WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.520 Well, good morning, church. Let me invite you to turn to Mark chapter 4. 00:00:06.540 --> 00:00:12.800 Our sermon text today is Mark chapter 4, verses 35 through 41. That's page 788 in the Pew Bible, 00:00:12.839 --> 00:00:17.400 if you want to turn there. It'll be on the screens, too, when I read it in just a minute. 00:00:19.859 --> 00:00:23.800 Mark chapter 4. Let me pray, and then I'll read our text for us. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:36.659 Our Father in heaven, we do proclaim your great faithfulness to us, your people, 00:00:37.560 --> 00:00:44.539 that even when we are blown and tossed, even when it seems like we are so unfaithful, 00:00:44.980 --> 00:00:51.299 God, you remain true. You remain faithful. And thank you that you remain faithful to your promise 00:00:51.299 --> 00:00:58.320 to speak to us and to reveal yourself to us and to lead us through the word that you've given us. 00:00:58.320 --> 00:01:04.000 So, God, we look to you and your faithfulness as we come to the scriptures again, 00:01:04.640 --> 00:01:12.519 asking for you to speak and lead and guide. And even, Lord, we pray to change us and to make us whole. 00:01:13.659 --> 00:01:16.079 For Jesus' sake and in his name we pray. Amen. 00:01:17.620 --> 00:01:20.700 All right, Mark chapter 4, verses 35 through 41. 00:01:22.740 --> 00:01:23.620 Let me read for us. 00:01:23.620 --> 00:01:53.600 It says, 00:01:53.620 --> 00:02:23.599 Let me read for you and say, 00:02:23.599 --> 00:02:29.299 So today we come to the end of our fall sermon series in Mark's gospel. 00:02:29.879 --> 00:02:34.459 Next week we'll pick up our Advent series, and we'll most likely pick up Mark again in the new year. 00:02:34.500 --> 00:02:37.819 But today, for now, we've come to our last text of our series. 00:02:38.699 --> 00:02:42.900 For the past few months we've been looking at this written account of the life of Jesus, 00:02:43.000 --> 00:02:46.199 the gospel of Mark, which is probably the earliest of the four gospels. 00:02:46.199 --> 00:02:52.959 We've been looking at this account of the life of Jesus, and we've been trying to reacquaint ourselves with the real Jesus. 00:02:52.960 --> 00:03:04.020 You see, our view of Jesus often, it's so domesticated, and sometimes we become so overly familiar that we miss who he really is. 00:03:04.020 --> 00:03:08.200 Our passage this morning is a good example. 00:03:08.200 --> 00:03:11.160 For many, it's a familiar story. 00:03:11.300 --> 00:03:12.480 Jesus calms the storm. 00:03:12.479 --> 00:03:17.780 But have we really encountered this Jesus? 00:03:17.780 --> 00:03:21.240 And have we really reckoned with him? 00:03:22.000 --> 00:03:30.060 Have we paused long enough to consider that this isn't just a nice story, but a historical account of the living and reigning Lord? 00:03:31.939 --> 00:03:36.699 So this morning, I want to simply walk through this text together. 00:03:37.120 --> 00:03:38.259 Take it step by step. 00:03:38.259 --> 00:03:45.179 And we'll pray that the real Jesus will step through these written words and encounter us this morning. 00:03:47.019 --> 00:03:51.459 And so as we come to this story then, we see that this story begins with a storm. 00:03:52.840 --> 00:03:55.280 Let me read again verses 35 through 37. 00:03:55.280 --> 00:03:58.500 On that day when evening had come, Jesus said to them, let's go across the other side. 00:03:59.079 --> 00:04:02.819 And leaving the crowd, they took him with him in the boat just as he was. 00:04:03.099 --> 00:04:04.120 And other boats were with him. 00:04:04.120 --> 00:04:11.560 And a great windstorm arose and the waves were breaking into the boat so that the boat was already filling. 00:04:12.780 --> 00:04:20.840 You know, the first thing this passage shows us is that being a follower of Jesus does not make you exempt from storms. 00:04:22.980 --> 00:04:26.939 Notice that the disciples here are even obeying Jesus' command. 00:04:27.540 --> 00:04:32.980 When they set off across the Sea of Galilee, it was Jesus' own voice that said, let's go across to the other side. 00:04:32.980 --> 00:04:35.620 And by all accounts, they obeyed him right away. 00:04:35.759 --> 00:04:38.379 Mark says they took him with him in the boat just as he was. 00:04:39.020 --> 00:04:44.520 Remember, Jesus' practice at this point in his ministry was to teach by sitting on a boat at the edge of the water. 