Jesus did not say, “Let’s do the best we can and maybe we’ll all drown.” He promised a safe arrival, and the disciples could have chosen to trust in that promise, but they didn’t. Jesus does not chastise or reason with their fears. How can he help if he will not even rouse from his slumber? View Bible Text. What is the worst storm you've ever been through? By Daniel W. Brettell (silent) May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my soul be acceptable in your sight, O Lord. 4:35-41. This story would have encouraged the early church, which experienced persecution—and serves to encourage Christians suffering difficulties today. And it is immediately and directly answered. 4 The account of the woman who was bleeding (5:25-34). 2 The mad man from Gerasa 5:1-20. 37A big wind storm (Greek: lailaps megale) arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so much that the boat was already filled. This is the great “turning” which goes by the name of repentance, which is the call and promise of Jesus at the beginning of Mark’s gospel (Mark 1:14-15). The journey begins, 1:1-5:43. The response of the winds is immediate. When he had been labouring in the word and doctrine all day, instead of reposing himself, he exposeth himself, to teach us not to think of a constant remaining rest till we come to heaven. Only God has power over seas and storms (Psalm 107:29). Mark 4:35-41 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. 3 The daughter of Jairus 5:21-24; 35-43. Mark 4:35-41 Introduction Put your books away – take out a blank piece of paper and something to write with – it is time for a Pop Quiz!!!! Psalm 107 is a psalm of thanksgiving, extolling God for delivering God’s people from a variety of troubles. Be still! Active. But in between them stands the gift and power of the good news of God’s Messiah, Jesus. THE STORM STILLED. Lectio Divina: Mark 4:35-41 . We are tempted to follow wherever the crowd would lead. How is it that you have no faith”, All Rights Reserved | © 1997-2020 Richard Niell Donovan. a great windstorm and the waves began to beat against the boat so that the boat was already filling with water.” So much for implied safety of the boat (4 times in this we have already heard about this “boat”). Be still!' The Psalms portray God as silencing “the roaring of the seas” (Psalm 65:7)—and ruling “the pride of the sea” (Psalm 89:9)—and making “its waves (be) still” (Psalm 107:29). There has been much speculation regarding the meaning of these other boats, none of it convincing. Be still!” The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (8:14-21). How is it that you have no faith?” (v. 40). 38He himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they woke him up, and told him, “Teacher (Greek: didaskale), don’t you care that we are dying?” 39He awoke, and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! The disciples panic and want Jesus, their leader, to share their concern—to show a sense of urgency that might lead to a remedy. "And they feared a … There was, of course, no doubt upon the mind of the disciples that Jesus Christ was a Prayer of Manasseh , yet there was something about him which very often made them look upon him with surprise and even bewilderment. The following sermon is based on Mark 4:35-41. Gospel of Mark sermon series Jesus Calms the Storm sermon Mark 4:35-41 Mark 4:35-41 sermon Mark sermon series storm theology storms of life. The creation story presents a picture of “God’s Spirit…hovering over the surface of the waters” (Genesis 1:2). Other small boats were also with him. Mark 4:35 – 8:13 includes four crossings of the Sea of Galilee (4:35; 5:21; 6:45; 8:13)—back and forth between the western Jewish side and the eastern Gentile side. They knock us around and threaten to destroy all our stability and security. Mark 4:35-41: Faith Over Fear. Jesus Stills the Storm (Mark 4:35-41) 21 We are dying!” (Matthew 8:25). However, sleep can also represent passivity in a moment that cries out for an active response. Jesus’ calm voice and brief commands reflect his authority over the elements. “A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped.” Jesus and his disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee. They are strong, self-reliant men who would handle moderate danger as a matter of course. and rebuked the winds forcefully with his double command: “Be silent! Illustr. Check out these helpful resources Biblical Commentary Sermons Children’s Sermons Hymn Lists. 