START WITH SCRIPTURE:
Mark 4:35-41
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OBSERVE:
Jesus has already established himself as a miracle worker, with authority over the demonic realm and over human infirmity. In this episode, Jesus establishes his authority over all creation as well.
When Jesus calms the storm, he seems almost casual in his demeanor — and yet it has a powerful impact on the disciples. The disciples have embarked with Jesus in the boat to cross the Sea of Galilee. His sleep suggests that he is completely unperturbed by the storm that arises. Not so the disciples! They fear they will be swamped and drowned.
They awaken Jesus, as though trying to transfer their anxiety to him. He remains completely non-anxious:
He awoke, and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? How is it that you have no faith?”
The language that he uses is the language of authority. The Greek etymology of the word be still (phimoo in Greek) can also be translated be muzzled! This is the language a master might use with a creature that is subordinate to him. It is fascinating that Jesus uses the same word in Luke 4:35 when he rebukes the demon that possesses a boy in the synagogue in Capernaum — be muzzled is often translated be silent! there also.
His purpose here is clear — he’s not simply performing a magical trick, or showing off. He had been completely at ease prior to the miracle. No, his purpose in all of his miracles is to create faith in his disciples. Here, he is scolding the disciples for their fear. Wherever he is present there should be faith.
This episode does create a sense of awe, and raises the question that will only be fully answered at the resurrection of Jesus at the end of the Gospel:
They were greatly afraid, and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
APPLY:
Storms will arise in our lives. There is nothing we can do to stop the circumstances of life. But it is vital that we are reminded that Jesus is always in the same boat with us. And as long as he is present, we need not fear. We respond to the storms with faith.
When we face these storms, we do well to remember that Jesus is perfectly calm in the midst of the storm. And we are able to answer the question — Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? — that he is the Christ, the Son of the Living God!
RESPOND:
Jesus is at peace and completely calm no matter the circumstances. I pray for that same sense of calm whatever may come my way, as I place my faith in him.
The picture that accompanies this SOAR post is Rembrandt’s The Storm on the Sea of Galilee. We can certainly see the turmoil and the fear in the faces of the disciples. What is fascinating about this painting is that Rembrandt has painted himself into the scene. He has his hand on his head and is looking directly at us. This is a reminder to us that the stories in Scripture are also our stories. We have storms in our lives and Jesus calms them.
Lord, when the storms come, calm the storms in my heart. I have the faith that you are Lord over all creation, and over all that will come my way. Amen.
PHOTOS: “The Storm on the Sea of Galilee” by Rembrandt is in the Public Domain.
SOAR Lectionary Bible Study 