Sermon Notes
Matthew 8:23–34 NIV
23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
28 When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. 29 “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”
30 Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. 31 The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”
32 He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. 33 Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.
Psalm 89:8–9 NIV
8 Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.
9 You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them.
Psalm 107:23–32 NIV
23 Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters.
24 They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep.
25 For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves.
26 They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away.
27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end.
28 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.
29 He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.
30 They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.
31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
32 Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders.
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Series Resources
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Discussion Igniters
(1) Read Matthew 8:23–27.
What do you think the disciples were expecting Jesus to do when they woke him up?
(2) How can we look towards Jesus’ example in the midst of storms, instead of expecting God to handle it the way we would?
(3) Read Psalm 107:23–31.
How did Jesus calming the storm show us who he is?
(4) Read Matthew 8:28–34.
What does it say about Jesus that he is willing to step into dark and scary places to show compassion to those in pain?
How should that challenge us as his disciples?
(5) Are you willing to step into dark places to reach the lost and hurting?
What could that look like in your life?