Scripture
Psalm 23:1-6 (KJV)
A Psalm of David
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. [3] He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. [4] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. [5] Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. [6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Luke 8:22-25 (ESV)
One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side of the lake." So they set out, [23] and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. [24] And they went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. [25] He said to them, "Where is your faith?" And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, "Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?"
Questions for Reflection
- What is it like to fear for your physical safety?
- How do you react to someone else’s utter calm when all you feel is panic?
- How did Jesus react to the growing storm? (8:23)
- What did the disciples think of the turn of events? (8:24)
- How and how quickly did the situation change? (8:24)
- After the storm was calmed, what did Jesus ask the disciples? (8:25)
- What is faith?
- If you had been in the boat that day, would you have been more like Jesus or like the disciples? Why?
- Would you have been reassured or angered by Jesus’ calmness?
- How would you respond if Jesus asked you, “Where is your faith?”
