Mark 4:35
Verse
Context
Jesus Calms the Storm
34He did not tell them anything without using a parable. But privately He explained everything to His own disciples.35When that evening came, He said to His disciples, “Let us cross to the other side.”36After they had dismissed the crowd, they took Jesus with them, since He was already in the boat. And there were other boats with Him.
Sermons
Jacob Prasch
Carter ConlonCarter Conlon
William Fitch
Brian Long
W.F. Anderson
J. Glyn OwenSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let us pass over unto the other side - Our Lord was now by the sea of Galilee.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
JESUS CROSSING THE SEA OF GALILEE, MIRACULOUSLY STILLS A TEMPEST--HE CURES THE DEMONIAC OF GADARA. ( = Mat 8:23-34; Luke 8:22-39). (Mark 4:35-5:20) And the same day--on which He spoke the memorable parables of the preceding section, and of the thirteenth chapter. when the even was come--(See on Mar 6:35). This must have been the earlier evening--what we should call the afternoon--since after all that passed on the other side, when He returned to the west side, the people were waiting for Him in great numbers (Mar 4:21; Luk 8:40). he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side--to the east side of the lake, to grapple with a desperate case of possession, and set the captive free, and to give the Gadarenes an opportunity of hearing the message of salvation, amid the wonder which that marvellous cure was fitted to awaken and the awe which the subsequent events could not but strike into them.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he said unto them,.... His disciples, why are ye so fearful? since he was with them in person, whose power to keep and preserve them, they had no room to question, when they reflected on the miracles they had so lately seen performed by him: how is it that ye have no faith? That is, in exercise: faith they had, but it was very small, and scarcely to be called faith: they did indeed apply to him to save them, which showed some faith in him, but then they feared it was too late, and that they were past all hope, and were just perishing; See Gill on Mat 8:26.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
This miracle which Christ wrought for the relief of his disciples, in stilling the storm, we had before (Mat 8:23, etc.); but it is here more fully related. Observe, 1. It was the same day that he had preached out of a ship, when the even was come, Mar 4:35. When he had been labouring in the word and doctrine all day, instead of reposing himself, he exposeth himself, to teach us not to think of a constant remaining rest till we come to heaven. The end of a toil may perhaps be but the beginning of a toss. But observe, the ship that Christ made his pulpit is taken under his special protection, and, though in danger, cannot sink. What is used for Christ, he will take particular care of. 2. He himself proposed putting to sea at night, because he would lose no time; Let us pass over to the other side; for we shall find, in the next chapter, he has work to do there. Christ went about doing good, and no difficulties in his way should hinder him; thus industrious we should be in serving him, and our generation according to his will. 3. They did not put to sea, till they had sent away the multitude, that is, had given to each of them that which they came for, and answered all their requests; for he sent none home complaining that they had attended him in vain. Or, They sent them away with a solemn blessing; for Christ came into the world, not only to pronounce, but to command, and to give, the blessing. 4. They took him even as he was, that is, in the same dress that he was in when he preached, without any cloak to throw over him, which he ought to have had, to keep him warm, when he went to sea at night, especially after preaching. We must not hence infer that we may be careless of our health, but we may learn hence not to be over nice and solicitous about the body. 5. The storm was so great, that the ship was full of water (Mar 4:37), not by springing a leak, but perhaps partly with the shower, for the word here used signifies a tempest of wind with rain; however, the ship being little, the waves beat into it so that it was full. Note, It is no new thing for that ship to be greatly hurried and endangered, in which Christ and his disciples, Christ and his name and gospel, are embarked. 6. There were with him other little ships, which, no doubt, shared in the distress and danger. Probably, these little ships carried those who were desirous to go along with Christ, for the benefit of his preaching and miracles on the other side. The multitude went away when he put to sea, but some there were, that would venture upon the water with him. Those follow the Lamb aright, that follow him wherever he goes. And those that hope for a happiness in Christ, must be willing to take their lot with him, and run the same risks that he runs. One may boldly and cheerfully put to sea in Christ's company, yea though we foresee a storm. 