Jesus is Lord Over Nature
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· 17 viewsThis is my message at Pastor Norman's church on October 23, 2022
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Mark 4:35-41
Mark 4:35-41
Mark 4:35–41 (ESV)
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?”
Introduction:
Mark’s Context and Background
Mark’s Context and Background
Mark's Purpose: To Present Jesus the Messiah as the Suffering Servant.
Division of Mark: 1-8 Mark Presents Jesus as the Son of God, 8b-16 Jesus is the Suffering Servant.
We are in the section where Mark presents Jesus as the Son of God, the Messiah.
In chapter 1, we see that Jesus is the Son of God, he is greater than John the Baptist, mightier than Satan, demons, sickness, and even the religious leaders (as demonstrated by his teaching. In chapter 2, we see that Jesus has authority to forgive sin by healing the paralytic. It showcases Christ's divinity. Jesus is also the Lord of the Sabbath. In chapter 3, Christ's fame is spreading and so many crowds follow Jesus to hear him teach, see him heal, and cast out demons. It is also in this chapter where Jesus calls his 12 disciples. In chapter 4, we see Jesus again teaching and preaching at the Sea of Galilee. Our text, Mark 4:35-41, comes right after.
Thesis: In Mark 4:35-41, there are two contrasts, displays of power that will motivate you to faith in Jesus.
I. Power of Nature Displayed
I. Power of Nature Displayed
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”
Notice the phrase, “on that day” Jesus just finished teaching by the sea Mark 4:1.
Again he began to teach beside the sea. And a very large crowd gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat in it on the sea, and the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land.
Mark says in v.1 that Jesus taught from the boat, while the crowd was by the sea on land. This sea is the sea of Galilee (show a picture). Much of Jesus' public ministry was done here. The area surrounding the sea of Galilee is the most heavily populated (ZEB), palaces, theaters, entertainment centers. This is a bustling area. Agriculture and much of the fishing happened here.
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”
Mark adds, when evening come. This is this is very, very late afternoon, it is getting dark. Jesus tells his disciples to go to the other side of the lake. In the next chapter, we discover that this location is the region of the Gerasenes, an area that is predominantly Gentile. He will encounter legion and cast them out. I believe Christ's purpose in travelling to the other side is to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles through the man whom Jesus exorcised.
And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him.
This is the boat where Jesus preached from. This was a typical fishing boat.
Fishing boats during this time were fairly small, Its length is about the length of the UsPs, or ups delivery trucks. some could generally could fit 4-10 people plus cargo (Show picture). So you can imagine, This boat could fit all 13 of them, Jesus and His disciples. It was not just Jesus’ boat in the sea of Galilee but “other boats were with him.” Fishermen would still fish in the evening
And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.
So far everything is going well, until (v. 37), "a great windstorm arose" this is not just an ordinary storm at sea, Mark describes it as a great windstorm. This storm is lifethreatening, deadly, and dangerous. Now these events are not uncommon, Because the sea of Galilee is surrounded by hills, cool air from the mountains and hills rush down into the lake causing these dangerous, unpredictable, violent storms. The winds can come in various directions.
Mark also adds the seriousness and the imminent danger, Jesus and the disciples are in.
The waves were breaking into the boat, so the boat was already filling." Can you picture that in your mind? It's not just splashing water. Mark here personifies the waves, and describes them as breaking, or beating up their small fishing boat. Waves during these kinds of storms can be as high as seven feet! Jesus and His disciples are under the wrath and fury of this vicious storm. They are at the mercy of this great windstorm. In a matter of minutes, all passengers of this boat will die.
But as the camera zooms inside the boat, Mark focuses our attention on an individual who is not at all bothered by the storm. In the midst of chaos, danger, peril, there is one who is in perfect peace.
Mark 4:38 (ESV)
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?”
Look at v. 38 "But" notice that word there. He was in the stern, (back of the boat), asleep on the cushion (pause right there). Can you picture the scene in your mind? Of course, Jesus us drenched with water, nor the rocking of the boat, the sounds of the crushing waves, does not wake him up.