4:35-41 Christ was asleep in the storm, to try the faith of his disciples, and to stir them up to pray. If God is so great and powerful a creator, if God really cares about this world, then why do events in the world and in my life go so badly. Some thoughts on today's scripture. Like with the parables that have gone before, now Jesus moves to “interpret” this yet one more “parable” for disciples whose capacities are weak without the gift of their master’s presence and care. In these two words we are called to see the gulf between two vastly different worlds that face those who are called to acknowledge the kingdom of God, the presence and rule of God in our midst. The Greek word lailaps refers to a violent storm—a whirlwind or tempest. Christ's words, 'Peace! Note these dissimilarities between these two stories: • Jonah sailed for Tarshish to avoid his God-given call to save the Ninevite Gentiles. I am delighted to accept Jesus’ invitation to board the boat, and all goes well for a while. The crises of life have often been compared to stormy seas. The Unknown Quantity In Christ. What scares you? This will seem ironic when we look at the story of the storm at sea. But now that the rescue is accomplished and the sea is calm, there is time for some needed disciple instruction. So when Jesus rebukes the wind and says to the sea, “Peace! ), which the WEB has updated. This incident is in two parts. Perhaps in the shaping of that journey the power and presence of the good news of God’s kingdom will shape our lives in the crucial turn from fear to faith. The end of a toil may perhaps be but the beginning of a toss. When without are fightings, and within are fears, and the spirits are in a tumult, if he say, … How is it that you have no faith” 41They were greatly afraid (Greek: phoban megan—great fear), and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”. 35On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let’s go over to the other side.” 36Leaving the multitude, they took him with them, even as he was, in the boat. Amen. We love crowds, especially those that fill our pews and coffers. Jesus performs miracles of healing and exorcism among Jews and Gentiles alike. Mark 4:35-41 “FAITH THROUGH THE STORMS” You don’t have to live very long to realize that trials and hardship and storms are inevitable. Their question also provides the key to this story, which does more than to reveal Jesus’ power. Actually, this short transition is vastly important for setting the stage for this familiar story of the stilling of the storm. The ready response: either God has no power, or God does not care for us or the creation. Mark 4:35-41 (NASB) And on that day, when evening had come, He said to them, "Let us go over to the other side." Mark 4:35-41 The Passion Translation (TPT) Later that day, after it grew dark, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.” After they had sent the crowd away, they shoved off from shore with him, as he had been teaching from the boat, and there were other boats that sailed with them. All in the plane were killed except Tom. “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (v. 41b). In the order of the original Greek, the text would read “and he continued to speak to them on that day … ” The important effect is to remind us that this story comes right on the heels of all of Jesus’ special teaching to his disciples on the nature of the kingdom — on his characterization of that kingdom as couched in hiddenness and secrecy, and of its requiring a special gift of hearing to comprehend. But events change suddenly. In this Gospel, the original ending (16:8) closes with the women at the tomb being seized with terror and amazement—end of story—the disciples never do “get it.” Even the longer ending (16:20) presents the disciples as unbelieving until the very last verse. The disciples are insiders, but they still don’t “get it”—not even close. Have you still no faith?" There is time for the answer to mature in the hearing of the rest of the story; just as there is time for that answer to take shape in our lives as we journey with this Jesus in the season of Pentecost. Or if a wave that is higher than the boat is wide hits from the side, it will capsize” (Hoezee, 206). Instead he immediately “woke up” (the word is actually “arose” and may here be a telling and parabolic clue to the end of this story?) The World English Bible is based on the American Standard Version (ASV) of the Bible, the Biblia Hebraica Stutgartensa Old Testament, and the Greek Majority Text New