part0012

A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.”

We marvel at rainbows for a reason. They are a stunning sight in the sky, and they represent the calm that follows the storm. But a rainbow is the last thing we are thinking about in the middle of a storm. We’re just trying to get through it, or out of it, or away from it. During difficult storms in life, it is easy to become so focused on the problem—whatever is causing the storm—that we miss what is happening in the midst of it.

In today’s study, we will look at two more miracles of Jesus that John relates in his Gospel. The first involves Jesus feeding 5,000 men plus women and children, and the second involves him safely delivering the disciples from a raging storm on the Sea of Galilee. These miracles prove two things: (1) Jesus is with us in the storm, and (2) he knows how to get us out of it.

Both truths are critical when enduring hardship. Hardship blinds us, making it difficult for us to see a way out or experience the presence of Christ. Jesus can solve our problems. But he also wants us to know he is with us in the midst of them, not only when they are over.

Think about your closest relationship. Perhaps it is with a spouse or an old friend. What has made you closer over the years? What has made your relationship last this long? Chances are you have both endured trying times together and made it out on the other side. Did this weaken or strengthen your relationship? The fact you didn’t abandon each other in the midst of the hardship likely means it strengthened your relationship.

It is the same with Christ. He is not just there to be your problem-solver. He does not only show up in the rainbow or the light at the end of the tunnel. He is there to weather the storm right there with you as you are going through it. Storms strengthen relationships. Jesus isn’t going anywhere when one hits. Instead, he is as near as ever.

As you study these miracles, ask yourself where Jesus might be in your storm. Have you sensed his presence recently? Or have you been too focused on the problem? Jesus can lead you out of your storm. But he also wants you to know you are never alone in the midst of it.

Begin your group time by asking anyone to share his or her insights from last week’s personal study. Then, to get things started, discuss one of the following questions:

• When you are going through a difficult time, are you a glass-half-full or a glass-half-empty kind of person? Explain.

Invite someone to read the following passage aloud. Listen for fresh insights as you hear the verse being read, and then discuss the questions that follow.

16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17 where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. 18 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” 21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading (John 6:16–21).

At what point did Jesus appear to the disciples? What does this tell us about Jesus’ presence in our own storms?

Play the video segment for session three. As you watch, use the following outline to record any thoughts or concepts that stand out to you.

Jesus had crossed the sea to get away from the crowd. He needed time to grieve the loss of John the Baptist. But his love for the people quickly overcame his need for rest.

Philip saw no way to help “so many” in the crowd. Andrew wilted under the pressure of “so many.” We can’t really fault them. After all, we do the same.

It’s not for us to tell Jesus our gift is too small. He can use what we have—and see us through the storm until we reach the other side.

The disciples must have felt abandoned. “Surely Jesus will help us,” they thought. For six long hours, they fought the storm and sought the Master.

If you’re currently in a storm, think about the disciples’ experience. Yes, you want this squall to pass and the winds to still. But above all, you want to know the great I AM is near.

Take a few minutes with your group members to discuss what you just watched and explore these concepts in Scripture.

1. The day that Jesus performed the miracles of feeding the 5,000 and walking on the water had dawned with the news that John the Baptist had been killed by King Herod. King Herod had also sent word he wanted to kill Jesus next. How does this context affect the way you view the miracles Jesus performed? What does this say about who Jesus is?

2. How did Andrew and Philip respond to Jesus’ question, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” (John 6:5). Do you think you would have responded to Jesus this way? Why or why not?

3. What represents “so many” in your life right now? Bills, relational problems, questions about your faith? How does this make you feel? How does it affect your everyday life?

4. What happened to the boy’s offering in this story of Jesus feeding the 5,000? How could this bring hope to your own story of “so many”?

5. Jesus performed two different miracles in the midst of storms on the Sea of Galilee. Read Mark 4:35–41. How does this miracle differ from the one you heard about today?

6. In the story told in John’s Gospel, even though the storm had not been calmed yet, how do you think the disciples felt when they realized the man walking on water was Jesus?

7. The name Jesus used to announce himself was the same one that God used in the Old Testament: I AM . What is the significance of Jesus’ calling himself by this name?

8. Have you ever felt peace in the midst of a storm in your life—not when the storm was over—but in the middle of it? What caused this peace?

Close this session with an extended time of prayer together with your group. Break up into groups of two to share prayer requests and pray for one another. Then come back together as a group and use the following questions as a guide to spend a few moments in silence. One person can ask these aloud to the group, or you can work through them individually in silence.

End your time with one person praying aloud for the group to experience the presence of Jesus in a great way as you go about your week.