On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 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. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”   Mark 4:35-41

A. Truths Characterizing All Followers of Jesus

1. His followers will obey Him: Mark 4:35-36, Jeremiah 32:39-40

2. His followers are not immune to difficult circumstances: Mark 4:37, Acts 14:19-23

3. His followers feel the futility of self-reliance/self-sufficiency: Mark 4:37-38, 2 Cor. 1:8-9

4. His followers learn more of Christ through difficulties: Mark 4:40-41, Phil. 3:10, Exodus 14:13-14

B. Truths Discovered of the Lord Jesus in Difficulties

1. His Humanity: Mark 4:38, Hebrews 4:14-16

2. His loving patience toward fearful followers: Mark 4:38-39, Genesis 3:14-17

3. His Deity displayed by command and power: Mark 4:39, John 11:43-44

4. His convicting compassionate teaching of fearful followers: Mark 4:40-41, Luke 24:13-35