And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they woke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" And He got up and rebuked the wind and sea, "Hush, be still." And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm.
Mark 4:37-39, NASB
Let's first just take a moment to comprehend the enormity of this passage. In only three verses, we see an extraordinary example of Jesus's power and greatness. The disciples were in the middle of a pretty intense squall, and the waves were so much higher than the sides of their vessel that the poor thing was already starting to fill up after only a few moments. Sinking, and perishing, must have seemed imminent at that point in time. Picture, if you will, a dozen men scurrying across the deck -- tying off ropes, bailing water, trying to keep the boat steady -- all with rain stinging their eyes and sea water soaking their clothes.
Then, they notice Jesus again.
Then, they notice Jesus again.
Their Savior and Messiah, who they may well have forgotten in their seemingly urgent cares of the world.
But what is their first response? Is it to believe that He can keep them safe, even though He is asleep? Is it to wake Him and tell Him how glad they are that He is with them in the storm? Or maybe they'll ask Him to stop the storm...that would be something they might do, right? No, no, and no. I mean, they wake Him up, for sure, but the speaker is accusing in his question. Paraphrased it might read something like this: "Don't you care? We're dying, and you're sleeping. What's wrong with you?"
Jesus is gracious, though, as always. He forgives them of their coarseness and fear.
And with just three words, He calms the sea.
The water stills. The wind quiets. All is at peace. No longer are they crashing and dipping and smashing against wave after wave.
This is the power Christ has. He is the calmer of storms, the bringer of still waters, the Prince of Peace. I believe we are shown this story because it is a reflection of who we are (the doubting disciples) and how forgiving and gracious Jesus is. Despite our lack of faith, He forgives us. When we cast our cares upon Him, He selflessly soothes the turmoil inside of us, and grants us peace in Him.
What do you all think of these verses? Feel free to leave your ideas in the comments below :)
But what is their first response? Is it to believe that He can keep them safe, even though He is asleep? Is it to wake Him and tell Him how glad they are that He is with them in the storm? Or maybe they'll ask Him to stop the storm...that would be something they might do, right? No, no, and no. I mean, they wake Him up, for sure, but the speaker is accusing in his question. Paraphrased it might read something like this: "Don't you care? We're dying, and you're sleeping. What's wrong with you?"
Jesus is gracious, though, as always. He forgives them of their coarseness and fear.
And with just three words, He calms the sea.
The water stills. The wind quiets. All is at peace. No longer are they crashing and dipping and smashing against wave after wave.
This is the power Christ has. He is the calmer of storms, the bringer of still waters, the Prince of Peace. I believe we are shown this story because it is a reflection of who we are (the doubting disciples) and how forgiving and gracious Jesus is. Despite our lack of faith, He forgives us. When we cast our cares upon Him, He selflessly soothes the turmoil inside of us, and grants us peace in Him.
What do you all think of these verses? Feel free to leave your ideas in the comments below :)
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