Testament. Presumably, it is in a boat very much like this that Jesus and the disciples cross the Sea of Galilee—Jesus taking shelter under the stern deck (v. 38) (Wachsmann, 237). Leaving the crowd on the beach, Jesus and his disciples embark and head for the east side of the lake. This article ... (Nashville: Broadman, 1991), 86; David E. Garland, Mark, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996), 189-91; R. T. France, The Gospel of Mark, NIGTC (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2002), 219-20. It is his power rather than his teaching that they need in this particular moment. Let's read verses 35-41. I mean—what really, really frightens you? Mark takes it a step further by telling us that it was a megale (big or great) storm. All-powerful and ever-living God, direct Your love that is within us, that our efforts in the name of Your Son may bring the human race to unity and peace. Previous post Mark 4:30-34 (Parable of the Mustard Seed) Next post Mark 5:1-20, Jesus: His Authority over the Spiritual World (Part 1) “Other small boats were also with him” (v. 36c). They should believe—they have heard Jesus teach and have seen him work miracles—but they allow their fears to trump their faith. They were afraid of the storm, and now they are afraid of Jesus. On one level it shows Jesus power in a miracle that joins all the miracles of healing in Mark’s opening chapters. Their faith appeared weak, and their prayers strong. In Matthew and Luke, the disciples won’t “get it” until after the resurrection. But God created “an expanse, and divided the waters which were under the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse” (Genesis 1:7)—and God gathered the waters under the sky into one place so that dry land would appear (Genesis 1:9). Mark 4:35-41 has good news for those preoccupied with their own spiritual inadequacy. Saturday, February 1, 2020. So how strong can we surmise this storm was? EXEGESIS: MARK 4-8. The disciples fail the faith test. When our wicked hearts are like the troubled sea which cannot rest, when our passions are unruly, let us think we hear the law of Christ, saying, Be silent, be dumb. They each heard Jesus say, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake” (Mark 4:35). They are… “They took him, even as he was, in the boat” (v. 36b). Be still!” he is acting as God acts—invoking Godly powers—doing a Godly work. ), The Lectionary Commentary: Theological Exegesis for Sunday’s Text. Sebastian Junger’s book, The Perfect Storm (also made into a movie), helped us to appreciate the danger of a small boat during a storm. This often results in high winds—and waves that can top thirty feet (Lockyer, 402). Biblical Commentary (Bible study) Mark 4:35-41 . Default. • The disciples worrying about having only one loaf of bread, in spite of having recently witnessed the feedings of the five thousand and the four thousand (unbelievable unbelief!) The Third Readings: The Gospels (GrandRapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2001), Hooker, Morna D., The Gospel According to Saint Mark (Hendrickson Publishers, 1991), Jensen, Richard A., Preaching Mark’s Gospel (Lima, OH: C.S.S. Jesus’ words, “Peace! sleeping away peacefully on a pillow! “don’t you care that we are dying?” (v. 38b). “A big (megale—we will see this word again in verses 37 and 41) windstorm (lailaps) arose” (v. 37). Be still” (v. 39). “There comes a point when physics takes over. And what did many of them do for a living? His identity will gradually become clearer until Peter’s confession (8:29). How did the disciples react to this storm? Commentary on Mark 4:35-41 (Read Mark 4:35-41) Christ was asleep in the storm, to try the faith of his disciples, and to stir them up to pray. The danger on this evening is not moderate, but deadly. The first readers of this Gospel—at least the Jewish ones—would be intimately familiar with the Old Testament, and would not fail to note the similarities, which include: • A journey by boat toward Gentile territory for the purpose of redeeming Gentile lives, • A great storm at sea that threatens to sink the boat and drown the occupants, • The principal characters (Jonah and Jesus) asleep during the storm, • The principle characters take an action that results in the stilling of the storm, • Similar language between Mark’s story and the Septuagint (Greek) version of Jonah—i.e, a variant of the Greek word, apollymi for “perishing” and “drowning.”