7. Christ was asleep in this storm; and here we are told that it was in the hinder part of the ship, the pilot's place: he lay at the helm, to intimate that, as Mr. George Herbert expresses it, When winds and waves assault my keel, He doth preserve it, he doth steer, Ev'n when the boat seems most to reel. Storms are the triumph of his art; Though he may close his eyes, yet not his heart. He had a pillow there, such a one as a fisherman's ship would furnish him with. And he slept, to try the faith of his disciples and to stir up prayer: upon the trial, their faith appeared weak, and their prayers strong. Note, Sometimes when the church is in a storm, Christ seems as if he were asleep, unconcerned in the troubles of his people, and regardless of their prayers, and doth not presently appear for their relief. Verily he is a God that hideth himself, Isa 45:15. But as, when he tarries, he doth not tarry (Hab 2:3), so when he sleeps he doth not sleep; the keeper of Israel doth not so much as slumber (Psa 121:3, Psa 121:4); he slept, but his heart was awake, as the spouse, Sol 5:2. 8. His disciples encouraged themselves with their having his presence, and thought it the best way to improve that, and appeal to that, and ply the oar of prayer rather than their other oars. Their confidence lay in this, that they had their Master with them; and the ship that has Christ in it, though it may be tossed, cannot sink; the bush that has God in it, though it may burn, shall not consume. Caesar encouraged the master of the ship, that had him on board, with this, Caesarem vehis, et fortunam Caesaris - Thou hast Caesar on board, and Caesar's fortune. They awoke Christ. Had not the necessity of the case called for it, they would not have stirred up or awoke their Master, till he had pleased (Sol 2:7); but they knew he would forgive them this wrong. When Christ seems as if he slept in a storm, he is awaked by the prayers of his people; when we know not what to do, our eye must be to him (Ch2 20:12); we may be at our wits' end, but not at our faith's end, while we have such a Saviour to go to. Their address to Christ is here expressed very emphatically; Master, carest thou not that we perish? I confess this sounds somewhat harsh, rather like chiding him for sleeping than begging him to awake. I know no excuse for it, but the great familiarity which he was pleased to admit them into, and the freedom he allowed them; and the present distress they were in, which put them into such a fright, that they knew not what they said. They do Christ a deal of wrong, who suspect him to be careless of his people in distress. The matter is not so; he is not willing that any should perish, much less any of his little ones, Mat 18:14. 9. The word of command with which Christ rebuked the storm, we have here, and had not in Matthew, Mar 4:39. He says, Peace, be still - Siōpa,̇pephimōso - be silent, be dumb. Let not the wind any longer roar, nor the sea rage. Thus he stills the noise of the sea, the noise of her waves; a particular emphasis is laid upon the noisiness of them, Psa 65:7, and Psa 93:3, Psa 93:4. The noise is threatening and terrifying; let us hear no more of it. This is, (1.) A word of command to us; when our wicked hearts are like the troubled sea which cannot rest (Isa 57:20); when our passions are up, and are unruly, let us think we hear the law of Christ, saying, Be silent, be dumb. Think not confusedly, speak not unadvisedly; but be still. (2.) A word of comfort to us, that, be the storm of trouble ever so loud, ever so strong, Jesus Christ can lay it with a word's speaking. When without are fightings, and within are fears, and the spirits are in a tumult, Christ can create the fruit of the lips, peace. If he say, Peace, be still, there is a great calm presently. It is spoken of as God's prerogative to command the seas, Jer 31:35. By this therefore Christ proves himself to be God. He that made the seas, can make them quiet. 10. The reproof Christ gave them for their fears, is here carried further than in Matthew. There it is, Why are ye fearful? Here, Why are ye so fearful? Though there may be cause for some fear, yet not for fear to such a degree as this. There it is, O ye of little faith. Here it is, How is it that ye have no faith? Not that the disciples were without faith. No, they believed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; but at this time their fears prevailed so that they seemed to have no faith at all. It was out of the way, when they had occasion for it, and so it was as if they had not had it. "How is it, that in this matter ye have no faith, that ye think I would not come in with seasonable and effectual relief?" Those may suspect their faith, who can