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Fear · Faith · Who is Jesus?

Peace in the storm

Jesus and his disciples cross the lake at night, a fierce storm rises, and the disciples are left asking who Jesus really is.

Scripture: World English Bible (WEB)

Mark 4:35–41

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Everything below the Scripture card is explanation and reflection prepared by A Little Closer, not the Bible text itself.

2

Context

Who wrote it
Early Christian tradition associates this Gospel with John Mark, a companion of the apostle Peter. The Gospel itself does not name its author.
Where it happens
The lake is the Sea of Galilee, a large freshwater lake surrounded by hills. Sudden, strong winds can sweep down onto it, and several of Jesus’ disciples were experienced fishermen.
Where it sits in the story
The passage comes right after a day of Jesus teaching in parables (Mark 4:1–34). It opens a series of stories showing Jesus’ authority over nature, illness, and even death (Mark 4–5).
3

Understand

After a long day of teaching, Jesus suggests crossing to the other side of the lake. A violent storm hits and the boat begins to fill with water, while Jesus is asleep in the back.

The frightened disciples wake him and ask if he cares that they are about to drown. Jesus speaks to the wind and the waves, and they become completely calm.

Jesus then asks the disciples about their fear and their faith. The passage ends not with relief but with awe: the disciples ask one another who this is, that even the wind and the sea obey him. Mark invites the reader to ask the same question.

4

Observe

Notice what the passage actually says.

  • Who suggests going across the lake? Why might that detail matter?
  • Contrast what Jesus is doing with what the disciples are doing during the storm.
  • What exactly do the disciples ask Jesus when they wake him?
  • How do the disciples feel at the start, and how do they feel at the end?
5

Interpret

Consider what it meant in its context.

  • What does this story reveal about who Jesus is?
  • Why do you think the passage ends with a question instead of an answer?
  • What does Jesus seem to mean when he asks about their faith?

In the Old Testament, power over the sea is often described as belonging to God (for example Psalm 107:23–30). Mark’s first readers would likely have noticed this connection.

6

Apply

  • What ‘storm’ are you facing? Have you honestly told God how it feels?
  • Have you ever wondered whether God cares? What helps you hold onto trust in those moments?
  • How would you answer the disciples’ question: who is Jesus to you right now?

prayer prompt

Name the storm you are in. Bring God your honest question, as the disciples did, and ask for help to trust him in it.

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Notes on Mark 4:35–41

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