Mark 4:35-41

Jesus Tames The Roaring Waves (4:35-41).

One supreme importance of incidents like this one was that in them the disciples themselves directly benefited from Jesus unique power. It was one thing to see others delivered, it was quite another when it happened to them. They had become somewhat anaesthetised against the miracles that happened to others, but in this instance their awareness what at its height. It made their eventual recognition of His Messiahship more personal. He was their deliverer too.

The account of this incident gives vivid indications of the recollections of an eyewitness - they take Him ‘even as He was'; ‘other boats were with Him'; ‘insomuch that the boat was now filling'; ‘asleep on the cushion'; and ‘do you not care?' (the last words not likely to be invented by later Christians). And while Mark's aim is to bring out Jesus' power over the sea he is faithful to his source. He does not over-exaggerate. Yet he does want his readers to recognise that Jesus is the One Who ‘rules the power of the sea. When its waves rise you still them' (Psalms 89:9), words previously spoken of God Himself. In other words that He has divine power and authority, even over nature itself.

Analysis.

a And on that day, when evening was come, He says to them, “Let us go over to the other side” (Mark 4:35).

b And leaving the crowd they take Him with them, even as He was, in the boat. And other boats were with Him, and there arises a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the boat, insomuch that the boat was now filling (Mark 4:36).

c And He Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they awake Him, and say to Him, “Master, do you not care that we perish?” (Mark 4:38).

d 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 (Mark 4:39).

c And He said to them, “Why are you fearful? Do you not yet have faith?”

b And they were greatly afraid, and said one to another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” (Mark 4:40).

a And they came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gerasenes (Mark 4:41).

Note that in ‘a' they set off for the other side, and in the parallel they arrive at the other side. In ‘b' they are subjected to the fury of the wind and the sea, and in the parallel they wonder at the fact that the wind and the sea obey Him. In ‘c' the disciples are fearful, while Jesus, full of faith, slepps in the stern and in the parallel He asks them why they are fearful and do not have faith. Centrally in ‘d' He reveals His authority an power over nature in its fury.