The Gospel of Mark: Stilling the Storm

On that day, when evening had come, (Jesus) said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” ~ Mark 4:35-41


Seems like Jesus just wanted to take a nap.

He's already tried to go off and pray alone, but the disciples came and got him. So, now he's trying a new tactic. Sleep in the stern of a boat...

...in the middle of a storm.

This scene has always made me smile. I love that Jesus remains asleep, relaxed, as the chaos goes on around him. As the disciples are terrified, Jesus remains centered and still.

Isn't this how it goes?

We are in the midst of chaos in so many ways these days. There seems to be a collective cry of "Do you not care that we are perishing?"

While we sit and wonder during the storm whether our cries are heard, God remains fixed and true. God does not submit to the chaos as we do. God is the center around which we are able to find peace.

There will still be chaos. But Jesus shows that the chaos cannot have the upper hand. And shows us how to remain calm in the storm.

When things are stormy, chaotic, find your center. Still your heart, your soul, and most importantly your breath. Breathe in deeply and know that God is still at the stern of the boat, making way through the storm.


Holy God, thank you for the gospel - the good news - of your Son. Open my mind and heart to this good news and enliven me with your Spirit of servanthood that I might share this good news with a world in need. Amen



Engagement Questions:


What are ways you can calm yourself during chaotic days, moments in your life?







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