The Other Side

Key Scripture

Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” Luke 8:22–25

Notes

Discussion Questions

Don’t be afraid to add to this list, skip questions that don’t work for your group, or branch off with additional questions as discussion unfolds. Conversation is key! This is the time to work through the application of scripture and have group members figure things out together.

1. What was the purpose of Jesus calling the disciples into the boat? When the storms came about, where did the disciples go wrong?
2. Do you feel that the closer you follow Jesus, the harder things get? Has it ever seemed that the One who called you into the storm is asleep and abandoned you completely? What does 1 Peter 4:12–13 have to say about this?
3. Read Luke 8:24–25. Have you ever been so overwhelmed by a trial that it has caused you to question the power, love, or even the reality of Jesus? Have you ever wondered to yourself, “Where is my faith?” How did God return you to a place of total trust and surrender? Are you currently in a storm right now? How do you need to be responding to the Lord, and what do you think He is trying to show you?
4. Jesus is the One whom we should run to again and again and again when we face our storms. What other things or places do we tend to run to when we feel our attempts to petition God for relief from a particular trial have “failed?” Why don’t these other options ever provide the relief or help we desperately long for?
5. Read 2 Corinthians 12:9–11. How does God want us to see our weaknesses? Why does He allow these weaknesses into our lives in the first place? How have you witnessed your own or someone else’s “weakness” be used for the ultimate glory of God?
6. Read Luke 8:22. Jesus asked the disciples to get into the boat without explaining why or where they were heading, yet they entered without questioning. Have you ever followed Jesus with a child-like faith without truly knowing much about what the path ahead looked like?
7. The world watches more closely when storms hit us. To what extent can we show grief vs. faking that we are calm? How can we still grieve while simultaneously fully trusting in the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, who grants us true peace (not just a semblance of it) as He promises in Philippians 4:7?
8. In the same way that the world watches us in the midst of our trouble, we, too, see others in those trials. The most horrifically difficult circumstances often cause people to ask, “How can you believe that there’s a loving and sovereign God that allowed this to happen?” What is your response in these situations?
9. Reference the three points Anthony mentioned at the end of the message. Which of these three spoke to you the most and why?
   • Just follow Jesus
   • Own your weakness
   • Don’t lose sight of the other side

Accountability

• Where are you reading in the Bible this week? What has God been revealing to you through your quiet time with Him?
• Discuss any struggles you may be going through with your group.
• How can you pray for your group this week? How can they be praying for you?

     

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