Sign of the Storm

Small Group Discussion Questions for April 7 Sermon

“The Sign of the Storm”
Series:  “Signs of Life”
Text:  John 6:16-21

Icebreaker: If you have a story about a time you were caught in a storm in a boat on the water, tell the group about your experience.  What frightened you?  What calmed your fears?

Discussion:

1. Read all three accounts of this incident (John 6:16-21; Matt 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-51). Talk about the similarities and differences between the accounts.  How do you account for the differences?
2. We need storms in our lives to test our faith. How do we know that Jesus intended for the disciples to go through this storm?  Why did they need this experience (see Mark 6:52)?  Tell about a “stress test” in your life that God used to stretch and strengthen your faith.
3. We need the presence of Jesus in the midst of our storms. It wasn’t so much the storm that frightened the disciples, what was it?  Why would the sight of Jesus terrify them?  Talk about some real life examples of the ways we can miss (or mistake) the help God sends our way.
4. Read Matt 14:28-31. In what way did Peter express faith?  Why did his faith begin to falter?  What life circumstances tend to cause you to doubt?
5. We need to come through our storms with a renewed faith in Jesus (Matt 14:33). List all the miracles that took place in this “sign.”  How did the disciples express their “worship”?  What are some ways we can express worship like this?
6. Talk about how to prepare yourself for the next life storm.  How can you remind yourself to look for Jesus rather than just looking for a way out?

Action Steps:

1. Voice a prayer (maybe even write it out) that expresses your thanks to God for loving you enough to work on your faith in such personal ways.
2. Each day this week, take a few minutes to worship Jesus as the true Son of God.  Give Him glory for His deity!  Acknowledge His power and presence in your life.