THE CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE – FOLLOWING JESUS
[Matthew 8:23-27]
23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.
24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.
26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
27 But the men marveled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
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This portion of Scripture is an historical event that the original disciples experienced as they were following Jesus and it gives us some insight into what it is like to follow Jesus, not just for the original 12 disciples, but for today’s disciples as well. We are shown what it is really like to be a true follower of Jesus.
#1. AN EVERYDAY EXPERIENCE [v.23 – His disciples followed Him]
The disciples would find the average modern day Church member (who is hit and miss and off more than on), to be at odds with what true discipleship meant to them.
A. They Walked With Jesus Everyday [v.24]
B. They Talked With Jesus Everyday [v.25]
#2. AN EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE [v.26 – Why are ye fearful…]
Like in any personal relationship, there will be times in which we will go through a range of emotions as we follow Jesus. Only a DEAD RELIGION is without emotions.
A. Fears [v.26]
B. Peace [v.26]
C. Joy
D. Anger
E. Wonder [v.27 marveled]
#3. AN EXCITING EXPERIENCE
There was never a dull moment in the lives of the disciples as they followed Jesus. We never read where the disciples ever complained that following Jesus was a boring experience. There were always:
A. Dangers
B. Victories
C. Wonders
D. Miracles
E. Exhausting Labor
F. Traveling
G. Learning Times
H. Soul-Winning Ventures
#4. AN ENSURING EXPERIENCE [v. 26 – Then He rebuked the winds…]
There is great security in a relationship with Jesus. He promises never to leave us, nor forsake us. [Hebrews 13:5] “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” [Hebrews 13:6]
A. We need not fear the circumstances that may befall us [Romans 8:28]
B. We need not fear the crowds that may assail us {Hebrews 13:6]
#5. AN ETERNAL EXPERIENCE [John 10:27-29; Romans 8:35-39; 1 Corinthians 2:9]
A. Heaven Will be an Eternity of No More. (Revelation 21:1-8)
No more tears, no more pain, no more toils, no more death, no more painful separations, no more sin, no more sinners to defile our surroundings.
B. Heaven Will Be an Eternity of So Much More. ( 1 Corinthians 2:9)
“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him”.
Heaven will be an eternity of discovering the unimagined wonders the Lord has laid up for His own. Each day will be a new venture, a new discovery.
Heaven will be so much more than we now enjoy, heaven will be so much more than we could ever imagine. Dream the biggest dreams you can dream and you will not have scratched the surface of what Jesus has prepared for His own.
Everyday will be Christmas day. Like a little child our eyes will pop out and our thrills will overcome us as each new day we watch Jesus unveil the treasure He has laid up for His own.
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, Oh my soul.
~Jack Woodard
Jack Woodard's Blog 