Sermon Based Curriculum
Sermon Date: Feb. 28, 2010
Sermon Title: Coming Through in a Clutch
Sermon Text: John 6:16-21
Small Group Text: John 6:16-21; Mark 6:45-52; Psalm 107:28-30
Introduction
The early Church often depicted the Christian life as crewing a boat – rowing against the forces of sin and evil in the world. Sometimes the rowing becomes difficult and we’re tempted to become discouraged, abandon our mission, or trade it out for an easier version than the one God has in mind. But nowhere in the Scriptures does God promise smooth sailing to his people while living in this world. To the contrary, Jesus tells his church, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) We don’t need to struggle alone! Jesus enters our wind-blown boat with his peace and power. His calm voice tells us to have no fear because He is near. In this lesson we will learn: •
When the church does what Jesus commands, we will face contrary winds.
•
Jesus does not simply observe his church with a detached indifference; he is always aware of our challenges and is ready to assist.
•
When we recognize the limitations of our own human resources, and “invite Jesus into the boat,” he brings his presence and power to bear upon the mission of the church.
Discussion
1. Jesus directs the mission. The disciples (future apostles) are all in the boat – a nice picture of the church gathered in one place. Read John 6:16-17 & Mark 6:45-46. What directive did Jesus give his disciples? (Jesus tells His disciples to get into the boat and go to Bethsaida while He dismisses the crowds.)
2. The mission is over our heads – overwhelming. Read John 6:18-19. What problem do the disciples encounter once they set off to do what Jesus has directed? (Even as they follow Jesus’ instruction, the west wind catches them in the open water. They are headed directly into it and find themselves making little progress: They are “straining at the oars.” -Mark 6:48)
3. Jesus shows up to rescue. Why do the disciples feel terror when they see Jesus? (They left Him behind and probably are not looking for Him. The suddenness of seeing someone unexpected outside the boat scares them. They think it is a ghost - Mark 6:49.)
4. What changes in the disciples once they recognize it is Jesus? (When the disciples recognize Him, their fear subsides, they welcome Him into the boat and they complete their mission.)
Application
1. What are some contrary winds that blow against the church today that might keep us from accomplishing our mission? 2. Sometimes, inviting Jesus into the boat is a last resort. If the boat represents the church on mission, what are some things we might bring into our boat even before we think of inviting Jesus into the boat? 3. What can we do as church to “take Jesus into the boat” today? (We can spend time in corporate prayer, gather in His name for praise and worship, and serve one another in the body with love, etc. Matt. 18:20)
4. What is happening in UBC right now, that can only be explained by the presence of Christ “in the boat”? 5. Consider closing this session by praying Psalm 107:28-30. For the purposes of this lesson, the Psalm has been changed to the first person plural.
Psalm 107:28-30: “Then we cried out to the LORD in our trouble, and he brought us out of our distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. We were glad when it grew calm, and he guided us to our desired haven.”
Sermon-Based Curriculum