00:04:45.000 --> 00:04:50.120 And by doing that, this allowed his voice to carry up into the crowds and it kept the crowds from pressing in on him. 00:04:50.680 --> 00:04:54.280 And when Jesus says, let's go to the other side, the disciples obey right away. 00:04:54.379 --> 00:04:56.900 They set out with Jesus in the boat just as he was. 00:04:56.899 --> 00:05:02.899 The sense of that phrase, just as he was, probably means that they didn't even return to shore before they set out. 00:05:03.439 --> 00:05:04.739 Jesus commands and they go. 00:05:06.739 --> 00:05:08.019 So here are the disciples. 00:05:09.179 --> 00:05:16.299 They've been following Jesus, heeding his words, believing him, loving him, not ashamed to give up all things for his sake. 00:05:16.479 --> 00:05:18.359 They listen to his voice and they set out. 00:05:18.360 --> 00:05:20.980 But what happens? 00:05:22.860 --> 00:05:24.139 Smooth seas? 00:05:25.000 --> 00:05:25.819 Clear skies? 00:05:26.980 --> 00:05:27.300 No. 00:05:28.540 --> 00:05:32.639 On this day, it's tempest and it's storm. 00:05:32.639 --> 00:05:40.459 The Sea of Galilee was notorious for these quick, kind of overwhelming storms. 00:05:40.699 --> 00:05:49.199 The geography is sort of just right to produce sudden, ferocious storms as the kind of cold air from nearby Mount Hermon, 00:05:49.279 --> 00:05:54.159 which is about 9,000 feet above sea level, comes down and meets the warm air rising from the Sea of Galilee, 00:05:54.279 --> 00:05:56.039 which is about 700 feet below sea level. 00:05:56.419 --> 00:06:01.879 So here's this sort of perfect geography to just create these massive storms. 00:06:02.639 --> 00:06:11.599 Apparently, even today, along the western shore of Galilee, there are parking lots near the water with signs warning of high winds and big waves 00:06:11.599 --> 00:06:14.079 that can swamp cars that are parked along the beach. 00:06:15.620 --> 00:06:18.039 The Sea of Galilee is notorious for these kinds of storms. 00:06:19.479 --> 00:06:21.579 And so it was on this day for the disciples. 00:06:22.819 --> 00:06:27.120 Jesus commanded, they set out, and they met a storm. 00:06:27.120 --> 00:06:32.879 A storm that crashed into their boat with a fury and that threatened to drown them all. 00:06:34.959 --> 00:06:40.139 As disciples, we are not exempt from the storms. 00:06:42.459 --> 00:06:44.060 J.C. Ryle says it well. 00:06:44.060 --> 00:06:44.399 He says, 00:06:44.399 --> 00:06:50.180 If we are true Christians, we must not expect everything smooth in our journey to heaven. 00:06:51.139 --> 00:07:00.340 We must count it no strange thing if we have to endure sicknesses, losses, bereavements, and disappointments, just like other men. 00:07:01.819 --> 00:07:05.620 Free pardon and full forgiveness, grace by the way, and glory at the end. 00:07:05.620 --> 00:07:07.899 All this our Savior has promised to give. 00:07:09.340 --> 00:07:12.680 But he has never promised that we shall have no afflictions. 00:07:14.899 --> 00:07:19.160 One of the disciples in the boat that day would later write this. 00:07:19.340 --> 00:07:22.660 The Apostle Peter, in his first letter, says to his fellow Christians beloved, 00:07:22.660 --> 00:07:30.020 Do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you as though something strange were happening to you. 00:07:31.200 --> 00:07:37.180 I wonder if when Peter was writing about that fiery trial, he remembered this watery trial that he had experienced this day in the boat. 00:07:39.080 --> 00:07:40.840 Brothers and sisters, storms will come. 00:07:41.280 --> 00:07:42.300 Our boat will be shaken. 00:07:43.300 --> 00:07:44.820 Our confidence may be rattled. 00:07:45.340 --> 00:07:47.180 Our faith may be brought to the brink. 00:07:49.379 --> 00:07:50.820 But we must not lose heart. 00:07:53.320 --> 00:07:54.880 Notice what we see next in our passage. 00:07:55.000 --> 00:07:56.280 Let's pick up in verse 37. 00:07:57.120 --> 00:08:01.660 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat so that the boat was already filling. 00:08:02.360 --> 00:08:05.560 But Jesus was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. 00:08:06.120 --> 00:08:07.300 And they woke him and said to him, 00:08:07.360 --> 00:08:10.620 Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing? 00:08:13.100 --> 00:08:15.840 Now what we see here in verse 38, what we see in this moment, 00:08:16.080 --> 00:08:20.200 is a glimpse of Jesus' full humanity. 00:08:20.199 --> 00:08:23.539 Yes, he is the one who will calm the storm. 