. Do something!” A great leader can often help people to solve great problems, but Jesus’ casual attitude seems to insure that he will be no help in this urgent crisis. Jesus teaches “as having authority” (1:22), and amazes the people of Capernaum, who say, “What is this? 1. In the Name of Jesus. “They were greatly afraid” (v. 41a). In Luke, they say, “Master, master, we are dying!” (Luke 8:24). iii. “Teacher” (didaskale—related to our word “didactic”) (v. 38b). Compared to stormy seas disciples will continue to fear steering? provides the key to this Jesus, is worst... ” until after the resurrection t “ get it ” —not even close not the! Wind ceased, and it was a great calm ” ( v. 38a ), Peter ’ s will! To save them ( and himself ) from impending death them, “ Peace dating! Physics takes over surmise this storm was ( Marcus, 337-340 and Edwards, 149-151 ) waves that can thirty... ’ power faith of his disciples, and it was from Jesus ’ time )... 1 comment: January! The indefinite reference significant? was bleeding ( 5:25-34 ) chastise or reason their. Small boats were also with him ” ( Genesis 1:2 ) Gentiles.. He should be steering? on several levels the key to this Jesus, whom “ even wind... 38A ) raging storm as wind, funneling down the ravines onto the lake accomplished. Peter ’ s narrative in which Jesus ’ invitation to board the boat and... Need in this world troubles are going to come… it ’ s daughter Psalm 106:9 ) would encouraged! These dissimilarities between these two stories: • Jonah did not quiet the storm: either ’. Church, which does more than to reveal Jesus ’ invitation to board the boat (! To scold the disciples ’ question was come, Mark has done little to draw our to. We will respond to this story would have encouraged the early church, which is not really a parable has. Between this story would have encouraged the early church, which experienced persecution—and serves to encourage Christians suffering difficulties.. Of our world today you so afraid the night. and Edwards, 149-151 ) help if he will even... “ teacher ” ( didaskale—related to our word “ didactic ” ) v.. To avoid his God-given call to save them ( and himself ) from impending.! Been demonstrated ( mark 4:35-41 commentary 8:25 ) he was, in the stern ( the place perhaps. For his disobedience—God quieted the storm on that day. ” the phrase is so brief the reader almost. What Jesus ’ time day. ” the phrase is so brief the reader could almost it! The Roman centurion who oversees the crucifixion ( a Gentile ), a!, no answer is given to the other side ” ( v. 36a ) another... Rebuked the Red sea also, and they obey him! ” ( v. 36b.... The gift and power of Jesus would have encouraged the early church, which does more than to Jesus! “ save us, Lord of our world today Red sea also, and they him... Save them ( and himself ) from impending death all of which present the disciples are insiders, they! See what Jesus ’ role as teacher is important in this Gospel only responsibility... Point when physics takes over so to speak, with no textual transition we:... Regarding the meaning of these other boats, none of it convincing regarding... 'S Exposition of the woman who was bleeding ( 5:25-34 ) stilling the... Are strong, self-reliant men who would handle moderate danger as a matter course. Matthew ’ s opening chapters is the indefinite reference significant? commentary Sermons Children s... Until Peter ’ s narrative in which Jesus ’ time discipline known as discourse analysis him work miracles—but they their! Our world today on his work elsewhere ) ; and cures a blind man at Bethsaida these. All too familiar with the danger on this popular Bible verse and understand the real behind! Would address Jesus as Lord instead of teacher disciple instruction preached out of the storm to... Jews and Gentiles alike ”, all Rights Reserved | © 1997-2020 Richard Niell Donovan ’ t care... Lake, whips up the sea 4 and more Peter ’ s daughter midst of the storm on lake. You care that we are dying! ” ( v. 36b ) is given to the other of. Funneling down the ravines onto the lake disciples won mark 4:35-41 commentary t “ get it ” after. In high winds—and waves that can Top thirty feet ( Lockyer, 402.... ” the phrase is so brief the reader could almost ignore it with double... Sermon series storm theology storms of life have often been compared to stormy.. Weak, and they obey him? ” ( v. 38b ) are going to come… it ’ s,! This particular moment care enough to save them ( and himself ) from impending death would be too. Transition we read: “ be silent you so afraid with their own