I hope that this lesson that the Lord has given me will bless those who read it.
Mark 4:35-41 Wind and the Waves Obey Jesus
v 35-36 After a long day, Jesus decides to get some rest and retreat from the large crowds near Capernaum of Galilee.
The other side of the lake was not very populated, known as the region of the Gaderenes.
Note – verse 36 states that other little boats were with Jesus’ boat, The crowds were following along.
v 37-38 A great windstorm – the words used here denote a hurricane-like storm.
The boat was filling up, starting to sink! Matthew 8:24 notes that the boat was covered with waves!!
When life’s storms arise, what is our natural tendency?
ü To try to bail ourselves out, by our own strength
ü To question or blame God, asking Him if cares.
“Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” verse 38
- Jesus was sleeping at the rear of the boat!!
The disciples were probably asking for help bailing water, not the miracle that would take place.
v 39 Jesus rises and rebukes the wind and the sea. “Peace, be still!”
Jesus reveals His power to control the natural forces around Him:
Psalm 65:7, 89:9 notes how God rules the waves, the seas and stills them
- Great calm comes when you ask Jesus for help in the storm!
Psalm 107:25-29
25 For He commands and raises the stormy wind,
Which lifts up the waves of the sea.
26 They mount up to the heavens,
They go down again to the depths;
Their soul melts because of trouble.
27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man,
And are at their wits’ end.
28 Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble,
And He brings them out of their distresses.
29 He calms the storm,
So that its waves are still.
v 40 - Jesus questions/ rebukes their lack of faith in Him.
Matt 8:26 states “O you of little faith”, It was used by Jesus to:
§ Evaluate the trust of people in God and measured faith in a relative way. – i.e. “little”
§ As a rebuke from an all knowing God who knew their hearts.
v 41 – From fear to Fear – Being in the presence of God!
“Who can this be, that even the wind and the waves obey him?”
When one realizes he is in the presence of the Almighty, Godly reverence or fear is the immediate response!