00:08:23.819 --> 00:08:25.159 But don't miss this too. 00:08:26.099 --> 00:08:28.979 Jesus was also really and truly human. 00:08:30.639 --> 00:08:32.779 Note the details that Mark gives us. 00:08:32.860 --> 00:08:35.799 You know, a typical Galilean fishing boat was about 26 feet long. 00:08:36.460 --> 00:08:39.379 And we're told that Jesus was in the stern, that is the back of the boat, 00:08:39.960 --> 00:08:44.220 asleep on the cushion, most likely the cushion that you'd sit on to row. 00:08:44.220 --> 00:08:51.840 By the way, it's details like these that remind us that Mark is recording the testimony of eyewitnesses. 00:08:51.879 --> 00:08:56.480 There are all sorts of these little details in the story that seem almost kind of unimportant. 00:08:56.600 --> 00:09:01.220 The hour of the day, the reference to the disciples taking Jesus from the boat right where he was sitting, 00:09:01.340 --> 00:09:04.320 the presence of other boats, you know, the boats drawing in water, 00:09:04.460 --> 00:09:08.180 Jesus' sleep on the cushion, the disciples' sarcasm, Jesus' rebuke, 00:09:08.379 --> 00:09:10.580 the disciples' fear, all of these particulars. 00:09:10.580 --> 00:09:14.000 They give us evidence that this is a firsthand account. 00:09:14.600 --> 00:09:16.920 You know, this isn't some legend that grew in the telling. 00:09:17.700 --> 00:09:21.340 Rather, Mark's recording the testimony of people who were there. 00:09:23.520 --> 00:09:27.980 And what we're shown is Jesus' sleep. 00:09:30.980 --> 00:09:34.440 You see, friends, Jesus had a human nature and a body just like ours. 00:09:35.240 --> 00:09:37.259 He experienced hunger and thirst. 00:09:37.259 --> 00:09:40.700 He knew what it was like to feel exertion and weariness. 00:09:41.240 --> 00:09:44.039 He, too, needed rest and sleep. 00:09:45.299 --> 00:09:48.340 And after preaching to crowds all day under the heat of the sun, 00:09:48.600 --> 00:09:49.639 that's what we see here. 00:09:49.720 --> 00:09:52.299 Jesus, needing rest, has fallen asleep. 00:09:55.240 --> 00:09:58.819 Of course, the disciples didn't yet have the eyes to see it, 00:09:59.539 --> 00:10:03.659 but this should have been a great comfort to their frightened hearts. 00:10:03.659 --> 00:10:07.379 They come to him angry, even afraid. 00:10:07.519 --> 00:10:09.600 Teacher, don't you care that we're perishing? 00:10:09.980 --> 00:10:11.819 And yes, on the surface, it looks that way. 00:10:12.120 --> 00:10:13.699 How could he be asleep right now? 00:10:14.480 --> 00:10:15.759 Doesn't he care if we drown? 00:10:17.860 --> 00:10:18.879 But look closer. 00:10:21.399 --> 00:10:25.659 Here is Jesus in his full humanity displayed. 00:10:25.659 --> 00:10:30.980 What does the full humanity of Jesus mean? 00:10:34.039 --> 00:10:40.639 Does it not mean that he knows our infirmities and our trials and our sorrows? 00:10:41.399 --> 00:10:43.019 Yes, even our storms? 00:10:44.699 --> 00:10:50.039 Does not his full humanity mean that he experienced them and felt them fully? 00:10:50.039 --> 00:10:53.019 And so we ask, teacher, don't you care? 00:10:53.599 --> 00:10:57.179 But look, see his full humanity. 00:10:58.120 --> 00:11:02.179 See him carrying the full weight of human need and pain. 00:11:03.879 --> 00:11:05.279 Teacher, don't you care? 00:11:07.179 --> 00:11:10.659 See him in his humanity, not merely asleep in the midst of the storm, 00:11:10.759 --> 00:11:12.899 but look at where this story is going to lead. 00:11:12.899 --> 00:11:24.120 In his full humanity, Jesus will bear not just the weight of our weariness and need, 00:11:24.199 --> 00:11:28.819 but Jesus will bear the full weight of our waywardness and our sin. 00:11:32.419 --> 00:11:38.519 Where Mark's gospel leads is to the even greater storm. 00:11:38.519 --> 00:11:43.860 What we will see is Jesus marching forward in his fully human nature, 00:11:44.319 --> 00:11:50.079 going all the way to face the storm of God's wrath against sin. 00:11:52.500 --> 00:11:56.720 And when the storm of God's wrath against sin comes billowing down in full force, 00:11:56.860 --> 00:12:01.199 Jesus will be there with us in our place. 00:12:02.679 --> 00:12:06.799 When on the cross, the storm of God's justice against human sin is poured out, 00:12:07.079 --> 00:12:08.039 Jesus will be there. 00:12:08.519 --> 00:12:10.840 For us in his full humanity. 