Calming the Storm
Mark 4:35-41
The disciples were terrified of the storm. Then they were terrified of the man who stopped it.
Evening on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus tells the disciples: Let's go to the other side. They push off. Jesus falls asleep in the stern on a cushion. A furious squall blows up — waves crash over the boat, filling it with water. The disciples are experienced fishermen, and they're terrified. They shake Jesus awake: Teacher, don't you care that we're drowning? Jesus stands up, faces the wind and waves, and speaks three words: Quiet. Be still. The wind dies. The water goes flat. Complete calm. Then he turns to them: Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith? They're more frightened now than during the storm. They whisper to each other: Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him.
- Fear
- Faith
- Authority over Nature
- God's Power
Calming the Storm: common questions
Where did Jesus calm the storm?
On the Sea of Galilee, a lake known for sudden violent squalls. Jesus and the disciples were crossing to the other side in the evening when a fierce windstorm arose and waves began swamping the boat (Mark 4:35-37).
What did Jesus say to calm the storm?
He rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Peace! Be still!' (Mark 4:39). The wind died down and there was a great calm. He then asked the disciples, 'Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?'
What is the meaning of Jesus calming the storm?
The disciples' response—'Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?' (Mark 4:41)—is the point. In the Old Testament only God commands the sea (Psalm 107:29), so the miracle presents Jesus as having divine authority over creation.
