2. Consider a situation where you or someone you know felt bound by a "demon" of sorts, such as addiction or fear. How can the story of the demon-possessed man inspire hope and action in seeking freedom through Christ? [15:39]

3. The woman with the issue of blood took a bold step of faith to reach out to Jesus. Is there an area in your life where you need to take a similar step of faith? What might that look like practically? [18:45]

4. Jesus' delay in reaching Jairus' daughter resulted in a greater miracle. How can you cultivate patience and trust in God's timing, especially when answers to prayers seem delayed? [21:34]

5. The sermon emphasized the importance of acknowledging Jesus as both Savior and Lord. How can you more fully submit to His lordship in your daily decisions and actions? [23:53]

6. Peace follows submission to Jesus' lordship. Identify an area of your life where you lack peace. What steps can you take to submit this area to Christ and experience His peace? [37:59]

7. The man freed from demons was sent to testify to his community. Who in your life needs to hear about what Jesus has done for you, and how can you share your testimony with them this week? [32:48]

Devotional

Day 1: Christ as the Fulfillment of God's Promises
The entire Bible narrative centers on Jesus Christ, who fulfills the promises of the Old Testament and embodies the revelations of the New Testament. The Old Testament conceals the New, while the New Testament reveals the Old, highlighting the promises made and kept through Jesus' birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Jesus is the central figure in the biblical narrative, embodying God's promises made and kept. Understanding the Old Testament requires the New Testament, as the former conceals what the latter reveals. Jesus is the center of the biblical narrative, embodying God's promises made and kept. [01:20]

"For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory." (2 Corinthians 1:20, ESV)

Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises change the way you read the Old Testament? Can you identify a specific promise in the Old Testament that finds its fulfillment in Jesus?


Day 2: Jesus' Unique Sovereignty Over Temptation
Jesus' temptations were unique because He alone withstood the full force of Satan's power. This illustrates His sovereignty and His ability to empathize with our struggles, having faced the ultimate test without breaking. Unlike any other, Jesus faced the full brunt of temptation and emerged victorious, demonstrating His unparalleled strength and sovereignty. His experience allows Him to empathize with our struggles, offering us a model of resilience and faithfulness. [06:18]

"For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." (Hebrews 2:18, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel most tempted? How can Jesus' example of overcoming temptation inspire you to seek His strength in those moments?


Day 3: Authority Over All Creation
In Mark chapters 4 and 5, Jesus demonstrates His authority over nature, spiritual forces, disease, and death. He calms a storm, casts out demons, heals a woman with a long-term illness, and raises a young girl from the dead. These stories reveal Jesus as the sovereign Lord, whose authority extends over all creation. His miracles illustrate His power to bring peace and restoration in every aspect of life, affirming His sovereignty and His role as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. [19:00]

"And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Peace! Be still!' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." (Mark 4:39, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a situation in your life where you feel powerless. How can you invite Jesus' authority into that situation to bring peace and restoration?


Day 4: The Misunderstanding of Lordship
A common misconception is that one can accept Jesus as Savior without acknowledging Him as Lord. However, His sovereignty is integral to His ability to save, and embracing His lordship is essential to experiencing the fullness of salvation. Jesus saves because He is sovereign, and His lordship is integral to His ability to save. The misconception that one can accept Jesus as Savior without acknowledging Him as Lord is a misunderstanding of the gospel. Embracing His lordship is essential to experiencing the fullness of salvation. [23:53]

"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?" (Luke 6:46, ESV)

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you acknowledge Jesus as Savior but struggle to submit to His lordship? What steps can you take to fully embrace His authority in that area?


Day 5: Peace Through Submission
True peace comes from submitting to Jesus' sovereign rule. As we align our lives with His will, we experience the peace that follows His lordship. In each story from Mark chapters 4 and 5, peace follows the revelation of His sovereignty. The storm calms, the possessed man finds peace, the healed woman is told to go in peace, and the grieving home is restored. To experience greater peace, we must submit more fully to His rule, embracing His will over our own desires and fears. [37:59]

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are resisting Jesus' rule? How can you begin to submit to His will in that area to experience His peace?

Quotes

The entire Bible is one story, and it is all about Jesus Christ. He really is the center; He is the focus of the entire Bible story. Jesus speaks about this Himself on one occasion. He said, "The Scriptures bear witness about Me." The whole of the Bible, the whole of the Scripture, bears witness about the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:00:16]

The New is in the Old concealed, and the Old is in the New revealed. In other words, everything that's in the New Testament is actually anticipated in the Old Testament. The New is in the Old concealed, but also the Old is in the New revealed. You cannot fully understand the Old Testament Scriptures without the New Testament Scriptures. [00:01:01]

No one has ever been tempted to the degree that Jesus Christ was tempted. And I say that for this reason: that He is the only person in all of human history who has ever felt the full force of Satan's power. Let me try and illustrate this for you very simply. [00:03:12]

Only Christ knows the full power of temptation because only Christ has withstood the full force of the enemy's assault. Now that's what we've got in the Bible story is Jesus Christ is being introduced to us, born, tempted, and what we're going to see today is that Jesus Christ is indeed God with us. [00:06:03]

Jesus is sovereign Lord. We are told here first in relation to disasters. That's Mark chapter 4 and verse 34 to 41. On that day, verse 35, when evening had come, He said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." And leaving the crowd, they took Him with them in the boat, just as He was. [00:08:24]

Always remember this: that Jesus never promises to any of us a storm-free life. In this world, Jesus says, you will have trouble. In the Acts of the Apostles, we read these words: that it is through many tribulations that we must enter the kingdom of God. [00:09:48]

Jesus is the sovereign Lord, not only over disasters, which that certainly would have been apart from His command, but He is the sovereign Lord over demons. Chapter 5 and the verse 20 verses we have here the story of a man with an unclean spirit. That's Mark chapter 5 and verse 2. [00:12:30]

Jesus is the sovereign Lord over disease. And here we have a third story in which Mark tells us about a woman who had suffered from debilitating illness for no less than 12 years. In chapter 5 and verse 26, we're told that she had spent all of her money on various doctors. [00:16:08]

Jesus is the sovereign Lord. Do you see the pattern here? Four stories all being strung together in Mark's gospel. He is the sovereign Lord over disaster, over the demons. Now we see His authority in regards to disease, and then fourthly, Mark records this remarkable story of the authority of the sovereign Lord over death itself. [00:18:45]

Jesus saves because He is the sovereign Lord. Jesus saves because He is the sovereign Lord, not the sovereign Lord He's not able to save, but because He is the sovereign Lord, that is why He is able to save. Now I stress this here because one of the most damaging misunderstandings of the gospel is the idea that some people seem to pick up. [00:22:36]

Our world aches because it rejects the sovereign Lord. Chapter 5 and verse 17, when Jesus had delivered the demon-possessed man and the people came out and they saw him utterly transformed, the biggest threat to the community sitting dressed and in his right mind, and their response was, chapter 5 verse 17, they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region. [00:28:43]

Peace grows as you submit to the sovereign Lord. Peace grows as you submit to the sovereign Lord. As we've looked at these three stories, I wonder if you have noticed that peace always follows the lordship of Jesus being unveiled. To the storm, Jesus says, "Peace, be still," and this water that's in a great convulsion suddenly is calmed. [00:34:56]

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