Mark 4:35-40
35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.”
36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him.
37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.
38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Mark 4:35-40: Verse-by-Verse Analysis
Verse 35: “That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, ‘Let us go over to the other side.'”
Jesus initiates the journey. He suggests crossing the Sea of Galilee. This sets the stage for the upcoming events.
Verse 36: “Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him.”
The disciples follow Jesus’ instruction. They leave the crowd and take Jesus in the boat. Other boats accompany them, indicating a larger group.
Verse 37: “A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.”
A sudden storm arises. The boat is overwhelmed by waves. The situation becomes dire, highlighting the disciples’ vulnerability.
Verse 38: “Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?'”
Jesus is asleep despite the storm. The disciples panic and wake him. They question his concern for their safety, showing their fear and doubt.
Verse 39: “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”
Jesus responds with authority. He commands the storm to cease. The elements obey, demonstrating his divine power over nature.
Verse 40: “He said to his disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?'”
Jesus addresses the disciples’ fear. He questions their lack of faith. This rebuke emphasizes the importance of trust in him.