Mark: Living the Way of Jesus in the WorldSample

First Thought

Stilling the storm is the first in a series of miracles that Mark reports in quick succession. As the Old Testament testified, controlling creation is the province of God alone, decisively distinguishing God from human beings. Parallels are often drawn between this passage and the account of Jonah who, like Jesus, was awakened by a panic-stricken crew. Whereas Jonah was woken so that he could pray for divine intervention, Jesus responds by directly rebuking the wind and requiring the waves to be still. He is the divine intervention! No wonder the disciples asked one another, ‘Who is this?’ It was fear that provoked those experienced fishermen to cry out to Jesus as they faced the very real danger of their shallow boat being swamped in the sudden, violent storm. Isn’t that our accusatory question to Jesus sometimes, too, in the moments when we’re deeply afraid? Don’t you care? Yet, perfect love drives out fear. Jesus invited those disciples to trust that He not only had power and authority but that He loved them, too. 

What Does the Bible Say?

What does this passage reveal about Jesus’ humanity? 

Living it Out

How is your faith in Jesus stretched right now? 

Responding in Prayer

Powerful God, I’m learning to put my trust in you. Help me in this storm right now (…). I believe that you know me and love me. Help my unbelief. Amen.