Miracles: Jesus Calms

Jackson GarrellCircles, Uncategorized

READ: Mark 4:35-39 
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.  Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. […] They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Even Jesus felt a little introverted at times. After delivering a series of sermons on the shore of a lake (4:1) Jesus was ready to escape the crowds. He encouraged the disciples to make their way to the other side of the water in a boat. When you think of a lake, you inevitably think of a little fishing spot or floating on calm water where you can safely see land all around you. That is not what we are looking at here. The Sea of Galilee is a massive body of water that spans over sixty-four square miles and can reach over 300 feet in depth. The topography of the hills surrounding the massive lake created a wind-tunnel that empowered strong storms to blow through swiftly and severely. These squalls were destructive and often fatal for people aboard tiny fishing boats — like the disciples in this story. 

The exhausted team piled into a tiny wooden boat and set sale to the opposing shore. Once land had disappeared from their sight and the city became nothing more than an orange glow, a severe storm swallowed them up. Winds howled, waves began crashing over the rails, and the sails began to shred. Every wave jolted them like the buck of an angry bull. They could hear cracking and creaking coming from the cedar planks keeping them afloat. They needed help, so they looked over at Jesus, but they noticed he was taking a nap next to a net. Irritated, the disciples shook Him while screaming, “Don’t you care that we are about to die?” Jesus could have ignored them. He could have waved them away and continued his nap. He could have frustratedly snapped his finger to stop the storm. He could have scolded them for their ignorance. He didn’t do any of that though. 

Calmly, He hushed the storm by saying, “Peace, be still.” Suddenly, the clouds cleared and the waves turned into ripples. I imagine that Jesus went right back to His nap, but I cannot confirm that. The dumfounded disciples said, “Who is this that even the wind and waves obey Him?”  

The book of Mark was primarily written to answer one of the word’s most important questions (8:29): “Who is Jesus?” In this section of the Scripture, we are seeing numerous examples of Jesus proving his divine power paired with His deep compassion. He heals people to prove His power over sickness. He casts out demons to prove his power over darkness. Now, He proved His power over the natural world by silencing a storm. 

This is a crucial question you must grapple with: Who is Jesus? He’s not just a person who changed human history, He also has the power to change your life. Mark presents Jesus as the Messiah — the Son of the Living God. He is so much more than a significant preacher, He’s a personal savior. Honestly evaluate your view of Jesus. If Jesus is who He said He is, then He is worthy of your complete devotion. 

Mark teaches that He has the power to calm spine-chilling storms — even ones happening within your own life. We all experience metaphorical storms — loneliness, loss, and letdowns. This story shows that Jesus is right there through your storm, listening and ready to act. Within your storm, move closer to Jesus and He will keep you safe. As waves crash over the rails and you feel like you’re about to sink, be sure that Jesus is in the boat with you. Draw near to Him. 

A famous saying goes, “A calm sea never made a skilled sailor.” Sometimes Jesus allows the storms to rage because He wants to strengthen you. He knows that hunkering down with Him will grow your faith and make you a more skilled sailor. You will always face trouble and trials. One storm passes then another one looms on the horizon. It is best to learn how to sail through your storms with Jesus aboard your ship because you will become stronger after surviving the storm. 

What storm are you facing now? There are certainly circumstances that feel like crashing waves and crushing winds. Your feelings may feel like a flood trying to drown you. That’s okay, it’s an inescapable part of life. Whether your storm is big or small, Jesus will be your shelter. You can’t seek shelter unless you’re close, right? Ensure that Jesus is riding it out with you because He can cultivate calm within chaos. 

The same God that calms storms has the power to calm your soul. 

TALK IT OUT 
Go through these questions with your circle. Be honest. Be open. Talk through the tough stuff.
Q1: What’s the most intense storm you’ve ever seen? 
Q2: Why do you think Jesus performed miracles during his time on earth? 
Q3: How did the disciples react when they saw Jesus miraculously calm the storm? 
Q4: How would you answer the question, “Who is Jesus?”
Q5: How can someone draw near to Jesus during a metaphorical storm in life? 
Q6: What big or small storm are you currently facing? How can you commit to doing one thing this week to draw near to Jesus?