Enduring the Storms

When the Spirit Moves

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B

Green is the dominant color of this long after Pentecost season. It is the color of life and of growth. Here is where the focus switches from the story of Jesus to the story of the church. Not that we leave Jesus behind, of course, but Jesus is now working through the body of Christ, the church, to continue his ministry and invitation in the world. This is our story, who and what we are called to be. This is the story of disciple making day to day; this is our reason for being.

Week 5: Enduring the Storms

Mark 4:35-41 and 2 Corinthians 6:1-13

Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal)

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, have participants share where they have seen God at work in the last week (or month, if needed).

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes)

Read: Mark 4:35-41 and 2 Corinthians 6:1-13

  • If participants are willing, invite them to tell of the last “storm” or difficult season they encountered in their lives.
  • What is the disciples’ question to Jesus in Mark 4:38? Why might this have been particularly hurtful to Jesus? [It was likely hurtful to hear they questioned whether he cared about their well-being.]
  • Why might Jesus be using the same phrases against the wind and sea (in v. 39) that Jesus uses when casting out demons (see Mark 1:25 as one example)? [It reveals that more is going on than merely a physical threat, as bad as that was.]
  • After everything the disciples had seen to this point of being with Jesus, why was their reaction what it was in verse 41? [Only God could command the waves and seas, and here Jesus does it! What does that imply about Jesus?]
  • Why might it be important that Paul can speak about “now” being the day of salvation while also listing potential storms (1 Corinthians 6:4-5)? [It proves that experiencing salvation does not diminish the fact that we will all have to endure trials.]
  • Why is it important that Paul is addressing this to the entire community (and using the plural of the word ‘you’)? [They are in this together and that is how they will survive the storms that they will face.]

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End by praying the following or a similar prayer:

Almighty God, you not only calm the storms that we find ourselves in, but you are also “in the boat” with us. When we doubt; when we are fearful; when we are tempted to disbelieve, strengthen our belief. Help us to trust in the power of your grace. Amen.

In This Series...


Pentecost, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes Trinity Sunday, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes Second Sunday after Pentecost, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes Third Sunday after Pentecost, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes