Introduction:
Restoration: To trust in God, put down doubt and fear, begin to walk in the
presence of Jesus, will restore the church’s power. What a thrill it is to see
the power of God demonstrated in church today. Lord, restore that power.
I. Four reasons Jesus had to send the disciples
away. Vs 45.
A.
Jesus had to persuade the
disciples to go.
1. After feeding the five thousand, they wanted to take Him and by force
make Him a king. John 6:15
a. They thought by making Him Messiah, He would free the people.
b. He could lead a revolt against Rome and set up His rule.
c. He was to set up a theocracy, the rule and reign of God over all the
earth.
d. Jesus sent away the disciples to keep them from getting caught up in
the excitement.
e. To fight the storm to stay alive would calm them down.
2. It was now time to move on.
a. There were more places and people to minister too.
3. Jesus also needed time to pray and be refreshed.
4. Jesus wanted the disciples to learn five lessons for service.
a. Lesson one: Crowd excitement is not always wise. Vs 45
b. Lesson two: Prayer after service is wise Vs 46
c. Lesson three: A cry for help in time of need is wise Vs 47-49
d. Lesson four: Receiving the presence of Jesus is wise. Vs 50-51
e. Lesson five: Remembering and trusting the power of Jesus is wise Vs 52
II. Lesson one: Crowd excitement is not
always wise. Vs 45.
A.
They had been fed
miraculously, they were very excited
1.
As their Messiah He could
keep them all fed, meet all their needs.
2.
The crowd wanted to take Him
by force and make Him king.
3.
Rebellion would have been
put down and many killed.
4.
No thought to the end
results.
5.
They wanted to act now
whether wise or unwise.
a. Fleshly emotions were running wild
b. Selfish desires were dominating
c. Rationality and thoughtfulness were lacking
d. Spiritual insight was completely absent
B.
Jesus could not allow the
disciples to get caught up in this.
1.
God’s will had to be done.
2.
His will was the cross and
an eternal kingdom.
3.
A kingdom that would last
for all eternity, not just a few years.
C.
God’s desire for man was for
eternity.
1.
Jesus knew man could live
eternally by the cross only.
2.
This by a spiritual birth
only.
3.
Made possible only by the
death of the Son of God. John 3:16
D.
Jesus had to do God’s will.
1. Ephesians 1:7, 1Peter 2:24, 1Peter 3:18
E.
Crowd excitement is
dangerous when one does not think.
1.
One gets excited,
stimulated, tingling and craving
2.
One begins to act foolish,
following the crowd.
3.
Causes one to ignore right
and wrong. 2 Corinthians 6:17-18
4.
The need: Romans 12:1-2
III.
The second lesson
is prayer after service is wise.
A.
Jesus was praying on the
mountain [situation] in the midst of the storm. Vs 46
1.
Jesus had a large and
successful ministry.
2.
He had the recognition,
praise and excitement of the crowd.
B.
He sent the crowd away so He
could pray.
1.
God not the mass was His
source, His rest, His strength and motivation, His renewal through prayer,
praise and worship.
2.
He had to get alone with God
to pour out His heart.
3.
The crowd could give
nothing, but God could give everything.
C.
Jesus needed time to pray
and be with His heavenly Father.
1.
He was exhausted; He needed
God’s presence and rest.
2.
He was tempted; He needed
God’s strength and deliverance.
3.
He was drained spiritually;
He needed to worship God.
4.
He was weary of man’s
excitement; He needed God’s excitement and motivation. 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 1 Chronicles 16:11
A.
The storm came up while
crossing the lake.
1.
Their toil was long and
hard, rowing against the wind.
2.
Their fear was
horrifying. [not all in the boat were
fisherman]
a. They were exhausted, mentally drained
b. Their lives were at stake, struggling for survival
c. They saw a figure, was it the death angel? Vs 49
3. Their cry was desperate. Psalm 81:7, Jeremiah 33:3
V. The fourth lesson is receiving the presence
of Jesus. Vs 50-51.
A.
In all their fear, they
heard the voice of Jesus calling to them.
1.
“It’s all right, I am here,
don’t be afraid”. [“I Am” had arrived!]
2.
The authority and assurance
of the voice made the disciples realize it was Jesus.
3.
They knew then that they
were safe and secure.
a. Fear eased
b. The storm calmed
c. Amazed in His presence
d. Philippians 4:6-7, Hebrews
13:6, Isaiah 46:4
VI. The fifth lesson is remembering and trusting
the power of Jesus.
A.
The disciples had no reason
to fear or doubt Jesus could walk on water or to calm the storm.
B.
Amazing how quick one
forgets:
1.
The miracles they had seen
2.
They had forgotten so easily
and quickly
3.
The had hardened hearts
4.
So attached to the earth
5.
Able to see only the ordinary
and explainable
C.
Thought: They had spiritual
experience after spiritual experience.
1.
Yet they were still attached
to the earth
2.
They had to see beyond the
explainable
3.
Profession is easy; living
in complete trust in God is difficult. Acts 28:27
D.
Thought: A spiritual mind
and constant prayer are the answer to hardness of heart. 2 Corinthians 10:5, Colossians 3:10,
Philippians 4:6-8
Conclusion: Restoration! These five lessons are very needful today in our churches. More often we are apt to go to the world instead of Jesus when we are in the midst of the storm. Let us all become more aware of the power of God working through Jesus for us.
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