00:12:12.899 --> 00:12:16.199 Not merely sleeping because he bears our weariness, but dying 00:12:16.199 --> 00:12:20.019 because he's bearing the sin of all who trust in him. 00:12:21.360 --> 00:12:23.259 Teacher, don't you care? 00:12:25.939 --> 00:12:28.639 How often have we prayed that prayer when the storms have come? 00:12:31.579 --> 00:12:33.460 But friends, he's not far off. 00:12:34.059 --> 00:12:35.279 He's not unfeeling. 00:12:35.720 --> 00:12:36.980 He's not aloof. 00:12:36.980 --> 00:12:41.800 The Lord Jesus is fully present and full of compassion. 00:12:41.799 --> 00:12:47.279 We see in this moment of Mark's gospel the full humanity of Christ, 00:12:47.799 --> 00:12:50.219 and that is a source of unimaginable comfort. 00:12:52.859 --> 00:12:55.759 But of course, the humanity of Jesus is not all that we see here, is it? 00:12:56.439 --> 00:12:59.639 Something even greater is revealed in the midst of this storm. 00:12:59.639 --> 00:13:01.139 Let's pick up in verse 38. 00:13:01.139 --> 00:13:06.019 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they woke him and said to him, 00:13:06.080 --> 00:13:08.199 Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing? 00:13:09.000 --> 00:13:14.179 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 00:13:14.559 --> 00:13:16.159 Peace, be still. 00:13:16.159 --> 00:13:18.159 And the wind ceased. 00:13:18.879 --> 00:13:20.199 And there was a great calm. 00:13:22.039 --> 00:13:28.879 This is the moment in Mark's gospel when the full deity of Jesus comes fully out into the open. 00:13:29.339 --> 00:13:30.059 There's been hints. 00:13:30.159 --> 00:13:30.779 There's been echoes. 00:13:30.980 --> 00:13:33.480 There's been intimations of it along the way. 00:13:33.539 --> 00:13:34.579 But here it comes out. 00:13:34.580 --> 00:13:36.900 Jesus is not just fully human. 00:13:37.639 --> 00:13:39.960 He is also fully God. 00:13:41.580 --> 00:13:45.780 The one living God that Jews had worshipped for generations. 00:13:46.540 --> 00:13:50.879 The exclusive God who forbade them to have any other gods before them. 00:13:51.360 --> 00:13:53.420 Who forbade them to make a graven image. 00:13:53.660 --> 00:13:55.300 Who forbade them to take his name in vain. 00:13:55.300 --> 00:14:00.140 This one true living God was here in power in the person of Jesus. 00:14:01.280 --> 00:14:03.680 Who, after all, could do such a thing? 00:14:05.120 --> 00:14:08.379 Who can control the wind and the waves with just a word? 00:14:09.639 --> 00:14:15.060 Who can confront chaos and create calm just by speaking? 00:14:18.480 --> 00:14:22.139 None other than the same God who hovered over the water of creation 00:14:22.139 --> 00:14:25.500 and brought creation to life from nothing. 00:14:25.879 --> 00:14:28.759 The same God who moved the waters of the Red Sea 00:14:28.759 --> 00:14:31.560 so that his people could go through on dry land. 00:14:31.559 --> 00:14:35.699 The same God who parted the Jordan River to open the promised land. 00:14:37.619 --> 00:14:40.599 The same God the psalmist extolled for his great power. 00:14:40.699 --> 00:14:42.739 Remember, we read it earlier, Psalm 107. 00:14:42.740 --> 00:14:46.680 Some went down to the sea in ships doing business on the great waters. 00:14:47.500 --> 00:14:50.539 They saw the deeds of the Lord, his wondrous works in the deep. 00:14:51.200 --> 00:14:54.960 For he commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea. 00:14:55.220 --> 00:14:56.480 They mounted up to heaven. 00:14:56.759 --> 00:14:57.960 They went down to the depths. 00:14:58.440 --> 00:14:59.799 Their courage melted away. 00:15:00.480 --> 00:15:04.019 They reeled and staggered like drunken men and were at their wit's end. 00:15:04.019 --> 00:15:06.720 And they cried to the Lord in their trouble. 00:15:07.399 --> 00:15:09.379 And he delivered them from their distress. 00:15:09.919 --> 00:15:12.000 He made the storm still. 00:15:12.439 --> 00:15:14.639 And the waves of the sea were hushed. 00:15:16.840 --> 00:15:19.659 Who then is this Jesus? 00:15:21.799 --> 00:15:24.279 Who else but the Lord God? 00:15:24.279 --> 00:15:26.279 Who else but the Lord? 00:15:26.279 --> 00:15:26.959 Who else but the Lord? 00:15:26.959 --> 00:15:28.339 Realize what Mark is showing us here. 00:15:29.199 --> 00:15:33.819 That Jesus isn't just a wonder-working teacher or a prophet, 00:15:34.559 --> 00:15:38.740 but the one who holds the very fabric of the universe together. 00:15:40.199 --> 00:15:43.819 He molded the stars and fashioned the seas. 00:15:44.799 --> 00:15:49.980 He ties every atom together and puts every breath in your lungs. 