Scripture reading – Mark 4
Mark 4
Mark 4 reprises the Parable of the Sower and Soils (Mark 4:3-20) and the Parable of the Candlelight (Mark 4:21-25). The Parable of the Growing Seed is found only in Mark’s Gospel (Mark 4:26-29) and reveals the wonder of seeds planted in the earth, sprouting and giving new life.
Remember, the seed in the parable symbolizes God’s Word (Mark 4:14). When believers share the Word of God with hearts that are prepared to receive it, the effect is new life (salvation) and spiritual growth (sanctification). Yet, we who sow the Word cannot make the seed of Truth sprout and grow in a heart any more than a farmer can do more than plant a seed and wait for it to come to life (Mark 4:27).
In the Parable of the Mustard Seed (Mark 4:30-32), Jesus reminded His disciples that the “kingdom of God” begins with the smallest seed of truth planted from God’s Word. A “word from God’s Word” has the potential to grow, like a mustard seed that sprouts and grows large enough for “the fowls of the air [to] lodge under the shadow of it” (Mark 4:32).
Today’s Bible study will focus on Christ’s revelation that He has authority over the waves and winds of a storm on the Sea of Galilee.
Christ’s Authority Over Nature (Mark 4:35-41)
Jesus was exhausted from teaching (though He was Divine, He was human with the physical challenges of hunger, thirst, and fatigue). Retreating from the crowds that constantly pressed upon Him, Jesus urged His disciples, “Let us pass over unto the other side” (Mark 4:35). Knowing the far shore was seven miles away, Jesus laid down in the “hinder part of the ship” (meaning the stern or the latter part of the boat), and went to sleep (Mark 4:38).
The Sea of Galilee is a large inland lake that is fourteen miles long and seven miles wide. Lying 700 feet below sea level, it has a sub-tropical climate that is warm and pleasant year-round. Surrounded by the Galilean mountains and the Golan Heights, the area is part of the Jordan Rift. When cold winds from the northern snow-covered mountain peaks funnel through the hillsides, the cold air collides with the warm sub-tropical air and can produce sudden, violent storms on the waters of the Sea of Galilee.
On the occasion recorded by Mark in chapter 4, the disciples found themselves caught in a violent storm so intense that the waves of the sea began to fill the boat (Mark 4:37). Matthew wrote concerning the occasion that “there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but He [Jesus] was asleep” (Matthew 8:24).
Four disciples were experienced fishermen (James, John, Peter, and Andrew); however, those veteran seamen needed help to salvage the desperate situation. With cold winds whipping and waves crashing, the exhausted disciples cried to Jesus, “Master, carest thou not that we perish?” (Mark 4:38).
Such a question was a faithless affront to their Master, and Jesus “arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:39-40).
Jesus knew the weakness of the disciples’ faith and their failure to trust Him (Luke 8:23-24). The sudden stillness of the winds and waves left the disciples wondering aloud, “What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” (Mark 4:41). A sense of fear, awe, and deep respect struck them. The disciples had heard Him teach but lacked understanding of who He was. They witnessed His miracles but did not recognize His divine power.
Closing thoughts –
Storms in life are inevitable, though they often take us by surprise. Yet, all storms (troubles, trials) come as part of God’s plan for growing our faith and dependence on Him. The psalmist wrote, “O Lord God of host…Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them” (Psalm 89:8a, 9). The Lord knew the disciples would face a storm when He commanded them to launch into the sea. He planned to challenge their faith that He might prove He was Sovereign and LORD of creation.
Application: Your response to trials and troubles will evidence your faith, or lack of trust, in God and His plan for your life. The disciples did not fully know Who Jesus was, and when He commanded the wind and the waves to cease, “they feared [and asked], What manner of man is this?” (Mark 4:41). They learned from experience and observation that Jesus was more than a man, for the winds and waves of nature yielded to His command.
Invitation: I don’t know what storms or trials you are facing, but I know from my life experiences that they provide opportunities for you to know the LORD intimately and trust Him. Accept that God’s plan for your life will bring trials. They will test your faith, challenge you to assess your priorities and reveal your limitations and dependence on the LORD.
Lesson: The safest place in the world is in the will of God, even when you are in the midst of a storm.
Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith
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