See Mark 4:35-41
Jesus had finished His teaching. His disciples set out the boats to cross the sea. This was not the first time Jesus finished His teaching by rowing out into the sea with His disciples. However, according to 4:37 this was not going to be a peaceful boat ride. Mark records that there was heavy wind, high waves and the danger of the boat sinking. So how strong can we surmise this storm was? These seaworthy fishermen were accustomed to storms on the Sea of Galilee and this one must have been fierce for them to fear for their lives. Although the text does not describe the disciples as being afraid in this moment we know they are as they question a sleeping Jesus in verse 38 “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
The “we” suggests that Jesus also was in danger. Almost as if they were suggesting that if you are going to act nonchalant about us dying, at least you should be concerned for yourself. They never expected Jesus to calm the storm. If the “we are perishing” included Jesus then they were not seeking His help. The disciples question was out of fear and disbelief that Jesus would be acting in such an indifferent manner toward the danger. The disciples were focused on the reality of the moment, the real possibility that they might die. They had not learned to trust in the greater reality of their God who is always in control of the ultimate outcome. Herein lies the crisis. The disciples thought that they were going to die, and that Jesus did not care. Fear increased by a lack of ability to control their situation turned into acting out of fear instead of out of faith. Panicked because they were at the end of their expertise on how to handle a weather related crisis at sea, and finding themselves in danger, called out to Jesus in v.38, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
Jesus assesses, and handles the immediate crisis. He knew before they began the trip across the sea that His disciples were dealing with a much more serious crisis. Their faith was weak. There is evidence in verse 37 That Jesus suggested the boat trip, and then promptly went to sleep. Jesus had a plan to challenge and stretch his disciples. He wanted His disciples to know that they could rest at peace in the midst of the storm because He was with them.
Jesus deals with the question of identity. He wants His disciples to recognize His authority over creation, and His authority over life’s situations, both of which prove His deity, leading to proper worship. In verse 39, with a rebuke, the wind and waves stop. The rage of a storm which caused crisis in the moment for some experienced fishermen became a perfect calm, and began a heart crisis in the lives of those men. Jesus rebukes them in verse 40, “Why are you still afraid?” Moreover, he recognizes their problem, “Do you still have no faith?” These words should be taken more as a statement than a question, “You still have no faith.” The disciples had heard the authority of Christ’s teachings, they had witnessed His miracles, and they still had no faith.
In verse 39 Jesus displayed his power over creation drawing the disciples attention to the fact that He is the very creator Himself. This act led to another sort of fear in the disciple’s hearts. In verse 41 it says they became very afraid, and questioned who Jesus was. The sudden storm and sudden stillness caused brain overload. They were in fearful awe of the One who possessed authority to rebuke both the waves and themselves. Jesus resolved a moment of crisis by showing the disciples the power, authority, and sovereignty of God. They were beginning to understand who Jesus truly was. He drew the disciples into a moment of true worship.
As humans who struggle with fear and anxiety we can relate to the crisis facing the disciples. Many times in our lives situations arise that are just as overwhelming and powerful as any raging storm upon the sea. We feel our boat being pounded by the waves, the water and our fears are rising, we feel helpless. The situation, and often times our God, teach us that we are not in control.
In Mark’s narrative it was Jesus who led the disciples into the storm, he knew what they would be facing. His purpose was to teach them to trust in Him, to teach them that even with all their experience as fishermen they cannot control the storm. This is true in our lives; we cannot handle every difficult situation we face. Sometimes we are humbled, and cowering in the corner. Jesus led His disciples into the storm, and all Hell broke loose. Perhaps we need to admit that following God is not always safe. Think about Joseph, Daniel, Elijah, Stephen, and even Jesus. Although the situations God allowed them to face were far from safe His grace was ever sufficient for the moment of trial.
What happened next? The disciples in Marks narrative were facing real danger, and they found Jesus asleep. We can relate to this too. Why are you sleeping Lord? Where are you? How long Oh Lord? We ask these questions in the midst of life’s crises. We look to the reality of the situation and fail to look to God. What we need in that moment is a reminder of who God is.
Jesus responds to the disciples question by rebuking the wind and the waves. They obeyed Him. This moment might be the greatest demonstration of the deity of Christ in all of scripture, creation obeying its creator. Next Jesus questions the disciples. Jesus’ questions to the disciples are rhetorical. They reveal the reason he lead them into the storm to begin with, and they speak to our storms today.
The point is not that Jesus will calm your every storm, but that He is in charge, and that He cares. When the Lord tests us it hurts. Our fear rises and our faith diminishes. Jesus knows this and questions, “Why are you afraid? Don’t you trust me?” He recognizes fear and desires to turn it into worship. This is what takes place in verse 41. God leads us through trial so we might perceive His holiness, and our hearts turn to worship as we recognize that He is good. The result is a loss of physical fear. We put off our fear and put on Christ. Why would we fear when we have Christ?
To appreciate that statement you need a proper understanding of who Christ is. This is what Jesus accomplished in the lives of the disciples that day. They understood what Paul teaches in Colossians 1:15-17, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities- all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Because of this the disciples stood in awe of Jesus that day. The hidden had been revealed, and they stood in a state of worship.
This narrative is another example of the benefits of the Gospel. Christians must realize that in the area of emotions we are still in great need of Jesus Christ and His grace in our lives. While our emotions are good, they too are tainted by sin. They tend to mislead us, or spiral out of control. This is the moment when a difficult situation becomes a crisis. What can we do in the midst of such a circumstance? Remember the Gospel. The Bible is full of reminders for the Christian in crisis. For example 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 reads “For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.” This reality is greater than the reality of our circumstances. Christ wants to walk with us through difficultly to the point that we recognize and live out this truth.
The outpouring of the lesson the disciples learned that day is the hope we find written in our scriptures. Peter writes “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ”(1:6-7). God does allow times of trial. Sometimes He leads us into them, but His purpose is to teach us about His true nature, and to increase our faith.
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