00:15:49.980 --> 00:15:56.779 Jesus Christ is the reason the whole universe doesn't spin out into chaos 00:15:56.779 --> 00:15:59.340 and fall back into nothingness and non-being. 00:16:00.139 --> 00:16:01.759 He is the reason you exist. 00:16:04.680 --> 00:16:09.300 You see, your life, friend, is not merely the random outcome of time and matter and chance. 00:16:11.340 --> 00:16:15.019 Your life is the creation of a sovereign and good God. 00:16:15.019 --> 00:16:20.539 A God so powerful and so good that he became human. 00:16:21.539 --> 00:16:23.639 He entered the world broken by sin. 00:16:23.759 --> 00:16:29.079 He came into the world threatened on every side by the dark forces of chaos and death. 00:16:30.720 --> 00:16:36.399 The creator entered his creation to stand against the raging storm of brokenness and destruction 00:16:36.399 --> 00:16:39.939 and to claim his sovereignty once more. 00:16:40.139 --> 00:16:45.659 To assert his loving rule and say once and for all, peace be still. 00:16:47.319 --> 00:16:47.879 Peace. 00:16:48.840 --> 00:16:49.759 Be still. 00:16:53.600 --> 00:16:56.600 You know, in this moment when the winds die down, 00:16:57.299 --> 00:16:58.779 when the waves subside, 00:16:59.019 --> 00:17:00.299 when calm is restored, 00:17:00.299 --> 00:17:04.279 what the disciples experience in this moment 00:17:04.279 --> 00:17:08.700 is a foretaste of the new creation. 00:17:10.220 --> 00:17:12.319 The day when creation will be healed 00:17:12.319 --> 00:17:16.279 and shalom, that wholeness, that peace, that fabric 00:17:16.279 --> 00:17:19.539 of what God intended the world to be when it's restored. 00:17:20.799 --> 00:17:22.839 What they get a glimpse of in this moment, 00:17:23.220 --> 00:17:24.180 in the calm, 00:17:25.119 --> 00:17:27.779 is a glimpse of a world liberated from sin. 00:17:27.779 --> 00:17:33.180 And what they see is that because Jesus has come, 00:17:34.079 --> 00:17:40.379 no more would this world be an engine of suffering and pain and of sin and of death. 00:17:41.579 --> 00:17:43.240 Now that Jesus had come, 00:17:44.160 --> 00:17:49.639 the great chaos would be overcome by an even greater calm. 00:17:52.200 --> 00:17:54.539 It was a foretaste that day on the Sea of Galilee, 00:17:55.539 --> 00:17:57.240 but the real thing was coming. 00:17:57.779 --> 00:18:02.079 And it would begin in earnest on Easter morning 00:18:02.079 --> 00:18:06.059 when the resurrected Jesus walked out of the tomb. 00:18:07.139 --> 00:18:08.660 Then the great battle had been won. 00:18:09.339 --> 00:18:10.720 Then the king could say, 00:18:11.079 --> 00:18:12.420 not just to the wind and the waves, 00:18:12.720 --> 00:18:14.680 but to sin and death and hell, 00:18:15.339 --> 00:18:16.740 peace, be still. 00:18:17.500 --> 00:18:18.480 Peace, be still. 00:18:18.559 --> 00:18:19.539 The king has conquered. 00:18:20.160 --> 00:18:21.539 Sin has lost its power, 00:18:21.740 --> 00:18:23.680 and death has lost its sting. 00:18:23.680 --> 00:18:27.560 And when Christ emerged from the grave, 00:18:27.980 --> 00:18:29.380 he could say, 00:18:29.460 --> 00:18:30.140 peace, be still, 00:18:30.240 --> 00:18:31.480 even to our own hearts. 00:18:32.680 --> 00:18:36.440 Because now there was no more condemnation for those who were in Christ Jesus. 00:18:36.440 --> 00:18:40.740 Because the resurrection, 00:18:40.740 --> 00:18:41.180 the resurrection, friends, 00:18:41.220 --> 00:18:42.920 was no mere waking from sleep. 00:18:43.000 --> 00:18:45.400 The resurrection was the conquering of death itself. 00:18:46.900 --> 00:18:47.820 Jesus rose, 00:18:48.220 --> 00:18:49.160 no more to die. 00:18:49.660 --> 00:18:51.539 And those who are united to him, 00:18:51.620 --> 00:18:52.660 even though they die, 00:18:52.880 --> 00:18:54.000 yet shall they live. 00:18:54.000 --> 00:19:00.460 So why are you so afraid? 00:19:03.799 --> 00:19:04.920 That's where the story ends. 00:19:05.920 --> 00:19:07.220 It begins with a storm, 00:19:07.400 --> 00:19:08.299 and it ends, 00:19:09.140 --> 00:19:10.220 well, if we're honest, 00:19:10.500 --> 00:19:12.720 it ends in fear, doesn't it? 00:19:12.839 --> 00:19:14.319 Let's pick up at the end of verse 39. 00:19:14.460 --> 00:19:15.180 And the wind ceased, 00:19:15.220 --> 00:19:16.220 and there was a great calm. 00:19:16.599 --> 00:19:17.339 He said to them, 00:19:17.759 --> 00:19:19.059 why are you so afraid? 00:19:20.380 --> 00:19:21.859 Have you still no faith? 