Who Should Obey Jesus?

Introduction

Many times the parables of Jesus have a singular point that they are trying to drive home and really emphasize.

As Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John wrote the gospels, they also tried to emphasize certain things, included in their narratives.

Miracle stories often would serve a broader purpose; they showed the great power of Jesus, but they also had a teaching lesson that we should pick up on as well.

and the miracle Jesus performed in the calming of the sea serves such a purpose. There’s an object lesson that this miracle teaches us.

Peaceful Savior

Mark describes the storm as a “fierce gale of wind” with “waves breaking over the boat” and the boat was filling up with water -

If you have spent any time in a boat then you know that water is not supposed to be in the boat.

I can imagine the disciples hurriedly finding buckets to get water out of the boat and back into the sea.

Panic had set in, the disciples’ heart was pounding, and the adrenalin was keeping them going in the middle of the night. Remember, these are professional fisherman who know how to handle themselves on the sea and in the boat.

There was nothing calming or peaceful about that night for the disciples.

Then Mark tells us what Jesus is doing — He’s sleeping -

The disciples, perhaps speaking out of panic with very little sense, rebuke Jesus, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

Of course they were asking the wrong question. Obviously, Jesus cared for the disciples, their lives, and their safety.

But Jesus was peacefully sleeping in the midst of chaos.

Christians need to learn the ability to remain at peace in the midst of chaos. If we can learn how to do that then we will be richly blessed.

Christians possess the peace of God - ;

The peace of God comes through the blood of Christ, which has saved us from our sins -

We have the peace of God because we have a Savior who brings peace!

Even in the midst of a sinful world that is full of sin, strife, bickering, and arguing, Christians can understand peace - , esp. v 11

The best way to fight chaos, evil, and sin is by doing good and seeking peace!

We should live at peace with all people -

When we live peaceably with others and when we make peace, we show calm in the midst of chaos - cf

When we understand that we possess the peace of God, then we should always strive to keep peace -

We must also make peace where there is no peace; we are called to be agents of peace -

Jesus shows us that we can be steady, calm, and peaceful in chaotic waters and in strenuous times of trial and testing.

Faithless Disciples

Of all the gospel accounts, Mark typically is the most harsh towards the disciples. They are extremely slow to catch on to what Jesus’ purpose is and what He is teaching them. reveals the hard hearts of the disciples.

After calming the storm, Jesus asks them why they were afraid and why they “still have no faith” -

What a strong rebuke from Jesus!

Even after Jesus calms the sea and the winds, when things should have settled down, they were still “very much afraid” -

Cowardice and fear is a lack of faith which causes us to act in ways that are inappropriate -

Disciples should trust in the power of God and Christ, most especially when things are difficult. That’s the essence of faith!

That’s why James encourages believers to endure trials with faith, rather than abandoning it with doubting -

That’s the essence of faith!

The disciples’ lack of faith was very alarming. Even when things were calm, they were afraid. See Witherington’s comments below.

The Gospel of Mark: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary E. “Break on through to the Other Side” (4:35–41)

Jesus’ miracle, however, does not produce this faith even in those who are already disciples. Instead, we are told that they respond rather like the crowd in the face of the supernatural. It says literally, “they feared a great fear,” a Semitic form of expression that echoes Jonah 1:10 (LXX). They were terrified and asked one another in the light of this happening, “Who is this fellow, that even wind and sea obey him?” Here and in 5:36 fear is seen as the opposite of faith.

Many people say if they could just see a miracle then they’d believe. But here the disciples did see a miracle and they were afraid!

Powerful Jesus

Powerful Jesus

Jesus performed many different kinds of miracles. He performed healings of sickness and disease; He raised the dead; He gave sight to blind, made the lame walk, etc. This miracle in is a “miracle of nature.”

Jesus calms the sea and the storm by His words, “Hush, be still” -

There are echoes of the Creation account here. Just as God created the world out of formlessness and void — Hebrew terms for “chaotic waters” — so Jesus is demonstrating His power over the created world - cf

Jesus spoke and the material universe listened - cf

This passage shows that Jesus possess power over nature.

Power over nature is something that God alone can do - ;

God has power over nature; Jesus has power over nature. Therefore, Jesus is divine and is God’s agent and Chosen One.

Jesus is the Christ the Son of God - cf

Conclusion

So Jesus performed a mighty and wonderful miracle and we need to understand all of that, but what’s the point?

Ironically, the disciples, even in their fear and disbelief, answer the question -

The lesson is: be obedient to the Master. If the creation, seas, and winds obey Jesus, then we must all obey Jesus.

Obedience is the only appropriate response to Jesus, the Son of God!

Obedience is motivated by love - ;

Living pure, moral lives (not committing fornication and adultery; obedience to God’s laws regarding marriage and only one reason for divorce)

Being kind to one another, loving our enemies and praying for them; not gossiping or backbiting

Putting away covetousness and greed; giving to those who are in need

And ultimately, to be saved and His disciple, we must be baptized - ;

Obedience is the only appropriate response to Jesus. It is motivated by faith and love for God.

If the seas and the winds obey Him, why do you disobey Him?

Look to Jesus, recognize His power, and give your life in obedience to Him today!