Jesus: The Master of the Storm

Will Livingston

New Testament Sermon: Mark 4:35-41

Monday, March 21, 2022

A. Foundational Elements

1. “Jesus: The Master of the Storm”

2. Mark 4:35-41

3. Power and Authority Revealed

4. ETS: Jesus asserted His power and authority over the storm.

5. ESS: Jesus is in control of the storms we encounter in life.

6. OSS: [Devotional] I want the hearers to renew their trust in Jesus.

7. PQ: What compelling observations can be made in this passage?

8. UW: Observations

B. Formal Elements

Introduction:

1. [AGS] A little boy was eagerly looking forward to the birthday party of a friend who lived only a few blocks away. When the day finally arrived, a blizzard made the sidewalks and roads nearly impassable. The lad’s father, sensing the danger, hesitated to let his son go. The youngster reacted tearfully. “But Dad,” he pleaded, “all the other kids will be there. Their parents are letting them go.” The father thought for a moment, then replied, “All right, you may go.” Overjoyed, the boy bundled up and plunged into the raging storm. The driving snow made visibility almost impossible, and it took him more than half an hour to trudge the short distance to the party. As he rang the doorbell, he turned briefly to look out into the storm. His eye caught the shadow of a retreating figure. It was his father. He had followed his son’s every step to make sure he arrived safely. (Paul Fritz, Sermon Central).

2. [TS] Though the father in the story was unable to control the storm, he was still present to watch after his son in the storm. The Gospel of Mark records the occasion of a great storm arising in the Sea of Galilee as Jesus, his disciples, and other followers made the journey from Capernaum located on the northwest side of the sea to the southeast side of the sea to Gerasenes (Γερασηνός). The account records that Jesus was not only present in the storm, but He was the Master of the storm. He asserted His power and authority over the storm.

3. [RS] Though today we may not be facing physical storms such as those in the Gospel account, we are likely encountering some other type of storm in our life (i.e., emotional, mental, spiritual, etc.). One person said, “If you are not currently enduring a trial (storm), you have likely just come out of one or you are about to enter into one.” (Unknown) The reality is that Jesus is in control of the storms we encounter in life regardless of the nature of the storm. My aim for you today is that you would renew your trust in Jesus as you face the storm. He not only wants to be the Master or Lord of the good times in your life, but He also wants to be the Master or Lord of the bad times in your life. Afterall, He is the Master of the storms.

4. [Transition] As we study this text together, I want us to make a few compelling observations that will ultimately lead to God-honoring application in our lives.

Body:

I. The first observation is the time of the events. (v. 35a)

1. Verse 35 records the time of the events. “On that day, when evening had come…” This is important to observe because of the surrounding context.

2. The surrounding context suggests that Jesus had been teaching most of the day. Beginning in Mk. 4:1, Jesus began teaching a large crowd. The remainder of chapter 4 records the different parables and lessons he taught between the beginning of his teaching in v. 1 and the time of events that begins in v. 35.

3. This is an important observation because the surrounding context, taken with the recorded time of events in v. 35, suggests that Jesus might have been physically exhausted from a full day of teaching. (McKenna, 108)

4. Application: Jesus was fully human and fully God. In His humanity, He experienced the same feelings that we experience. Ministry can be tiring. We must not think that we are beyond exhaustion or burnout. Perhaps even Jesus experienced weariness from the full day of teaching.

II. The second observation is the location of the events. (v. 35b)

1. The second half of verse 35 records Jesus telling the disciples to cross over to the other side of the sea.

2. The specific location of the events likely began on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, perhaps near Capernaum, and headed towards the eastern shore, perhaps near Gerasenes. (MacArthur, 227)

3. This is important to observe based upon the previous observation that perhaps Jesus was physically tired. Capernaum was a more populated, established area whereas the eastern shore near Gerasenes was less populated supporting the suggestion that Jesus may have been drawing away to an area less populated in order to rest. (Grassmick, Bible Knowledge Commentary, 2; 1985)

4. Application: Jesus drew away from the large crowds on multiple occasions to find rest. When ministry wears us out, it is important that we draw away from the crowd, perhaps only allowing those closest to us (i.e., the disciples were those closest to Jesus; for us, perhaps our family) to accompany us for the journey to rest.

III. The third observation is the audience accompanying Jesus. (v. 36)

1. Verse 36 states that Jesus was accompanied by others.

2. Perhaps Jesus was accompanied by the disciples only since the verse states that “they left the crowd.” However, the verse later states, “and other boats were with him.” (36b)

3. Though there is not enough evidence to make a definite decision, the wording in the verse suggests that the audience was not limited to only the disciples but also to a few followers who wanted to accompany Jesus as well. (Grassmick, 1985, p. 122)

4. Interestingly, Mark is the only Gospel writer who recorded that other boats accompanied Jesus. (R. Alan Cole, TNTC, 2; 1989, p. 156)

5. MacArthur suggested that the boats were likely small with limited passenger capacity requiring that multiple boats were needed to accommodate the audience accompanying Jesus. (MacArthur, 228)

6. Application: Jesus drew away from the large crowds on multiple occasions to find rest. When ministry wears us out, it is important that we draw away from the crowd, perhaps only allowing those closest to us (i.e., the disciples were those closest to Jesus; for us, perhaps our family) to accompany us for the journey to rest.

