We continue our series on Miracles this week in worship as Jesus calms the storm. Jesus, sleeping in the boat while the disciples fear for their lives, brings peace to a chaotic, violent system with just a few words. Read on for this week’s announcements front page article.
[Jesus] said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” Mark 4:35b
So begins that fateful night. The disciples had spent the day hearing parables as Jesus taught the crowds, then privately instructed them on the meaning behind the parables. They were undoubtedly excited–to hear such great teaching publicly and patient explanations privately. What faith-building must have happened that day! And yet they were also exhausted, looking forward to a good night’s rest.
Jesus had other plans, however. The request to cross the lake was probably seen as an opportunity to rest. Throughout the night, the disciples would alternate between the calming, familiar practice of sailing and resting, as the boat rocked with the waves, gently lulling them to sleep.
What they didn’t see coming was one more giant faith-building experience. Jesus knew there was a storm coming, and so He directed them across to the other side. On the sea that night, they stared death in the face. Panic and fear took hold as they did everything they could to save their lives. And then, when they had run out of options, they brought their problem to the calmly sleeping Jesus:
And Jesus 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
What storm are you facing right now? What overwhelms you to the point of desperation? More importantly, have you brought it to Jesus?