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CrossWords Prayer Guide

Prayer of the Week: Almighty and everlasting God, You govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of Your people, and in our time grant us Your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Daily Scripture Focus:

Today – Mark 4:35-41, Ps 48:1-7

Mon – Mark 4:1-9, Psalm 48:1

Tue – Mark 4:10-20, Psalm 48:2

Wed – Mark 4:21-25, Psalm 48:3

Thu – Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 48:4-5

Fri – Mark 4:35-41, Psalm 48:6-7

Sat – Acts 19:1-12, Ps 48:8-14

Commit to read the DSF by checking item 1 on the Communication Card

Prayer List: Bryan Beard, Bo Fuller, Mack Walla, John Lewis, Carl Rider, Jerlene Hope, Kirk family, Ruder family, Mayes Elementary, Floy Jean Moore, Sophie Phillips, Elsie Cobb, Danny Blackshear, Round Up Cowboy Church, Michael Grossman, David Grossman, Amanda Collins, Sherrie Grems, Kaycie Hamilton, Maybell Gilbert, Al Mixon, Wayne Rogers and wife, Di Ann Readnour, Clifford Cole, John Ruder, Shelly Hayth, Jack Henderson, Jackson Oberndorfer, Morris Ramsey, Todd Rider, Yevetta Raglin, Jean Kennington

CrossGroups Connection Guide

Today’s Scripture Focus: Mark 4:35-41

There are only two places in Mark that depart from the “action” to record actual sermons from Jesus. One of them is Mark 4, which is made up of parables. There are 60 parables recorded in the Gospels. Most of them are found in Matthew and Luke. A few are found here in Mark; there are none in John. A parable is an example from everyday life that clarifies a spiritual truth. Most of Jesus’ parables deal with the Kingdom of God, which He explains using fishing and farming, housekeeping and family life, royalty and banquets, etc. Unlike fables or allegories, parables are impossible to understand without the “insider knowledge” of faith in Christ. Ten times in Mark 4, the audience is commanded to listen! This involves hearing and obeying.

The chapter opens with Jesus gathered at the now familiar lake side, preaching to the ever present crowd. This time, the crowd was so large that Jesus preached from the water, seated in a boat. The first parable summarized everything that has happened in Mark thus far. A farmer wastefully scatters seed in a field, three fourths of which fails to produce a crop. However, the one fourth that finds good soil produces such a miraculous crop, it more than compensates for the bad seed. So it was with Jesus’ teaching, which planted truth in the world. The vast majority of the gathered crowd would never receive this truth, but the small minority of disciples would hear, understand, and feed the world.

Three more parables finish out the sermon. Jesus would speak to the crowd in parables, and then explain their meaning to the disciples, presumably gathered with Him in the boat. As it was getting dark, Jesus instructed the disciples to take Him to the other side of the lake, perhaps to preach in another location. Apparently they set out in a group of boats. In 1986, a fishing vessel was unearthed from the mud by this lake. Testing dated it from the time of Christ. It was 27 feet long, 8 feet wide and seated 15 people, with space for four rowers. Though not likely the same vessel used by Christ, it would have been very similar. As several of the disciples were veteran fisherman, travel by boat was a perfect way to travel.

The only time in the Gospels we hear of Jesus sleeping is during a storm. Due to its location 700 feet below sea level and surrounding mountains, the Sea of Galilee is famous for its fierce and sudden squalls. This must have been a particularly bad one. Rowing in such conditions would have been exhausting, especially after a full day of ministry to the crowd. Mark captures the disciple’s frustration with Jesus – “Don’t you even care if we drown?” Remember – Mark is about the authority of Jesus. Using the language He used to quiet the demons of Mark 3, Jesus told the storm to be quiet! It immediately dissipated. Ironically, this terrified the disciples more than the storm itself. They still have much to learn about this Jesus they are following.

Today’s sermon will assure us that Jesus not only cares about our storms; He can do something about them.

• Go around the table and share prayer requests. Have someone lead in prayer.

• Let everyone who would like to share anything exciting from their week.

• Did anyone do last week’s assignment? What was the result?

• Ask these three questions. Let as many answer each one as they would like.

1. Have you ever had a problem you felt no one else could really relate to or understand? Did you try to get help, or just handle it on your own?

2. Is there anything in today’s scripture that especially speaks to you?

3. What questions would you like to ask about today’s scripture?

• Go over this week’s assignment (below). Commit to work on it together.

Today’s Sermon

Key Truths –

• The disciples were overwhelmed by the storm.

• Our storms can be overwhelming, too.

• Good news: Jesus cared about the disciples.

• Good news: Jesus cares about us.

This Week’s Assignment –

Having a CrossViewed life means accepting Jesus’ care, even when we don’t believe, understand, or even desire it. What cares do you need to allow Jesus to silence today? Write them here, and let Him help you.