entertain such a thought as that Christ careth not though his people perish, and Christ justly takes it ill. Lastly, The impression this miracle made upon the disciples, is here differently expressed. In Matthew it is said, The men marvelled; here it is said, They feared greatly. They feared a great fear; so the original reads it. Now their fear was rectified by their faith. When they feared the winds and the seas, it was for want of the reverence they ought to have had for Christ. But now that they saw a demonstration of his power over them, they feared them less, and him more. They feared lest they had offended Christ by their unbelieving fears; and therefore studied now to give him honour. They had feared the power and wrath of the Creator in the storm, and that fear had torment and amazement in it; but now they feared the power and grace of the Redeemer in the calm; they feared the Lord and his goodness, and it had pleasure and satisfaction in it, and by it they gave glory to Christ, as Jonah's mariners, who, when the sea ceased from her raging, feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the Lord, Jon 1:16. This sacrifice they offered to the honour of Christ; they said, What manner of man is this? Surely more than a man, for even the winds and the seas obey him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:35–5:43 The three miracle stories in this section are connected by a shared location (the Sea of Galilee), the presence of the disciples, the use of a boat, and a common theme, Who is this man? (4:41). 4:35-41 This passage focuses on the greatness of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Jesus’ authority over natural forces demonstrated his divinity. • the other side: The eastern side of the Sea of Galilee was the region of the Gerasenes (5:1). • The fact that other boats followed shows Jesus’ fame.
Mark 4:35
Jesus Calms the Storm
34He did not tell them anything without using a parable. But privately He explained everything to His own disciples.35When that evening came, He said to His disciples, “Let us cross to the other side.”36After they had dismissed the crowd, they took Jesus with them, since He was already in the boat. And there were other boats with Him.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Storm Tossed Christians
By Jacob Prasch3.4K1:14:10TrialsMAT 14:33MRK 4:35In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to judge for themselves the scriptural validity of the events happening in Toronto. He begins by reading from Mark 4:35, where Jesus feeds a multitude with just a few loaves and fish. The speaker relates this story to his own life, imagining his wife packing a picnic basket for their son. He emphasizes the importance of having childlike faith and being willing to give whatever little we have to Jesus, trusting that He will multiply it to meet the needs. The speaker concludes by inviting the audience to a meeting where videos of the events in Toronto will be shown, encouraging them to come with an open mind and make their own judgments.
God Has a Plan for Trouble Times
By Carter Conlon3.2K56:24Dark DaysMAT 5:10MAT 14:25MRK 4:35MRK 6:37MRK 6:52JHN 6:26HEB 13:5In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging God's faithfulness throughout generations and asks for the grace to deliver the message clearly. The sermon is based on Mark chapter 4, which tells the story of a storm. The preacher emphasizes that God has a plan for troubled times. He highlights the importance of recognizing what we have, even if it seems insufficient, and trusting God to multiply it for His purposes. The sermon concludes by encouraging the audience to have faith in God's plan and to not be discouraged by the limitations they may perceive in their own lives.
The Candlestick - Laodicea
By Carter Conlon3.1K59:47LaodiceaPSA 119:105AMO 6:1MAT 6:33MRK 4:35JHN 8:32HEB 4:12JAS 1:22In this sermon, Pastor Cullens emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God and purifying one's heart. He encourages the congregation to focus on Jesus and let go of anything that distracts them from Him. The sermon also highlights the story of Jesus and his disciples crossing to the other side of the sea, emphasizing the need for faith and trust in God's promises. Pastor Cullens urges the listeners to rely on the power of God and seek His anointing to see and understand His will for their lives.
The Storm on Galilee
By William Fitch2.1K27:30TrialsMRK 4:35In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. The disciples, who were experienced fishermen, found themselves in a terrifying storm that seemed to threaten their lives. Meanwhile, Jesus was peacefully sleeping in the boat. When the disciples woke him in desperation, Jesus simply spoke the words "Peace, be still," and the storm immediately ceased. This miraculous event left the disciples in awe of Jesus' power and authority over nature.
