What Jesus Did

[After Jesus calmed the storm,] he asked [the disciples], "Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
The disciples were absolutely terrified. "Who is this man?" they asked each other. "Even the wind and waves obey him!"

—Mark 4:40-41 NLT

Key Thought​

"Who is this man?" Ah! That's the real question we need to be asking. He is more than a man, but he was fully human. He is preexistent and created all things, yet was hung on a tree that he made and killed by...

 

But soon a fierce storm came up [as Jesus and some disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee]. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, "Teacher, don't you care that we're going to drown?"

—Mark 4:37-38 NLT

Key Thought​

I am so thankful for the honest portrayal of Jesus' disciples. I can see myself in them and know that God uses people...

 

When Jesus woke up [in the storm-tossed boat], he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Silence! Be still!" Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.

—Mark 4:39 NLT

Key Thought​

"'Silence! Be still!' ... and there was a great calm." Just as in that terrifying storm for the disciples, Jesus also has the power to bring calm into the troubled hearts of his followers today. In the middle of the storms of life, we must learn to listen for our Savior's voice...

 

[Jesus told this parable:] "Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it. Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn't have deep roots, it died. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. Still other...

 

But soon a fierce storm came up [as Jesus and some disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee]. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.

—Mark 4:37 NLT

Key Thought​

Storms are a part of life — even for Christians. In fact, storms are a part of life, ESPECIALLY for Christians. While some peddle a "gospel" that proclaims only wealth, blessing, and happiness, we need to remember that Jesus is our hero and example. We are his presence in this world...

 

As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's cross to the other side of the lake." So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed).

—Mark 4:35-36 NLT

Key Thought​

Some things need to be shared in private. God's servants can't be in public all the time. Jesus often withdrew to pray. In addition, he pulled away from the crowds so his apostles could rest and rekindle their spirits. He also left the crowds behind so...

 

In fact, in [Jesus'] public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.

—Mark 4:34 NLT

Key Thought​

While the parables were mysteries to some, Jesus made sure his closest followers knew what he meant when he spoke them. We, too, can ask for Jesus to make his truth clear to us. He has promised that the Holy Spirit would use Jesus' words, along with the teachings of the Scriptures, and make...

 

Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand.

—Mark 4:33 NLT

Key Thought​

Jesus was an incredible teacher in his earthly ministry. He used common, everyday images as hooks on which to hang eternal truth. The people would see those images in their day-to-day lives and then would be reminded of the eternal truth that Jesus hooked to the image. That method was crucial. The people couldn't understand everything all at once...

 

Jesus said, "How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade."

—Mark 4:30-32 NLT

Key Thought​

Mystery and movement were at the heart of Jesus' Kingdom message in our devotional yesterday; today his message is about power and grace. The Kingdom appears...

 

Jesus also said, "The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he's asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come."

—Mark 4:26-29 NLT

Key...​