Faith and Fear

Last week we talked about the parable of the sower. Today we are reading out of Mark 4:35-41 and we are going to discuss fear and how it affects our faith. Turn with me to Mark 4:35 and we will work through this scripture this morning.

English Standard Version Chapter 4

35 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?”

Jesus had been teaching all day. Decides that instead of sleeping and waiting till morning to cross that he had a better idea.

“Hey guys so I have this idea....” When someone comes to you and starts with these words just say no.

The sea of Galilee is prone to have sudden storms, that can be violent. But Jesus decided that I was a good idea to go across the sea at night anyways.

Can you imagine being the disciples who are terrified that they are about to die but they have to figure out who is going to wake up and tell Jesus. “No you do it.” “No you do it.” “John you do it you are the disciple he loves.”

Jesus wakes up and calms the storm and questions the disciples about their faith.

They did not understand who Jesus was yet. They knew that he was a great teacher who could perform miracles but they did not yet know that he was the messiah.

So the main characteristic of the disciples is that of fear and not of faith.

Let’s go to another verse were we see the same type of story where fear and faith are tested. Turn with me to Matthew 14:27-33 .

English Standard Version Chapter 14

27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Same scenario as before. The disciples are on the boat, there were heavy winds, and high waves but then Jesus appears.

Peter sees Jesus and out of a sense of boldness he asks to come out to Jesus.

On the way, however, Peter is overcome by fear and he begins to sink.

Peter calls out to Jesus to save him and Jesus reaches out and pulls him up and questions the faith of Peter.

Can you imagine how disappointed Peter must have felt in that moment.

He started out with boldness yet failed in the midst of fear.

What does this have to do with us? How does this relate to our relationship with Jesus?

Our fear is a sign of how much faith we have in life.

The greater the faith the better we are at overcoming our fear.

Now what we need to understand is that God did not give us a spirit of fear. In fact 2 Timothy 1:7 says this.

English Standard Version Chapter 1

6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

God gave us a the gift of power, love, and self-control.

The question is are you going to stay on the shore or in the boat or are you going to step out in faith and follow where Jesus leads

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