The Church That Stands
By Brian Long79147:39MRK 4:351CO 13:13
This sermon emphasizes the importance of the church standing strong in the midst of coming storms, drawing parallels between the disciples' experience with Jesus calming the storm and the church's need for faith, hope, and love to remain steadfast. It highlights the necessity for the church to have unwavering faith in Christ, unshakable hope in His promises, and a compelling love that reaches out to others in the midst of trials.
The Storm
By W.F. Anderson74242:27PRO 15:1MAT 6:33MRK 1:13MRK 4:35MRK 4:39PHP 4:61PE 5:7In this sermon, the speaker focuses on a miracle performed by Jesus in Mark chapter 4. The speaker emphasizes the evidential value of miracles in revealing who Jesus is. The miracle in question involves Jesus calming a storm while he and his disciples are in a boat. The disciples are terrified and struggling to keep the boat afloat, while Jesus is peacefully asleep. The speaker highlights the contrast between the disciples' fear and Jesus' power over nature, demonstrating his divinity.
Mark - the Sleeping Saviour & the Stormy Sea
By J. Glyn Owen66442:19SaviourMRK 4:35In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Jesus calming the storm as recorded in Mark 4:35-41. The sermon begins by highlighting the tiredness of Jesus, emphasizing that even the Son of God experienced fatigue. The disciples, in the midst of a storm, wake Jesus up and question his concern for their safety. Jesus then rebukes the wind and the sea, demonstrating his sovereign power over nature. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the need for believers to have a clear understanding of Jesus' greatness and glory, and to trust in his sovereignty in the midst of life's storms.
The Church That Will Stand in the Coming Storm
By Brian Long65647:31JudgmentMAT 6:33MRK 4:35HEB 6:11HEB 6:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of shining as a light in the world by sharing the love of God. He mentions that the church should be characterized by compassion, love, and the grace of God. The preacher then turns to the Gospel of Mark, specifically chapter 4, to discuss the story of Jesus calming the storm. He highlights the message of the church standing strong in the face of coming storms and encourages the congregation to invite others into their godly homes to witness the light of their strong families.
The Church That Will Stand in the Coming Storm - Brian Long
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons52848:02RadioMRK 4:35In this sermon, Brian Long discusses the church that will stand in the coming storm. He begins by reading from Mark chapter 4, where Jesus and his disciples encounter a great storm while crossing the sea. Long emphasizes the importance of shining with the love of God and not keeping it to oneself. He encourages believers to open their doors and invite others into their godly homes, so that they can see the light of Christ. Long also references other Bible verses that speak about the difficult times that will come in the last days, urging listeners to remain steadfast in their faith.
"Who Then Is This, That Even the Wind and the Sea Obey Him?"- Mar 4:41
By G. Campbell Morgan0The Authority of ChristFaith in the StormMRK 4:35G. Campbell Morgan explores the profound question posed by the disciples, 'Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?' after witnessing Jesus calm a furious storm. He emphasizes that their fear shifted from the storm to the awe of Jesus' authority, revealing their need for deeper faith and understanding of His divine nature. Morgan highlights the significance of Jesus' calmness amidst chaos, illustrating that true peace comes from recognizing His presence in our storms. The sermon encourages believers to trust in Christ's sovereignty, even when He seems silent, and to find rest in knowing He is always with us. Ultimately, the event serves as a reminder that no storm can thwart God's plans when Christ is in the vessel.
The Storm on the Lake
By John MacDuff0PSA 46:1PSA 107:28ISA 43:2MAT 8:23MRK 4:35LUK 8:22PHP 4:6HEB 13:81PE 5:7John MacDuff preaches on the story of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee, emphasizing the dual nature of Christ as fully human and fully divine. The disciples' lack of faith in the midst of the storm serves as a reminder for believers to trust in Jesus, who has power over all creation, including winds and waves. The storm symbolizes the trials and tribulations faced by the Church, both collectively and individually, highlighting the importance of seeking refuge in Christ during life's tempests.
