Let’s move on to the other shore
Preaching Outline on Luke 8:22-24 – “And it came to pass on one of those days, that he went into a boat with his disciples, and said to them, ‘Let us go over to the other side of the lake. While they were sailing, he fell asleep. And a windstorm came up on the lake, and they were in danger of being shipwrecked. They came to him and woke him up, saying, “Master, master, we are perishing! Jesus woke up and rebuked the wind and the raging water. Everything ceased, and the calm came.”
Introduction to Luke 8:22-24
The narrative from Luke’s Gospel described in 8:22-24 is an invitation to reflect deeply on our journey of faith. Not only does Jesus call us to cross over, but He challenges us to trust Him even in the midst of life’s storms. Among the turbulent waves, He teaches us that His presence is enough to bring calm and victory. Despite the chaos that surrounds us, we find safety and victory in the One who is greater than any storm.
Jesus says: “Let us cross over to the other side.” This command is a clear order to move forward, to leave the place of comfort and go towards the purpose that God has prepared for each of us. The crossing symbolizes our spiritual journey, a process of transformation towards fullness of life with God or even a special moment in our secular life.
The boat represents the instrument that God gives us to cross the turbulent waters of life. This “boat” can be our faith, communion with our brothers and sisters, the Word of God and prayer. God will always provide the necessary means to achieve his will in our lives.
The storm symbolizes the difficulties we face along the way. It is a reminder that even if we obey Jesus, we will face challenges, but with him in the boat, there is hope.
Development
The Crossing
When Jesus said “Let us cross over to the other side”, he didn’t explain what they would find on the way. Often, God calls us to move forward without revealing all the details, demanding obedience and trust from us.
What is the “margin” that God is calling you to cross? Perhaps He is asking you to leave a spiritual or even material comfort zone, to abandon sins or to advance in a ministry.
Remember: Obeying this command means trusting that Jesus knows what lies ahead, even if the path seems uncertain or doubtful.
The Boat
The boat was the resource that God provided for the disciples to cross the lake. Just like the boat, God always gives us the resources we need to face our journey. However, the boat is only effective if Jesus is in it.
What has God put at your disposal? Faith, the church, prayer and communion with our brothers and sisters are essential tools for crossing the waters of life. Sometimes we look at other people’s “boats” and feel insecure. But remember: God knows exactly what you need for your journey. The experience with God is individual, and makes us truly know who Jesus is and the value he has in our lives.
The storm
The test of faith
While they were sailing, an unexpected storm arose. This shows that obeying Jesus’ call doesn’t mean there won’t be any problems. On the contrary, storms often appear to test our faith. The disciples’ reaction was one of fear and despair. They forgot that they were in the same boat with the Creator of the whole universe. We often do the same: by focusing on the storm, we fail to realize that Jesus is with us.
When the storms come, remember that they are not eternal. Just as Jesus calmed the sea, he also has the power to bring peace to your situation.
What storm are you facing today? Health? Finances? Relationships? Cry out to the Lord Jesus! He is not indifferent to what you are going through.
Sleeping Jesus
When faith grows cold
The scene of Jesus sleeping through the storm is a powerful spiritual metaphor. We often let “Jesus sleep” in our lives by neglecting our communion with him. When this happens, the storms frighten us because we are not strengthened by Jesus’ constant presence.
Keep Jesus awake and cultivate a life of prayer, reading the Word and communion with God. Don’t wait for the storm!
Awaken Jesus with your cry. If you feel that Jesus is “asleep” in your life, call out to him in prayer. Your sincere cry is enough to move God’s heart.
Conclusion
Jesus is calling you to cross over to the other side. Move from where you are to a place of fulfillment, growth and satisfaction. He didn’t just call the disciples, he gave them the resources they needed to cross over. But there is one important detail: Jesus must be with them! He told them to cross to the other shore, but he had to cross with them.
If today’s situation seems to be a storm in your life, remember: Jesus told you to cross over and he’s in the boat. He has not abandoned you. Call out to him and he will come to meet you. Just as he rebuked the wind and the sea, he will also silence the storms in your life.
Are there areas in your life where you need to obey Jesus’ call?
Have you kept Jesus active in the boat or allowed him to “fall asleep”?
Are you facing a storm? Cry out to the Lord right now, and trust that he will bring good.
Let’s cross over to the other shore with faith, confidence and the certainty that, with Jesus in the boat, no wind can sink us. May God bless you!
More Preaching Outlines
- At the fourth watch of the night – Matthew 14:26-27
- Fear not – Acts 27:22-24
- Jesus the eternal rest – Isaiah 4:6
