Share about a time when you insisted on doing something “your way.” What happened? What do you remember about the outcome?

Read Mark 4:35–41, John 14:12, and John 20:21–23

– In Mark 4, what does Jesus’ calming of the storm reveal about the scope of His authority?

In John 20:21-23, Jesus says he is sending us with the same authority He was given by His Heavenly Father. 

– What strikes you about the fact that Jesus delegates His authority to you?

– How do these passages shift your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus?

The sermon highlighted a common mindset: “I want God’s blessing in my life, just not His authority over how I live it.”
– What area of your life are you tempted to keep under your own control?

The umbrella illustration showed that blessing comes when we choose to stand under God’s authority.
– What does standing under His authority look like practically in your life right now?

– Pray for a willingness to surrender the areas of your life where you’re “near the umbrella” but not under it.

– Ask God to help you trust that His authority brings freedom, not restriction.

– Invite God to empower you by His Spirit to carry His presence and peace into the places He’s sending you this week.