IV. The fourth observation is the nature of the storm. (v. 37)

1. Verse 37 describes the nature of the storm using descriptive terms and vivid wording.

2. Mark described the storm as being “great” (μεγάλη) in size. Additionally, he recorded that the waves were “breaking over” (ἐπέβαλλεν) the boat so much so that it was quickly filling with water (γεμίζεσθαι).

3. This type of violent storm was not uncommon to the Sea of Galilee. Often times, without warning, this particular body of water would present a strong storm like this due to its location and geographical features. The sea is approximately 690ft. below sea level (MacArthur, 228) and surrounded by large mountains with the exception of its southernmost area creating odd drifts of wind that causes frequent, strong storms (Bock and Turner, CBC, 11; 2005, p. 439)

4. Application: As typical with the Sea of Galilee due to its location and the channels feeding into it, strong storms often arose without any warning. Sometimes, the structure of our lives, the lack of time management and discipline, and far-too-often busyness of schedules can cause rather strong storms to arise in our lives without much notice. If we are not intentional, we will be taken by surprise.

V. The fifth observation is the contrast of attitudes towards the storm. (vv. 38-40)

1. Verses 38-40 record the contrast in attitudes of the audience versus Jesus towards the storm.

2. Jesus was in the stern sleeping, seemingly unbothered by the storm. Eckhard J. Schnabel commented, “Mark does not say whether Jesus’ sleep was due to physical exhaustion after teaching for several hours, or whether it was caused by ‘the untroubled serenity of divine omnipotence” (Schnabel, TNTC, 2; 2017; 114)

3. Though the reason for Jesus’ sound sleeping is not clearly evidenced in the text, the attitude of the audience towards the storm is rather clearly alluded: they feared the storm would kill them. They woke Jesus and addressed him as “Teacher.” However, other Gospel accounts record them addressing Jesus as “Lord” (Mt. 8:25) and “Master” (Lk. 8:24). MacArthur suggested that there is not a need to distinguish between the variation of these accounts as if there were significance for the different recorded titles in this occasion. He explained that it was likely due to the chaotic nature of the storm that some might have called to him as Teacher while others addressed Him as Lord or Master. Not only did they address Him as “teacher,” but they questioned His care for them in the moment that the storm threatened their lives. MacArthur wrote, “…the disciples had no legitimate reason to question Jesus’ care for them or their situation. They had witnessed the divine power of Jesus and had followed Him long enough to know of His genuine love for them (cf. John 13:1). But, in their terror, their faith and steadfastness were replaced by fear and doubt.” (MacArthur, 231).

4. Jesus responded to the cries of the audience: He got up, He rebuked the wind; He stilled the sea. An important aspect to notice is the description of the sea, again. Though the storm began as a great (μεγάλη) storm; when Jesus spoke for the sea to be stilled, there was a great (μεγάλη) calm.

5. Jesus then addressed the audience. MacArthur explained that after Jesus silenced the physical storm, he turned his attention to the Spiritual storm. “The answer to Jesus’ first question is implied by the second: the reason they were afraid (from Greek word deilos, menaing cowardly or timid) was because they still had no faith. They knew he possessed divine power, having seem Him perform miraculous healing for many others Yet, when their own lives were at stake, the inadequacy of their faith was exposed.” (MacArthur 233)

6. Application: Because the disciples still lacked faith, they were overcome by fear when the storm arose. They failed to trust Jesus, the Master of the Storm, who was with them. We need to believe in Jesus beyond lip service so that when storms arise in our lives, we will trust Him rather than fearing for our lives, ministries, reputations, etc.

VI. The sixth observation is the response of the audience to the power of Jesus. (v. 41)

1. Verse 41 records the response of the audience to the power of Jesus displayed through His calming the storm.

2. The wording used in this verse literally translates as “they feared a great fear” (ἐφοβήθησαν φόβον μέγαν). “Manifestation of divine power makes human beings afraid (cf. 5:15; 6:50; 9:6; 16:5–6).” (Schnabel, 115)

3. They responded among themselves asking, “Who is this? Even the wind and the sea obey Him!” This was a similar but more personal response as when Jesus cast out his first demon (1:27) of which they asked, “What is this?” It moved from an acknowledgment of the act to an acknowledgement of the person of the act. Jesus is the Master of the Sea.

4. Application: The only appropriate response to the power of Jesus being manifest in our lives is fear- in the sense of reverential awe leading to a renewed trust in Him.

Conclusion:

1. Each of us encounter storms in life whether pertaining to us individually, to our families, or to our ministries. When we encounter these storms, that perhaps arise without warning and with great strength, we need to be reminded that Jesus is the Master of the Storm. He is worthy of our trust.

2. Will you renew your trust in the Lord today? Will you invite Him into the storm with you and trust that He is in control? He possesses the power to still even the strongest of storms in your life.

3. You can renew your trust today by committing to pray more. You can renew your trust today by committing to study the Word more (not sermonically or analytically). You can renew your trust today by inviting God into your storm, trusting that He is the Master of the Storm, and He knows exactly how to still the raging seas in your life. Will you trust Him?

Teaching Discussion Questions:

These can be used as a separate approach, perhaps as prompts to help teach through the passage rather than preach it.

Why do you think the audience was afraid of the storm? (After all, Jesus was with them in the boat) [vv. 37-40]

What channels flowing into our lives or aspects in our lives do you feel might cause sudden, severe storms to arise?

How can we ensure that we genuinely have faith in the Master of the Storm?