Meditation
By Henry Blackaby0PSA 1:1PSA 23:1MRK 4:35JHN 14:26Henry Blackaby emphasizes the importance of meditating on God's Word, highlighting that true meditation is when God confronts you with the truth about Himself and you respond to Him. By meditating on Scriptures like Psalms 1 and 23, one can deepen their relationship with God and find comfort and guidance in times of trouble, knowing that the Lord is with them in the midst of the storm.
Expository Thoughts on Mark - Mark 4:35-41
By J.C. Ryle0The Nature of ChristFaith in TrialsMRK 4:35J.C. Ryle emphasizes the lessons from the storm on the Sea of Galilee, illustrating that following Christ does not shield His followers from life's storms. He highlights that afflictions are part of the Christian journey, teaching us valuable lessons and drawing us closer to God. Ryle also affirms the dual nature of Christ as both fully man and fully God, capable of understanding our struggles and possessing the power to calm our storms. He reassures believers of Christ's patience and compassion, even in moments of doubt and fear. Ultimately, Ryle encourages us to trust in Jesus, who remains unchanged and ever-present in our trials.
Jesus Calms a Storm Mark 4:35-41
By David Servant0PSA 56:3PRO 3:5MRK 4:35MRK 4:39David Servant preaches on the importance of trusting God's Word, using the story of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee as an illustration. He emphasizes the need to have childlike faith in God's promises, even in the midst of life's storms, knowing that God is always in control. The disciples' lack of faith is highlighted, showing the contrast between their fear and Jesus' confidence in the Father's will. Through this story, we learn the lesson of trusting God and having faith in His power to calm the storms of life.
The Form of a Servant
By John Gifford Bellett0PSA 24:1MAT 17:27MRK 4:35JHN 2:1PHP 2:5John Gifford Bellett emphasizes the humility and servanthood of Christ Jesus, who, though in the form of God, took on the form of a servant and became like man. Bellett illustrates how Jesus, despite His divine nature, concealed His glory and performed miracles in a humble manner, such as paying tribute with a miraculous provision, quietly attending a wedding feast, and calming a storm as a tired man. Through these actions, Jesus demonstrated His true identity as the Creator and Lord of all, hidden beneath His humble exterior.
Christ in the Vessel
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 107:28MRK 4:352CO 12:9HEB 11:1JAS 1:2Charles E. Cowman preaches on the journey of faith, emphasizing that even when following Christ's command, we may encounter storms and challenges. These trials are meant to strengthen our faith, intensify our prayers, and increase our desire for deliverance, leading us to fully appreciate God's eventual rescue. The sermon highlights the importance of trusting in Christ during both calm and turbulent times, as our true faith is revealed and strengthened in the midst of life's storms.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let us pass over unto the other side - Our Lord was now by the sea of Galilee.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
JESUS CROSSING THE SEA OF GALILEE, MIRACULOUSLY STILLS A TEMPEST--HE CURES THE DEMONIAC OF GADARA. ( = Mat 8:23-34; Luke 8:22-39). (Mark 4:35-5:20) And the same day--on which He spoke the memorable parables of the preceding section, and of the thirteenth chapter. when the even was come--(See on Mar 6:35). This must have been the earlier evening--what we should call the afternoon--since after all that passed on the other side, when He returned to the west side, the people were waiting for Him in great numbers (Mar 4:21; Luk 8:40). he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side--to the east side of the lake, to grapple with a desperate case of possession, and set the captive free, and to give the Gadarenes an opportunity of hearing the message of salvation, amid the wonder which that marvellous cure was fitted to awaken and the awe which the subsequent events could not but strike into them.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he said unto them,.... His disciples, why are ye so fearful? since he was with them in person, whose power to keep and preserve them, they had no room to question, when they reflected on the miracles they had so lately seen performed by him: how is it that ye have no faith? That is, in exercise: faith they had, but it was very small, and scarcely to be called faith: they did indeed apply to him to save them, which showed some faith in him, but then they feared it was too late, and that they were past all hope, and were just perishing; See Gill on Mat 8:26.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