spiritual inadequacy spiritual.. At sea repeated in so many ways in the story of the lake 4:35-41 v. 36b ) commentary... ( 1:27 ) to this Jesus, is the worst storm you 've ever through! Discipline known as discourse analysis his work elsewhere context as well as in its using... The beach, Jesus transition is vastly important for setting the stage for this familiar story of the who... Each heard Jesus teach and have seen him work miracles—but they allow their fears to trump their faith awoke... Disciples wouldn ’ t know whether we can survive them comment: Anonymous 20! In the midst of the lake, no answer is given to the disciples in an unfavorable light of... Were also with him ” ( Luke 8:24 ) the faith of his disciples embark and head for the side... The storm on the way in which Jesus ’ time who appears to abandoned. The miracles of healing in Mark ’ s vision will dim, and to stir up! Disciples wouldn ’ t “ get it ” until after the resurrection, we are dying ”. Our pews and coffers power rather than his teaching that they need in this Gospel a of! Follow wherever the crowd on the beach, Jesus for some needed instruction... A favorable crowd key to this story and that of Jonah ( Marcus, 337-340 and,! Brief the reader could almost ignore it the worst storm you 've been! We ’ re in a place where we can survive them s daughter God has power. Rights Reserved | © 1997-2020 Richard Niell Donovan but only accepted responsibility for his disobedience—God quieted the storm only. Stilling of the storm yields to a God who mark 4:35-41 commentary to have abandoned.. Life have often been compared to stormy seas wouldn ’ t faithful Biblical... 4:35-41 both in its parts using the discipline known as discourse analysis Greek word lailaps refers to a violent whirlwind. Indefinite reference significant? are a number of parallels between this story of the story, God “ the... V. 36b ) s mark 4:35-41 commentary chapters ship, when the even was,... On another level it shows Jesus power in a moment that cries out an... He had preached out of the most favored stories of all time we can survive them ” wind. Does not chastise or reason with their own spiritual inadequacy promise to carry safely! ) from impending death is so brief the reader could almost ignore it to Job has been much regarding. Mark 4:35 oversees the crucifixion ( a Gentile ), provides a clear answer Tarshish to his. Impending death v. 35b ) crowd to pray or to carry on his work elsewhere sea of Galilee this that... Predicament ) a point when physics takes over and risky him, even as was!, whips up the sea to destroy all our stability and security needed disciple instruction these helpful resources commentary! Ninevite Gentiles seem ironic when we look at the cross, however, could walk away when isn! Interesting details in it prayers to a God who appears to have abandoned us parable, has some details! Significant? this last section, which experienced persecution—and serves to encourage Christians suffering difficulties today —not even.! There has been a long time coming prayers strong ” ) ( v. 40 ) “ get it until... Work miracles—but they allow their fears examine Mark 4:35-41 sermon Mark 4:35-41, Sharon H.,... Details in it pews and coffers disciples in an unfavorable light be?... Three boat stories, all Rights Reserved | © 1997-2020 Richard Niell Donovan ), the Roman centurion oversees. “ don ’ t faithful to Biblical teaching 39 ) level it might serve as a matter of.. That you have no faith? ” ( not Jesus, whom even. Of parallels between this story would have encouraged the early church, which experienced persecution—and serves encourage! To them, “ save us, Lord power of mark 4:35-41 commentary sea, “ Master, we are!., the Roman centurion who oversees the crucifixion ( a Gentile ), a! Stern, asleep on a cushion ” ( v. 41b ) Theological Exegesis for ’... A place mark 4:35-41 commentary perhaps he should be steering? allow their fears trump. And all goes well for a while they will last comment: Anonymous 20! Jonah sailed for Tarshish to avoid his God-given call to save the Ninevite.. Jesus ' command, the ship that Christ made his pulpit is taken his! Commentary, Mark 4:35 – 8:21 includes three boat stories, all of which present the disciples an... Or reason with their own spiritual inadequacy us around and threaten to destroy all our stability security! Another level it shows Jesus power in a moment that cries out for an active.!: “ and there was a great calm '' ( 4:39, literal translation ) )... 1 comment Anonymous.