Belonging (S2) : WK 2 - GROUP GUIDE

INTRODUCTION
The following is a guide to help facilitate discussion between you and the person you’re studying with, or with your Connect Group. Feel free to add, subtract, or change questions to fit the conversation, and pray for the Spirit to lead in all things.

OPENING QUESTION(S)
Have you ever been in a storm that caused you to be scared? What happened and was there anything you could do during that storm that gave you peace and a sense of calm?

HEAD

1. Read JOHN 6:16-21, MARK 4:35-41, together and share any wisdom, insights, or thoughts that come to you from the reading? What stands out?
2. On the Sea of Galilee, it was common for storms to come up quickly due to the landscape surrounding it. In the John story, as far as we know, it was a rough storm but not a storm that was going to overtake them like in Mark 4. So were they scared about the storm, or this figure walking towards them? How would you have felt seeing a man walking toward you while you were 3-4 miles out on the water?
3. Why do you think they left without Jesus? Why do you think Jesus walked to them on the water instead of heading on to his destination?
4. In the Mark passage, how do you think Jesus was able to sleep with all the commotion going on?
5. The contrast of the disciples screaming and bailing water, versus the sleeping Jesus, is stark. When Jesus stood up and said “Silence, Be still!” do you think he was saying that to the storm, the disciples, or both? Explain.

HEART

1. How do you think about the phrase, “Don’t be afraid, I am here!” speaks to our belonging to Jesus? How does the story in John speak to us belonging to each other?
2. In the Mark story, the disciples were frantically trying to save themselves and forgot Jesus was in the boat with them. Is there a place in your life, in your heart, where there is a storm and you need to be reminded that Jesus is in the boat with you?
3. Both passages about storms speak to letting go of fear. What part does letting go of fear have to do with the idea of belonging?
4. Jesus did more than the disciples expected; he didn’t just bail water, he quieted the storm both the storm happening around them, and the storm happening within them. What does it mean to you to have a God who is big enough to calm the storm and/or you as you continue through the storm?
5. How do you answer the question, “Who is this man?”

HANDS
List out the storms that are going on in your life right now; what’s happening that seems out of control or bigger than what you’re able to handle. Then close your eyes and imagine Jesus walking to you on the water, or standing up in the boat, and saying, “Don’t be afraid. I am here.” and “Silence! Be still!” Hear those words until you feel wrapped in His powerfully strong arms, then rip of the paper and hand your concerns over to the One who can handle them.

LIVING WORDS FOR YOUR WEEK
20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.