Our Sermon Series is exploring our mission to “Seek answers to our questions.” In preparation for this week, we are reading Luke 8:22-25 to better understand how we can grow in our faith by sharing our questions with others.
Find the daily readings below along with questions for reflection. Join (or begin!) the discussion in the comments. We’d love to hear from you about how reading the Bible daily is bringing you closer to God and one another.
You also may be interested in joining a small group that focuses on exploring the scripture for the following Sunday’s sermon or learning how to approach Bible study in general – or a variety of other opportunities to “seek answers to our questions” as part of a group. Check it out here!
OCTOBER 12
Read: Luke 8:22-25
Reflect: What questions do you have after reading this passage?
Respond: Comment below to share your response to reading and reflecting on these passages.
OCTOBER 13
Read: Luke 8:22a
22a 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.”Reflect: When have you been part of a group that strengthened your resolve to follow Jesus?
Respond: Comment below to share your response to reading and reflecting on these passages.
OCTOBER 14
Read: Luke 8:22b-23a
22b So they put out, 23a and while they were sailing he fell asleep.
Reflect: When have you felt that you might not have Jesus’ complete attention?
Respond: Comment below to share your response to reading and reflecting on these passages.
OCTOBER 15
Read: 8:23b
23b A windstorm swept down on the lake, and the boat was filling with water, and they were in danger.
Reflect: What are the storms of life that threaten you?
Respond: Comment below to share your response to reading and reflecting on these passages.
OCTOBER 16
Read: Luke 8:24
24 They went to him and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he woke up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; they ceased, and there was a calm.
Reflect: In their fear, they called upon Jesus together, who brought calm to their lives. How have others helped you find the peace of Jesus?
Respond: Comment below to share your response to reading and reflecting on these passages.
OCTOBER 17
Read: Luke 8:25
25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” They were afraid and amazed, and said to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?”
Reflect: How have you been challenged to see Jesus differently by hearing the questions of others?
Respond: Comment below to share your response to reading and reflecting on these passages.
OCTOBER 18
Read: Luke 8:22-25
Reflect: How will this message influence what you do this week?
Respond: Comment below to share your response to reading and reflecting on these passages.
Participate: Join us for online worship at 10am on Facebook Live!
Learning to trust in Jesus is a lifelong goal! The hardest part is trusting in Him when you can’t hear His voice or feel His nudges. Lean into His promises and Word and He will show us the way. 🙏🏻
My question – what does it look like to be both afraid and amazed at the same time? Who did the disciples think Jesus was in that moment as they asked their questions?
When I’m really struggling with an issue, especially fear or distress for one of my children, I get frustrated at my inability to pray and “get through” to Jesus. Once I relax and rest in His love, I realize He was there all the time. The communication gap is with me! I’m trying to do the hard work and don’t listen to His words.
I love your honesty and humility in that, Sandy!
Disciple bible study was definitely a group that helped me strengthen my resolve to follow Jesus. We held each other accountable and we were able to share our fears and questions in a loving supportive environment.
The ladies bible study at SPUMC is also a great place to grow and share.
When I am overwhelmed by everything that life is throwing my way, I sometimes feel that I don’t have Jesus’s full attention. I often wonder why so much is raining down and nothing is being resolved. I know that God is always with me, but it’s those times that I feel unseen.
The storms of life that most threaten me are those that i don’t see coming. I worry about the unknowns. The what if’s. Praying with gratitude each day reminds me to trust in God to see me through those curve balls.
Minor note of interest for this passage- the sea that they are crossing in this scripture passage was known for sudden onset storms. It’s likely there was little to no warning as they crossed these waters. The disciples willingness to both acknowledge the difficulty and turn immediately towards Jesus in this moment is a poignant reminder as we encounter those sudden storms.
This makes me think of the old hymn “When the storms of life are raging, stand by me.” My storms aren’t always trials and tribulations – but sometimes busyness – it gets in the way of my reliance on Him. I try to remember the last thing is never the worst thing.
10/16
I once had a difficult situation and I could not stop anticipating the outcome – my good friend who is also a Pastor prayed with me over the phone asking God to change the heart of that person who had some
Control over the outcome and I had such peace going into the meeting and it turned out all that fretting was completely unnecessary. Crying out to Jesus was completely necessary.