Can and Can’t Control
through the lens of Biblical Narratives
1. Read Mark 4:35-41 and Luke 8:22-25
2. Who are the main persons in verses Mark 4:35-41?
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3. What is happening? (verse Mark 4:36-37 and Luke 8:23)
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4. What was Jesus doing? (verse Mark 4:38)
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5. Look at the disciples’ situation (verse Mark 4:37 & Luke 8:23) and answer:
What could they not control?
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What could they control?
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6. How did the disciples respond to their circumstance?
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What did they accuse Jesus of? (verse Mark 4:38 and Luke 8:24)
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7. What could/did Jesus control? (verse Mark 4:39,41 & Luke 8:24)
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8. What did Jesus ask the disciples? (Mark 4:40 & Luke 8:25)
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9. According to Jesus, what was the disciples’ real problem? Circle the best answer:
the frightening storm/circumstance OR their faith?
10. Reflect on an uncomfortable or difficult circumstance you had recently. How did you
respond? What did your response say about your faith in the One who controls all
things?
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1. Read Matthew 16:21-23
2. Who are the main persons in Matthew 16:21?
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3. What is happening? (Matthew 16:21)
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4. How does Peter respond to what Jesus says? (Matthew 16:22)
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5. Circle the appropriate answer: In Matthew 16:22, Peter is attempting to encourage OR
control Jesus?
6. What does Jesus say to Peter in response? (Matthew 16:23)
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7. According to Jesus, what is the real motive behind Peter’s attempt to control Jesus?
(Matthew 16:23)
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8. Reflecting on a recent situation when you were trying to control the “uncontrollable” what
was your real motive? Yourself or God’s glory? Explain?
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1. Read Luke 10:38-42
2. Who are the persons in Luke 10:38-39?
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3. What was Mary doing? (Luke 10:39)
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4. What was Martha doing? (Luke 10:40)
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5. What did Martha accuse Jesus of? (Luke 10:40)
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6. What did Martha tell Jesus to do? (Luke 10:40)
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7. What does Jesus say Martha’s problem is? (Luke 10:41)
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8. How does Martha attempt to solve her problem? (Luke 10:40)
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9. According to Jesus what was the necessary thing to do? (Luke 10:42)
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10. Write about a time you found yourself in a circumstance that you couldn’t control and
tried to control others around you rather than go before the LORD in either prayer or
study?
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