Jesus sleeping, emphasizes the humanity of Jesus Christ. He was really, really tired (illustration). He was very exhausted. At the same time, Jesus being the Lord over nature, is not threatened by anything. He is in perfect peace. He is not at all affected but the vicious display of natures power.
His disciples on the other hand?
They are panicking, scared to death (v. 38), And they woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" Now remember, Andrew, Peter, James, and John, are fishermen. They've spent their whole lives fishing in this lake. They must have done everything humanly possible to survive. After assessing the situation, they along with other disciples, concluded, "We are going to die." But when they turned to Jesus, what do they see? What is He doing? He is sound asleep! Can you imagine their frustration, and disappointment! Here is the man whom they've left everything to follow. Their Teacher who just cast out demons, healed the sick. Obviously, He cares for the suffering of people. At the time they needed Jesus the most, what is He doing? Sleeping! Jesus, do something! Help us out! It looks like Jesus doesn’t care.
Don't you care about us? Isn't this our common response? After we have done everything we can to fix the problem ahead of us. We have exhausted all our resources. We have done everything we can, and nothing is happening. In fact, may have been worse. Like the disciples we panic. We are overcome with fear and terror. Lord are there? Are you asleep? Don’t you care? Like the disciples, we say "Teacher, don't you care that I am perishing?!" The powerful storm is too strong for us to handle. We succumb to despair, and in those moments, the devil whispers to our ears, Jesus is asleep. He does not care. it seems that Jesus doesn't care.
Nature comes in a displays its Ferocious Power and strength, the disciples tremble and fear, but the Lord of Universe is asleep. And so the weary, battered, and despairing disciples wake him, and what does Jesus do?
II. Power of Jesus Displayed
II. Power of Jesus Displayed
Now we turn to the second contrast of Power. We have seen the terrifying power of nature, but now, we will look at the One who is infinitely more powerful. Supremely sovereign. And that is Jesus, the Son of God, Lord over Nature.
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.
Notice how Mark describes the situation. Jesus awoke, and rebuked the wind and said to the sea. He did not wake up and was shocked! A huge contrast among the disciples we see here. The words that come out of Jesus mouth is not panic, but commands. He commands wind and sea “Peace!” Hush! Silence!
People are talking and they are too noisy (Be quiet! Shhh!)
The second command is very similar “Be Still!” This same command is what He said to the unclean spirit in Mark 1:25
Mark 1:25 (ESV)
But Jesus rebuked him (unclean spirit), saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!”
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.
Again we don’t see Jesus pleading, the wind and waves, he is not negotiating, or bargaining. He is displaying His authority and power in front of His disciples.
And how did the great windstorm respond? It says in our text, “the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” The ferocious, windstorm was immediately silenced into submission. What is so impressive in this account is that wind and the waves quiet down. Normally when the wind stops, the waves will slowly weaken. But it says here that there was a great calm. The point is, that both wind and waves ceased and calmed down. This is nothing short of miraculous!
Remembers what the disciples said to Jesus “Teacher, don’t you care that we are perishing?” What is the answer? Of course, Jesus cares!
Now Jesus turns to his awestruck disciples and says to them.
He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”
Jesus the word so "afraid" which means "cowardly." Why are you so cowardly? Why are you so terrified? Don't you realize who I am? I am the Son of God. I am mightier than Satan, and his minions, I have power of sickness, leprousy. I have power and authority to forgive sin (Mark). I am God! Why are you so afraid? Why are you so cowardly? They have witnessed Jesus' power in casting out demons, healing, forgiving sin, and yet still they did not completely trust and depended Christ. They even questioned Jesus care for them.
What is the root of their fear? Jesus exposes the root of their fear, he says, "Have you still no faith?" The root of their cowardice is unbelief. Jesus rebuked them for their unbelief. What is faith?
