Mark 4:35-41 (3 of 3)
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:: Jesus Calms a Storm ::
Mark 4:35-41 (3 of 3)
The biblical parallel verses for Mark 4:35-41 are Matthew 8:23-27 and Luke 8:22-25. These passages all recount the same event of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. Let's explore the common themes in these parallel accounts:
:: Common Themes ::
Faith Amid Chaos
The central theme that emerges across all three accounts is the interplay between faith and fear in the face of overwhelming circumstances. This story powerfully illustrates:
The disciples' fear and lack of faith when confronted with a life-threatening storm.
Jesus' complete trust and authority over nature's forces.
The challenge to the disciples (and readers) to cultivate deeper faith in Christ's power and care.
Jesus' Divine Authority
All three accounts emphasize Jesus' supernatural command over the elements:
In Mark and Luke, Jesus rebukes the wind and waves, using language reminiscent of exorcisms.
Matthew, Mark, and Luke all highlight the disciples' amazement at Jesus' power, with variations of the question: "Who is this, that even the wind and sea obey him?"
This demonstration of authority over nature points to Jesus' divine identity, echoing Old Testament passages where God alone has power over the sea (e.g., Psalm 89:9, Psalm 107:29).
The Humanity and Divinity of Christ
The accounts present a striking juxtaposition:
Jesus is shown in his human vulnerability, sleeping peacefully amid the storm2.
Yet he then displays divine power by calming the tempest with a word.
This dual nature of Christ is a recurring theme throughout the Gospels.
Discipleship and Understanding
The story reveals the disciples' ongoing struggle to fully grasp Jesus' identity and mission:
Despite witnessing numerous miracles, they still lack faith in this crisis.
Their fearful question, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" (Mark 4:38) shows their limited understanding of Jesus' nature and purpose.
Significance
This shared narrative serves multiple purposes across the Synoptic Gospels:
- It demonstrates Jesus' messianic authority over creation.
- It challenges believers to trust in Christ even in life's storms.
- It foreshadows Jesus' ultimate victory over the chaotic forces of evil and death.
- The story invites readers to reflect on their own faith journey, asking whether they truly trust in Christ's power and presence during times of crisis and uncertainty.
“35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 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?” 39 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. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 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?”
Q1: Why does Mark 4:35 specify "that day" and "when evening had come"?
A: This timing detail is significant as it connects the boat journey to Jesus' earlier teaching by the sea. It suggests Jesus had been teaching all day and was likely exhausted, explaining why He fell asleep so quickly in the boat.
Q2: What does Mark 4:36 mean by "they took Him along in the boat, just as He was"?
A: This phrase implies that Jesus entered the boat without any special preparation. It emphasizes His humanity and fatigue, as He didn't take time to rest or eat before the journey.
Q3: Why does Mark 4:36 mention "other boats were with Him"?
A: This often-overlooked detail suggests that Jesus' miracle affected more than just His immediate disciples. It implies a larger audience for the miracle and potentially more lives saved from the storm.
Q4: What's the significance of Jesus sleeping on a cushion in the stern (Mark 4:38)?
A: The stern was where the helmsman sat, symbolizing control. Jesus sleeping there might symbolize His ultimate control over the situation, even while appearing unaware of the danger.
Q5: In Mark 4:39, why does Jesus address both the wind and the sea separately?
A: This dual command emphasizes Jesus' authority over different aspects of nature. It also echoes the Old Testament portrayal of God's power over wind and waves, subtly reinforcing Jesus' divine nature.
Q6: What's the deeper meaning behind Jesus' questions in Mark 4:40?
A: By asking about their fear and lack of faith, Jesus is not just scolding the disciples. He's inviting them to reflect on the disconnect between what they've witnessed of His power and their current level of trust in Him.
Q7: How does the disciples' question in Mark 4:41 differ from their earlier wake-up call to Jesus?
A: Their initial cry was one of panic and accusation ("Don't you care?"). Their final question shows a shift towards awe and recognition of Jesus' true nature, even if they don't fully understand it yet.
“35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 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?” 39 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. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 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?”
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord of wind and waves, Master of all creation,
We come before You in awe of Your power and grace.
Like the disciples on that stormy sea,
We often find ourselves in turbulent waters,
Tossed by the winds of circumstance,
Overwhelmed by the waves of life's challenges.
In those moments, Lord Jesus, when we feel You are sleeping,
Remind us of Your constant presence and care.
Help us to trust in Your timing and Your power,
Even when the storm rages around us.
Forgive us, Lord, for our lack of faith,
For the times we doubt Your love and control.
Speak Your peace into our hearts,
Just as You calmed the raging sea.
Grant us the courage to step out in faith,
To follow You even into unknown waters.
Increase our trust in Your divine authority,
That we may witness Your miracles in our lives.
May we, like the disciples, be filled with awe
At Your power over every storm we face.
Let our fear be transformed into reverence,
And our doubt into unwavering faith.
We thank You for Your patience with us,
As we grow in our understanding of who You are.
Help us to rest in the assurance of Your presence,
Knowing that even the wind and waves obey You.
In Your mighty and precious name, Jesus, we pray,
Amen.
Remember
“Peace! Be still!”
Never forget
“Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”
Amen
“Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
Ask Mark 4:35-41 Questions of Your Own
“35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 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?” 39 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. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 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?”
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“35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 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?” 39 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. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 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?”
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Here’s a mnemonic memory table for Mark 4:35-41 (The Calming of the Storm), broken down by key events and associated themes:
Mnemonic for memorizing key elements:
- Sail, Jesus, Storm, Sleeping, Still, Afraid, Who?
- Sail (Jesus commands)
- Jesus in the boat
- Storm arises
- Sleeping Savior
- Stillness commanded
- Afraid disciples
- Who is this (revelation of Jesus' power)?
This mnemonic is structured to help you recall the flow of events and the significance of Jesus' actions during the storm
Mark 4:35-41 (ESV):
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”
36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him.
37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.
38 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?”
39 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.
40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”
41 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?”
How to Use the Mnemonic Tool:
Start with the key event in each verse:
- Sail – Jesus instructs the disciples to cross to the other side of the sea (Mark 4:35).
- Jesus – Jesus is in the boat with the disciples (Mark 4:36).
- Storm – A fierce storm arises, threatening the boat (Mark 4:37).
- Sleeping – Jesus is asleep, unaware of the chaos (Mark 4:38).
- Still – Jesus rebukes the storm, commanding peace and stillness (Mark 4:39).
- Afraid – The disciples wonder why Jesus isn’t concerned (Mark 4:40).
- Who? – The disciples are amazed at Jesus' power over the storm (Mark 4:41).
Break down each key theme:
- Each part of the mnemonic corresponds to a theme:
- Sail – Following Jesus' command in obedience.
- Jesus – Trusting in His presence during the journey.
- Storm – Facing unexpected trials and challenges.
- Sleeping – Finding peace in Jesus even during difficult times.
- Still – Jesus' authority to calm the storm.
- Afraid – A moment of fear and doubt.
- Who? – Realizing Jesus’ true power and identity.
- Each part of the mnemonic corresponds to a theme:
Use the mnemonic as a review tool:
- Whenever you need to recall the passage, think of the key words (Sail, Jesus, Storm, Sleeping, Still, Afraid, Who?) and let them guide you through each event.
- This tool will help you remember both the sequence of events and the key themes from the story, making it easier to meditate on or discuss.
By using this mnemonic, you can commit Mark 4:35-41 to memory and gain a deeper understanding of its message and significance.
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