15 – The Voice of the Creator
Mark 4:35-41
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 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?” 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. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 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?”
Difficult Words
- Stern: The back of the boat
- Perishing: Going to die
Question 1
Have you ever seen a big storm at sea?
Question 2
What do you believe we learn about Jesus here?
The sea is extremely dangerous and powerful. Even on a beautiful day on the beach, the strength of the waves can toss you about in a terrifying way. Imagine what it would feel like to be in a small boat in the middle of a storm. It is obviously a terrible experience because a number of disciples were fishermen and yet they were frightened for their lives. The only one in the boat who didn’t feel any fear was Jesus – he was even able to sleep.
When he saw how frightened the disciples were, Jesus pitied them and did something no-one expected. He began to scold the wind and said ‘be quiet’ to the sea. And they obeyed straight away! The disciples could not believe what they had seen. Although they had seen his authority over people, unclean spirits and sicknesses, this was something different again. They were not able to understand how Jesus had authority over nature because they hadn’t yet understood that Jesus was King over everything.
But what Jesus did should not surprise us at all really. This miracle confirms that which he said about himself – that he is the Son of God. If you read Psalm 107:28-29, you will see a description there of God doing exactly the same thing, calming a storm and silencing the waves. Of course, it would be impossible for you to do the same as Jesus did. But he created the world in the first place, and therefore he has authority over his creation.
Question 3
How does this short story help us to believe in Jesus?
Question 4
Why do you think that the disciples were so afraid? What was preventing them from seeing who Jesus was?
Pray
for faith to follow Jesus no matter what storms you face, knowing that he has complete control over everything.