00:19:21.859 --> 00:19:25.000 And they were filled with great fear, 00:19:25.639 --> 00:19:26.679 and said to one another, 00:19:27.219 --> 00:19:28.219 who then is this, 00:19:28.639 --> 00:19:30.639 that even the wind and the sea obey him? 00:19:31.819 --> 00:19:33.179 You see what's happened here. 00:19:34.139 --> 00:19:37.559 Their fear of the storm is replaced by an even greater fear. 00:19:39.479 --> 00:19:42.419 Fear of the one who's there with them in the boat. 00:19:43.379 --> 00:19:46.539 No longer are they afraid of what's happening outside of the boat. 00:19:47.000 --> 00:19:49.439 Now they're afraid of the one who's with them in the boat. 00:19:49.440 --> 00:19:52.940 The one they called teacher, 00:19:53.900 --> 00:19:56.880 but who now has clearly revealed himself to be something, 00:19:57.080 --> 00:19:59.519 to be someone infinitely greater. 00:20:01.620 --> 00:20:03.559 Of course, this isn't the kind of fear that, 00:20:03.880 --> 00:20:06.279 you know, makes you want to run away, right? 00:20:06.680 --> 00:20:09.980 It's the kind of fear that draws you towards it in awe. 00:20:09.980 --> 00:20:13.500 Jesus says to them, 00:20:14.440 --> 00:20:16.640 will you still be afraid of the storm? 00:20:18.339 --> 00:20:20.099 Have you still no faith in me? 00:20:22.740 --> 00:20:25.500 Christianity means facing storms without fear, 00:20:25.960 --> 00:20:30.299 because we know the one who must be feared above all else. 00:20:30.299 --> 00:20:36.159 And we know that this one who must be feared above all else, 00:20:36.220 --> 00:20:37.899 in fact, loves us 00:20:37.899 --> 00:20:40.539 and has conquered sin and death for us. 00:20:43.019 --> 00:20:44.899 So why now need we be afraid? 00:20:47.700 --> 00:20:50.879 Imagine how Mark's first readers must have heard this story. 00:20:51.460 --> 00:20:54.240 You know, it's likely that Mark's gospel was written in the city of Rome 00:20:54.240 --> 00:20:56.099 to Christians who were facing persecution. 00:20:56.099 --> 00:21:00.159 Imagine the storms that they faced in those early days. 00:21:01.399 --> 00:21:03.679 Where would obedience to Jesus lead them? 00:21:04.819 --> 00:21:07.240 If they heeded his call and followed him, 00:21:07.500 --> 00:21:10.099 if they set out across the sea of discipleship 00:21:10.099 --> 00:21:11.719 with Jesus as their Lord, 00:21:11.980 --> 00:21:13.319 what would become of them? 00:21:15.299 --> 00:21:17.459 What storms would be waiting for them 00:21:17.459 --> 00:21:19.699 before they reached the safety of the other shore? 00:21:20.500 --> 00:21:21.799 Would they make it through? 00:21:21.799 --> 00:21:25.259 Or would the wind and the waves be too great? 00:21:26.460 --> 00:21:27.740 Would they be lost, 00:21:29.279 --> 00:21:30.519 proverbially, at sea? 00:21:33.519 --> 00:21:35.279 And yet Mark is reminding them, 00:21:35.919 --> 00:21:37.119 and he's reminding us, 00:21:38.440 --> 00:21:39.440 fear not the storm. 00:21:40.759 --> 00:21:43.299 Rather, fear the Lord of the storm. 00:21:44.579 --> 00:21:46.519 Fear him and you've got nothing left to fear. 00:21:47.759 --> 00:21:50.440 Live in awe and wonder and reverence and love 00:21:50.440 --> 00:21:51.480 and worship of him. 00:21:51.980 --> 00:21:53.740 Let him be the captain of your heart, 00:21:54.360 --> 00:21:56.140 and you'll need not fear again, 00:21:56.600 --> 00:21:58.500 no matter what storms may come. 00:22:01.759 --> 00:22:03.240 You know, it's significant 00:22:03.240 --> 00:22:07.080 that the visible outward sign 00:22:07.080 --> 00:22:09.080 of faith in Jesus. 00:22:09.759 --> 00:22:10.500 What do we do? 00:22:10.559 --> 00:22:12.180 When someone professes faith in Jesus 00:22:12.180 --> 00:22:14.200 and professes that faith publicly, 00:22:14.420 --> 00:22:15.759 how do we mark that occasion? 00:22:16.900 --> 00:22:18.019 We do it with water. 00:22:18.019 --> 00:22:20.079 We do it with baptism. 00:22:22.240 --> 00:22:24.660 Becoming a Christian means accepting Jesus Christ 00:22:24.660 --> 00:22:25.720 as your Lord and your Savior. 00:22:25.859 --> 00:22:26.819 It means putting your faith, 00:22:26.900 --> 00:22:28.619 your whole life's trust in him. 00:22:28.879 --> 00:22:30.200 And how do we make that public? 00:22:30.440 --> 00:22:31.519 What sign do we give 00:22:31.519 --> 00:22:33.019 to show that we've trusted in Jesus? 00:22:33.259 --> 00:22:35.180 Well, Jesus says we do it through baptism. 00:22:35.440 --> 00:22:36.539 And what is baptism? 00:22:37.559 --> 00:22:39.200 It's going down in the water 00:22:39.200 --> 00:22:40.720 and coming back up. 00:22:40.819 --> 00:22:43.599 It's a sign of our union with Jesus. 