This miracle which Christ wrought for the relief of his disciples, in stilling the storm, we had before (Mat 8:23, etc.); but it is here more fully related. Observe, 1. It was the same day that he had preached out of a ship, when the even was come, Mar 4:35. When he had been labouring in the word and doctrine all day, instead of reposing himself, he exposeth himself, to teach us not to think of a constant remaining rest till we come to heaven. The end of a toil may perhaps be but the beginning of a toss. But observe, the ship that Christ made his pulpit is taken under his special protection, and, though in danger, cannot sink. What is used for Christ, he will take particular care of. 2. He himself proposed putting to sea at night, because he would lose no time; Let us pass over to the other side; for we shall find, in the next chapter, he has work to do there. Christ went about doing good, and no difficulties in his way should hinder him; thus industrious we should be in serving him, and our generation according to his will. 3. They did not put to sea, till they had sent away the multitude, that is, had given to each of them that which they came for, and answered all their requests; for he sent none home complaining that they had attended him in vain. Or, They sent them away with a solemn blessing; for Christ came into the world, not only to pronounce, but to command, and to give, the blessing. 4. They took him even as he was, that is, in the same dress that he was in when he preached, without any cloak to throw over him, which he ought to have had, to keep him warm, when he went to sea at night, especially after preaching. We must not hence infer that we may be careless of our health, but we may learn hence not to be over nice and solicitous about the body. 5. The storm was so great, that the ship was full of water (Mar 4:37), not by springing a leak, but perhaps partly with the shower, for the word here used signifies a tempest of wind with rain; however, the ship being little, the waves beat into it so that it was full. Note, It is no new thing for that ship to be greatly hurried and endangered, in which Christ and his disciples, Christ and his name and gospel, are embarked. 6. There were with him other little ships, which, no doubt, shared in the distress and danger. Probably, these little ships carried those who were desirous to go along with Christ, for the benefit of his preaching and miracles on the other side. The multitude went away when he put to sea, but some there were, that would venture upon the water with him. Those follow the Lamb aright, that follow him wherever he goes. And those that hope for a happiness in Christ, must be willing to take their lot with him, and run the same risks that he runs. One may boldly and cheerfully put to sea in Christ's company, yea though we foresee a storm. 7. Christ was asleep in this storm; and here we are told that it was in the hinder part of the ship, the pilot's place: he lay at the helm, to intimate that, as Mr. George Herbert expresses it, When winds and waves assault my keel, He doth preserve it, he doth steer, Ev'n when the boat seems most to reel. Storms are the triumph of his art; Though he may close his eyes, yet not his heart. He had a pillow there, such a one as a fisherman's ship would furnish him with. And he slept, to try the faith of his disciples and to stir up prayer: upon the trial, their faith appeared weak, and their prayers strong. Note, Sometimes when the church is in a storm, Christ seems as if he were asleep, unconcerned in the troubles of his people, and regardless of their prayers, and doth not presently appear for their relief. Verily he is a God that hideth himself, Isa 45:15. But as, when he tarries, he doth not tarry (Hab 2:3), so when he sleeps he doth not sleep; the keeper of Israel doth not so much as slumber (Psa 121:3, Psa 121:4); he slept, but his heart was awake, as the spouse, Sol 5:2. 8. His disciples encouraged themselves with their having his presence, and thought it the best way to improve that, and appeal to that, and ply the oar of prayer rather than their other oars. Their confidence lay in this, that they had their Master with them; and the ship that has Christ in it, though it may be tossed, cannot sink; the bush that has God in it, though it may burn, shall not consume. Caesar encouraged the master of the ship, that had him on board, with this, Caesarem vehis, et fortunam Caesaris - Thou hast Caesar on board, and Caesar's fortune. They awoke Christ. Had not the necessity of the case called for it, they would not have stirred up or awoke their Master, till he had pleased (Sol 2:7); but they knew he would forgive them this