“If Jesus cares, why doesn’t He show up?” Most of us have asked that question in hard seasons. We’ve felt it in financial pressure, restless nights of worry, or deep grief when life seems unbearable. The disciples felt it too, straining at the oars in the middle of the sea, battling the wind, and realizing Jesus wasn’t with them in the boat. But the story reminds us of this comforting truth: Jesus is never absent. Even when He feels far, His eyes are on us, His prayers are for us, and His presence brings peace at just the right time.

Struggles are part of the Christian life. Sometimes Jesus allows the winds to push against us longer than we would like. But He never abandons us. He comes in His time, and when He comes, He doesn’t just make the storm stop—He reminds us of who He is. “Take heart, it is I. Do not be afraid.” Those words remind us that the God who tramples the sea and commands the wind is the same Savior who walks with us today. His presence doesn’t remove every trial, but it changes how we endure them.

Like the disciples, we’re quick to forget God’s faithfulness. We’ve all seen Him provide, sustain, and deliver in the past—yet we still fall back into fear and doubt. But even in our forgetfulness, Jesus is patient. He keeps us, leads us, and gets us to the other side, even when we drift off course. That’s the kind of Savior we have: not one who gives up on us, but one who faithfully carries us along, teaching us to trust Him more each time.

This story is a call to preach the gospel to our hearts and to one another in community. Jesus didn’t just save His disciples from a storm; He saved us from the far greater storm of sin and judgment. Because of His cross and resurrection, we can face every trial with hope. He sees us, He meets us, and He is patient with us. So when you gather with your group this week, remind each other of this: you are never beyond the gaze, the care, or the presence of Christ. Whatever storm comes, He is with you, and He will see you through.

Main idea – In your struggle, remember the transcendent God is always near to bring you peace

Study Questions

1. How do the two miracles on the sea in Mark differ, and what do they have in common? What do these similarities and differences teach us about Jesus?
2. What words or details in this passage highlight Jesus as our intercessor? What other New Testament passages remind us of this truth, and how does it bring you comfort?
3. When do you most often struggle with doubting Jesus’ care, provision, or presence? How does this story encourage you to trust Him in those moments?
4. What does Jesus reveal about Himself in this passage? Where else in Scripture do we see this same truth about Him, and how does it strengthen your faith?
5. Read paragraph 2 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith found here.Why is it so important that we believe in the full deity of Jesus?
6. How does this story of Jesus calming the storm point us forward to His greater rescue through the cross and resurrection?