00:22:44.559 --> 00:22:46.059 Jesus went down in the grave 00:22:46.059 --> 00:22:47.319 and came back up. 00:22:47.799 --> 00:22:49.419 So we too, through faith in him, 00:22:49.639 --> 00:22:51.779 have died to sin in our old life 00:22:51.779 --> 00:22:53.279 and now live a new life 00:22:53.279 --> 00:22:54.319 in his righteousness. 00:22:56.440 --> 00:22:57.740 When a person is baptized, 00:22:58.019 --> 00:22:58.500 they're saying, 00:22:59.019 --> 00:23:00.440 I belong to Christ now. 00:23:00.500 --> 00:23:03.039 My life is wrapped up in his life. 00:23:05.519 --> 00:23:07.879 And that means you no longer need to fear. 00:23:07.880 --> 00:23:12.240 The storm has already been stilled. 00:23:12.280 --> 00:23:13.760 Your sins have been forgiven. 00:23:14.420 --> 00:23:17.040 The waters of judgment have fallen on Jesus 00:23:17.040 --> 00:23:18.540 and you are safe in him. 00:23:18.880 --> 00:23:20.820 And he promises to protect you 00:23:20.820 --> 00:23:21.980 and keep you 00:23:21.980 --> 00:23:23.260 until you land safe 00:23:23.260 --> 00:23:24.740 on the shores of the new creation. 00:23:25.520 --> 00:23:26.740 He will keep you in life. 00:23:27.120 --> 00:23:28.280 He will keep you in death. 00:23:28.440 --> 00:23:30.440 And he will raise you up on the last day. 00:23:32.780 --> 00:23:33.680 Fellow Christians, 00:23:33.820 --> 00:23:35.800 do you remember your baptism? 00:23:35.799 --> 00:23:38.019 How you went down 00:23:38.019 --> 00:23:39.159 and came back up again? 00:23:41.159 --> 00:23:42.259 That says it all. 00:23:43.819 --> 00:23:45.619 It's God's promise to you, 00:23:46.159 --> 00:23:46.779 that act. 00:23:48.180 --> 00:23:49.399 That he will see you 00:23:49.399 --> 00:23:50.279 through every sea 00:23:50.279 --> 00:23:51.240 and every storm 00:23:51.240 --> 00:23:53.619 and he will bring you safely through 00:23:53.619 --> 00:23:54.399 on the other side. 00:23:54.500 --> 00:23:54.819 Why? 00:23:56.039 --> 00:23:57.319 Because Christ your king 00:23:57.319 --> 00:23:58.839 died and rose again for you. 00:24:01.740 --> 00:24:03.460 Now if you have placed your trust in Christ 00:24:03.460 --> 00:24:04.620 and you've not been baptized, 00:24:06.240 --> 00:24:07.360 then take the next step 00:24:07.360 --> 00:24:08.440 to get baptized. 00:24:10.319 --> 00:24:11.340 We're going to be celebrating 00:24:11.340 --> 00:24:12.079 a baptism today 00:24:12.079 --> 00:24:12.720 in the second service. 00:24:12.799 --> 00:24:13.799 That's what this big box is. 00:24:13.860 --> 00:24:14.940 I don't know if some of you are new. 00:24:15.019 --> 00:24:15.200 You're like, 00:24:15.240 --> 00:24:16.460 what is that giant box on the stage? 00:24:16.480 --> 00:24:17.180 That is weird. 00:24:17.299 --> 00:24:17.980 What is in there? 00:24:18.120 --> 00:24:18.620 It's water. 00:24:19.740 --> 00:24:20.799 In our second service, 00:24:20.860 --> 00:24:23.079 Susie Kim's going to publicly proclaim 00:24:23.079 --> 00:24:24.340 faith in Christ 00:24:24.340 --> 00:24:25.680 and get baptized. 00:24:27.480 --> 00:24:28.319 So if you're here 00:24:28.319 --> 00:24:30.159 and you've placed your trust in Christ, 00:24:30.779 --> 00:24:32.359 if you've seen this one 00:24:32.359 --> 00:24:35.119 who's died and risen again for you, 00:24:35.599 --> 00:24:37.559 if that's true of you 00:24:37.559 --> 00:24:38.579 and you've not been baptized, 00:24:38.720 --> 00:24:39.419 then come talk to me 00:24:39.419 --> 00:24:40.159 after the service 00:24:40.159 --> 00:24:41.799 and we'll schedule a service 00:24:41.799 --> 00:24:42.980 when you can do the same thing. 00:24:44.179 --> 00:24:45.279 And so you can experience 00:24:45.279 --> 00:24:45.960 the joy 00:24:45.960 --> 00:24:47.559 of obeying Christ's command 00:24:47.559 --> 00:24:48.259 to be baptized, 00:24:48.599 --> 00:24:50.419 but the joy of being reminded 00:24:50.419 --> 00:24:51.899 with this powerful sign 00:24:51.899 --> 00:24:54.200 that God will be faithful to you 00:24:54.200 --> 00:24:55.000 to the very end. 00:24:55.000 --> 00:24:59.220 Now maybe you're still 00:24:59.220 --> 00:25:00.259 considering Christianity. 00:25:01.819 --> 00:25:02.240 You know, 00:25:02.279 --> 00:25:03.759 the most important question 00:25:03.759 --> 00:25:04.940 you can be asking 00:25:04.940 --> 00:25:07.000 is the same question 00:25:07.000 --> 00:25:08.619 the disciples ask 00:25:08.619 --> 00:25:10.480 at the end of our passage. 