Jesus Calms The Storms of Life

THE SETTING

After recording some of Jesus’ “kingdom parables,” Mark tells a series of incidents where people are desperate for help (4:35-5:43).

In these miracle accounts, Jesus deals with those in desperate need due to the powers of nature (4:35–41), extreme demon-possession (5:1–20), serious illness (5:21–34), and death (5:35–43).

Each account reveals something about Jesus, and Mark wants his readers to decide whether or not they should fear in times of desperation or trust in Jesus (4:40-41; 5:15-18, 32-34, 36).

THE STORM

Our lesson today opens with Jesus telling the disciples to set sail to the other side of the sea following the end of a very long day (3:13-4:35).

As Jesus was asleep in the boat, a “great windstorm” arose and the disciples awoke, and rebuked Him for not caring they were about to perish (4:37-38). [Due to being nearly 700 feet below sea level in a basin surrounded by mountains, storms often arose suddenly on the lake called the Sea of Galilee. Cold upper air from Mt. Hermon (30 miles northeast of the sea and 9,200 above sea level) mixed with the warm air rising from the Sea of Galilee had the ability to cause hurricane force winds and 20 foot waves.]

Jesus rebuked the wind and asked the disciples why they were afraid and without faith (4:39-40). They responded with amazement (4:41).

THE SUMMARY

One day we may very well find ourselves in a situation we never saw coming, and there’s nothing we can do to stop it (4:35-5:43). [Of all the situations found in this section, none seem to be brought on by the victims. In our lesson, the disciples found themselves in dire straights for following Jesus’ word.]

Instead of complaining or criticizing God for not coming to our aid, we need to call on Him for help and then trust Him to answer (Ps. 107:1-32).

Instead of worrying and assuming Jesus doesn’t care, we must resist fear, confess our need for God, and trust Him to carry us through (Ps. 46). Only then will we find peace (Phil. 4:6-7; 1 Pet. 5:5-7).