Five Days Through the Holy LandSample

Stilling Life's Storms - The See of Galilee

My most vivid memory from the Sea of Galilee was with a group of pastors on a January morning.

We were in a boat on the Sea when a sudden blast of wind swept across the water. With every passing second, the wind grew stronger and the waves higher. Finally, the captain revved his engine and turned toward shore.

I experienced how suddenly and violently a storm could break out on the Sea of Galilee. The boat pitched and tossed as waves crashed over the bow. And where were the pastors? They were up front, drenched by the wind and the waves, and shouting into the teeth of the storm, “Peace! Be still!”

That scene floods my mind every time I read Mark 4. A hectic day of ministry ended with Jesus telling His disciples to “cross to the other side of the lake.” We often misunderstand what happened next. The Bible says, “a fierce storm arose,” and we picture a thunderstorm with driving rain and flashes of lightning. But a more literal translation is that “a great whirlwind of wind” arose. What frightened the disciples wasn’t the rain or lightning but the wind-whipped waves crashing into the boat “until it was nearly full of water.”

Where was Jesus when the storm broke? He was “sleeping at the back…with his head on a cushion.” After an exhausting day of ministry, Jesus had fallen into a deep, sound sleep. The disciples frantically woke Him up and shouted, “Teacher, don’t you even care that we are going to drown?”

Jesus’ response demonstrated His divine power. “He rebuked the wind and said to the water, ‘Quiet down!’ Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” The disciples, who had been afraid of the storm, now became terrified as they stared at Jesus. “Who is this man that even the wind and waves obey him?” We of course know the answer. Jesus is the Son of God who made the heavens and the earth. And as Creator, He controls the wind and the waves.

What can we learn from this time with Jesus on the Sea of Galilee? First, seeing Jesus become so exhausted that He could sleep through a storm reminds us of His humanity. Jesus understands the pressures and problems we face as humans. Hebrews 2:17 says He shared in our humanity so He could become our “merciful and faithful High Priest.” Second, seeing Jesus’ response to the gale reminds us that He has the power to change life’s circumstances and calm life’s storms.

What problems are crashing down on you today? Gain comfort from the fact that Jesus understands and that He will stand beside you and calm whatever storm you might face. Call out to Him for help, and watch what He will do!