Jesus and the Storm

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side."  And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he 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 awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?"  And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" - Mark 4:35‭-‬41 ESV

Rev. Dan Whang

Storms on the sea of Galilee were sudden, unpredictable, and violent. The mountains nearby caused cold air to rush down to the sea and brought rough storms. This storm was large and violent enough to cause fear and anxiety in these rugged, experienced fishermen.

Anxiety in the storm

These rough waters are gigantic and severe enough to make these men fear for their lives. It was unexpected enough that one moment Jesus was napping and the next the boat was in danger. They even asked Jesus if he cared about them.

So it is with us. When we find ourselves in difficult times, we often wonder if God knows what we are going through... And then often, we wonder if God even cares.

God and the storm

Jesus speaks and suddenly, it is completely calm. Just as quickly as it came, it left. Jesus did not need to repeat himself. God wants to restore everything back completely. This miracle, like all of Jesus' miracles, point to future restoration. Not only that, but they show the authority and power of God in Jesus.

The disciples go from fear to fear. They were first fearing the storm and now they are fearing the one who commands the wind and waters. Jesus loves us, the storm does not. The storm has power, Jesus is greater.

Application: We should tell our storms about how strong our Jesus is. Gaze at Jesus rather than the storm.

1. Admit that you have very little control over your life

2. Abandon our hope in other things

3. Place our faith & hope in Jesus