And Jesus is rebuking those of us today who are unbelieving. Those of us who are fearful and afraid. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ. If you are born again, why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith? Have you still no faith that Jesus loves you, cares for you, understands what you are going through? Don't you believe that He is in control over everything? He will never leave you nor forsake you!
Psalm 27:3 (ESV)
Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.
The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.
What can man do to me?
Psalm 23:4 (ESV)
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
You may be in the middle of life's severest storm. You may feel powerless and helpless, but trust in Jesus who is Lord over nature. Stop your unbelief and rest upon your Savior, Jesus Christ.
Well, the story doesn't end there. What was the effect upon the disciples? Mark adds, they were filled with great fear and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and sea obey him?" Their cowardice fear turned into reverential fear. This awestruck fear. Of course, they knew who this is. Jesus the Messiah is Divine! The Jews knew that God controls nature,
Psalm 65:7 (ESV)
who stills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples,
Psalm 89:9 (ESV)
You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them.
Psalm 107:29 (ESV)
He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.
They did not expect it to come from a human being. But Jesus is no ordinary being. He is also God. As God, Jesus is the Creator of the Universe. Consider these verses:
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.
yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
Application
Application
And so, we have seen a display of two powers, we've seen the power of nature, there is no denying that it was lifethreating and strong, however, even if all the forces of nature combined their power, they are no match against the Son of God who is Lord over Nature. How are we to apply these truths in our lives?
#1 Because Jesus is Lord over Nature, you should trust Him.
Don't fear. Don’t be anxious about anything. Turn to God's Word and draw comfort from His promises. Are you facing a storm this morning? Can you identify with the fear and panic of the disciples? Christ tells you this morning from our Text, "why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" What are you afraid of? What is your greatest fear? Is that greatest fear bigger and stronger than Jesus? If Jesus can still the storm, can’t Jesus still the storms you are facing? Now, He may choose not to still that storm. That’s doesn’t mean He is unable. He has a better plan. Is God's arm too short to save? Trust and rest in God's promises. Don't believe Satan's lie that God does not care.
#2 Because Jesus is Lord over nature, you should fear and worship Him.
#3 Because Jesus is Lord over nature, you should repent and believe in Him
This is the Overall purpose of Mark that we should repent and believe in Jesus Christ. Friends, if you are not born again, you are facing an even greater storm than all you problems and worries combined. That threat what the Bible says, the “wrath of God.” Romans 1:18
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.
What kindles and provokes the wrath of God towards you? It is your sin. Romans 3:23 says, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. God who is the Creator of the Universe is Holy. He is righteous and just. He will punish everyone who has broken His Law. James 2:10 Whoever keeps the whole Law, and yet stumbles at one point, is guilty of all. Rom 6:23 says, for the wages of sin is death.
In Luke 12:5, Jesus says that we should fear God who has the power to cast your body and soul into hell.
But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!
So many people their greatest fear is death, but they they should be more afraid of God than death. Because God will cast those who are guilty before Him into eternal destruction. No amount of your good works, or relgiousity can save you. The Bible is clear that salvation is only by grace through faith
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
What is your only hope? The Good News is that Jesus Christ died for sinners.
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for sinners. He rose from the grave and is alive today in Heaven. He offers salvation to those who will come to him in repentance and faith. This is the only way for you to be saved from the wrath of God.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Then and only then can you say, "with Christ in my vessel, I can smile at the storm." Those who are born again, have Jesus in their hearts, through the Holy Spirit. All theirs sins are forgiven and washed in Christ, and they have the assurance that they have eternal life. Please don't harden your heart any longer.
In conclusion, what did we learn today? We have seen Two contrasts of Power that will motivate you to trust and worship Jesus, the Lord Over Nature. I pray that beginning today, you will find great comfort, peace and joy, that you belong to Jesus Christ. And Christ is in you, the hope of glory! You may be in the middle of raging storm, I pray that the lesson's you've learned from this message will help turn your eyes away from the storm, and to the Lord over the storm. May you sing in your hear, “With Christ in my vessel, I can smile at the storm, until He guides me Home!”