00:25:11.259 --> 00:25:13.740 Who then is this? 00:25:15.660 --> 00:25:16.220 You know, 00:25:16.259 --> 00:25:17.200 there are a lot of implications 00:25:17.200 --> 00:25:17.980 of Christianity 00:25:17.980 --> 00:25:18.799 about how we live 00:25:18.799 --> 00:25:20.579 and, you know, 00:25:20.599 --> 00:25:21.559 all sorts of things. 00:25:22.500 --> 00:25:23.960 But the most important thing, 00:25:23.960 --> 00:25:25.259 the center of it all 00:25:25.259 --> 00:25:27.539 is that question. 00:25:27.860 --> 00:25:30.759 Who is this Jesus? 00:25:32.259 --> 00:25:34.019 If Jesus is just another teacher 00:25:34.019 --> 00:25:35.299 or religious figure, 00:25:35.579 --> 00:25:37.000 you can take him or leave him. 00:25:38.940 --> 00:25:40.340 But if he is the one 00:25:40.340 --> 00:25:42.700 who can calm the storms, 00:25:43.539 --> 00:25:44.819 if he is the one 00:25:44.819 --> 00:25:46.559 who can control the chaos, 00:25:47.200 --> 00:25:48.319 if he is the one 00:25:48.319 --> 00:25:50.220 who is Lord of all, 00:25:50.220 --> 00:25:53.860 if that's who Jesus is, 00:25:54.799 --> 00:25:56.539 then you've found him. 00:25:57.839 --> 00:25:59.420 You've found the one 00:25:59.420 --> 00:26:01.319 who can speak peace 00:26:01.319 --> 00:26:02.579 into your greatest fears. 00:26:03.240 --> 00:26:04.640 You have found the one 00:26:04.640 --> 00:26:06.000 who can safely carry you 00:26:06.000 --> 00:26:06.860 through any storm. 00:26:07.240 --> 00:26:08.140 You've found the one 00:26:08.140 --> 00:26:09.240 who's finally worth 00:26:09.240 --> 00:26:10.700 giving your whole life to. 00:26:13.920 --> 00:26:15.140 Why are you so afraid? 00:26:16.240 --> 00:26:17.539 Have you still no faith? 00:26:17.539 --> 00:26:19.879 Behold him, 00:26:20.460 --> 00:26:21.480 the Lord of the storm. 00:26:22.059 --> 00:26:23.139 Ask him for faith. 00:26:24.180 --> 00:26:25.379 He will not turn you away. 00:26:27.139 --> 00:26:28.019 Let's pray together. 00:26:31.019 --> 00:26:31.659 Lord Jesus, 00:26:31.740 --> 00:26:32.839 how often we do feel 00:26:32.839 --> 00:26:34.159 like those disciples 00:26:34.159 --> 00:26:34.799 in the boat, 00:26:36.379 --> 00:26:37.480 afraid, 00:26:37.839 --> 00:26:38.200 scared, 00:26:38.379 --> 00:26:39.359 wondering where you are. 00:26:41.359 --> 00:26:41.980 And yet, 00:26:42.019 --> 00:26:42.200 Jesus, 00:26:42.339 --> 00:26:42.859 thank you 00:26:42.859 --> 00:26:44.539 for revealing yourself 00:26:44.539 --> 00:26:45.819 as you truly are, 00:26:45.819 --> 00:26:46.879 the one full of power 00:26:46.879 --> 00:26:48.079 and majesty and glory. 00:26:51.399 --> 00:26:51.799 Lord, 00:26:51.839 --> 00:26:52.740 we confess that our faith 00:26:52.740 --> 00:26:53.659 seems so small, 00:26:54.960 --> 00:26:58.159 yet we thank you 00:26:58.159 --> 00:27:00.039 that you hold us close 00:27:00.039 --> 00:27:00.819 and hold us tight 00:27:00.819 --> 00:27:01.559 and see us safely 00:27:01.559 --> 00:27:02.619 through the storms nonetheless. 00:27:03.099 --> 00:27:03.240 Lord, 00:27:03.299 --> 00:27:04.460 increase our faith in you. 00:27:06.179 --> 00:27:07.200 Help us to see you 00:27:07.200 --> 00:27:08.159 for who you truly are, 00:27:09.119 --> 00:27:09.919 the Lord Almighty, 00:27:10.679 --> 00:27:11.619 the keeper of our souls. 00:27:12.359 --> 00:27:13.159 We praise you, 00:27:13.259 --> 00:27:13.419 Lord. 00:27:14.179 --> 00:27:14.439 Amen. 00:27:15.819 --> 00:27:16.839 Amen. 00:27:16.899 --> 00:27:17.059 Amen. 00:27:17.119 --> 00:27:17.379 Amen. 00:27:17.399 --> 00:27:18.159 Amen. 00:27:18.240 --> 00:27:18.619 Amen. 00:27:18.720 --> 00:27:19.319 Amen. 00:27:19.439 --> 00:27:19.599 Amen. 00:27:19.599 --> 00:27:20.659 Amen. 00:27:20.759 --> 00:27:21.460 Amen. 00:27:21.599 --> 00:27:21.980 Amen. 00:27:22.079 --> 00:27:23.359 Amen. 00:27:23.740 --> 00:27:24.099 Amen. 00:27:24.200 --> 00:27:24.279 Amen. 00:27:24.419 --> 00:27:24.799 Amen. 00:27:24.960 --> 00:27:25.299 Amen. 00:27:25.819 --> 00:27:26.500 Amen. 00:27:28.659 --> 00:27:28.980 Amen. 00:27:30.980 --> 00:27:32.579 Amen. 00:27:32.599 --> 00:27:32.619 Amen. 00:27:32.619 --> 00:27:32.779 Amen. 00:27:32.779 --> 00:27:33.240 Amen. 00:27:33.439 --> 00:27:34.200 Amen. 00:27:34.559 --> 00:27:35.079 Amen. 00:27:35.079 --> 00:27:35.500 Amen. 00:27:35.500 --> 00:27:36.539 Amen. 00:27:37.539 --> 00:27:38.519 Amen. 00:27:38.659 --> 00:27:38.919 Amen. 00:27:38.980 --> 00:27:39.119 Amen. 00:27:39.119 --> 00:27:40.099 Amen. 00:27:40.539 --> 00:27:41.339 Amen. 00:27:41.819 --> 00:27:43.379 Amen. 00:27:43.379 --> 00:27:43.439 Amen.