wrong. When Christ seems as if he slept in a storm, he is awaked by the prayers of his people; when we know not what to do, our eye must be to him (Ch2 20:12); we may be at our wits' end, but not at our faith's end, while we have such a Saviour to go to. Their address to Christ is here expressed very emphatically; Master, carest thou not that we perish? I confess this sounds somewhat harsh, rather like chiding him for sleeping than begging him to awake. I know no excuse for it, but the great familiarity which he was pleased to admit them into, and the freedom he allowed them; and the present distress they were in, which put them into such a fright, that they knew not what they said. They do Christ a deal of wrong, who suspect him to be careless of his people in distress. The matter is not so; he is not willing that any should perish, much less any of his little ones, Mat 18:14. 9. The word of command with which Christ rebuked the storm, we have here, and had not in Matthew, Mar 4:39. He says, Peace, be still - Siōpa,̇pephimōso - be silent, be dumb. Let not the wind any longer roar, nor the sea rage. Thus he stills the noise of the sea, the noise of her waves; a particular emphasis is laid upon the noisiness of them, Psa 65:7, and Psa 93:3, Psa 93:4. The noise is threatening and terrifying; let us hear no more of it. This is, (1.) A word of command to us; when our wicked hearts are like the troubled sea which cannot rest (Isa 57:20); when our passions are up, and are unruly, let us think we hear the law of Christ, saying, Be silent, be dumb. Think not confusedly, speak not unadvisedly; but be still. (2.) A word of comfort to us, that, be the storm of trouble ever so loud, ever so strong, Jesus Christ can lay it with a word's speaking. When without are fightings, and within are fears, and the spirits are in a tumult, Christ can create the fruit of the lips, peace. If he say, Peace, be still, there is a great calm presently. It is spoken of as God's prerogative to command the seas, Jer 31:35. By this therefore Christ proves himself to be God. He that made the seas, can make them quiet. 10. The reproof Christ gave them for their fears, is here carried further than in Matthew. There it is, Why are ye fearful? Here, Why are ye so fearful? Though there may be cause for some fear, yet not for fear to such a degree as this. There it is, O ye of little faith. Here it is, How is it that ye have no faith? Not that the disciples were without faith. No, they believed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; but at this time their fears prevailed so that they seemed to have no faith at all. It was out of the way, when they had occasion for it, and so it was as if they had not had it. "How is it, that in this matter ye have no faith, that ye think I would not come in with seasonable and effectual relief?" Those may suspect their faith, who can entertain such a thought as that Christ careth not though his people perish, and Christ justly takes it ill. Lastly, The impression this miracle made upon the disciples, is here differently expressed. In Matthew it is said, The men marvelled; here it is said, They feared greatly. They feared a great fear; so the original reads it. Now their fear was rectified by their faith. When they feared the winds and the seas, it was for want of the reverence they ought to have had for Christ. But now that they saw a demonstration of his power over them, they feared them less, and him more. They feared lest they had offended Christ by their unbelieving fears; and therefore studied now to give him honour. They had feared the power and wrath of the Creator in the storm, and that fear had torment and amazement in it; but now they feared the power and grace of the Redeemer in the calm; they feared the Lord and his goodness, and it had pleasure and satisfaction in it, and by it they gave glory to Christ, as Jonah's mariners, who, when the sea ceased from her raging, feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the Lord, Jon 1:16. This sacrifice they offered to the honour of Christ; they said, What manner of man is this? Surely more than a man, for even the winds and the seas obey him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:35–5:43 The three miracle stories in this section are connected by a shared location (the Sea of Galilee), the presence of the disciples, the use of a boat, and a common theme, Who is this man? (4:41). 4:35-41 This passage focuses on the greatness of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Jesus’ authority over natural forces demonstrated his divinity. • the other side: The eastern side of the Sea of Galilee was the region of the Gerasenes (5:1). • The fact that other boats followed shows Jesus’ fame.