Gann's Commentary on the Bible

Mark 4:35

See Topic Notes "Sermons_Gann" on "Stilling The Tempest"

the same day -- fixes the precise time, this is often called "The Busy Day" as we seem to have information about this one day in the ministry of Jesus than any other day. Cf. Mark 4:1-2 ; Matthew 13:1-2

even ... evening, probably about the middle of the afternoon.

the other side ... about 6 1/2 miles, and would usually take one to two hours.

This specific event is paralleled in Matthew 8:18; Matthew 8:23-27 and Luke 8:22-25.

even as he was ... Jesus had been teaching from the boat, probably Peter’s boat. A large commercial fishing boat, large enough to accommodate Jesus and all his apostles.
(see Mark 4:1-2; Matthew 13:1-2; . This account provides obviously eye-witness details. It is written that Mark recorded Peter’s testimony. This was apparently Peter’s boat and he vividly remembered this event.

other little ships ... A fact often overlooked. There seems to have been witnesses to this even in other ships as well as in the ship which Jesus which rode.

Mark 4:37

a great storm ... λαῖλαψ - lailaps - Thayer Definition:

1) a whirlwind, a tempestuous wind

2) a violent attack of wind, a squall

2a) never a single gust nor a steady blowing wind, however violent, but a storm breaking forth from black thunder clouds in furious gusts, with floods of rain, and throwing everything topsy-turvy

Matthew’s word describing this "great tempest" = "seismos"

All three Gospels recording it refers to it as a great storm of wind.

ship -- now full ... Luke uses a nautical term. "They wer filling" which simply meant they were sinking in the process. More water was coming in than they could bail out. Matthew = the boat was covered with waves; Luke = it was filling with water and in jeopardy.

Mark 4:38

hinder part ... the stern.

asleep ... It has been a "busy day" and Jesus was physically tired. How different was His sleep from that of Jonah!

Master, carest thou not ... That asked Jesus about his concern, did he care? His later rebuke is about their faith. Shouldn’t they know 1) he cared! and 2) he was able!

Their cry is a cry of fear. Their own experience as fishermen on this very sea failed them. They cry to Him must evidence some kind of faith, but there’s a hint they charged Jesus with not caring! Don’t we sometime too!

It seems to have been at last resort they cry to Jesus. They felt death was at hand.

Mark 4:39

rebuked ... First he rebuked the storm, then their little faith.

great calm ... which matched the "great storm" of Mar 4.37. The storm quickly stopped.

Mark 4:40

why -- fearful ... Didn’t they know He did care! Luke 8:25 Lesson: Great trouble is a test of faith, especially when we have to wait for deliverance.

Jesus calls on them to have faith. He was asleep, but He did care. It is easier to still a storm than a troubled heart. Illustration: You can still water in a glass by holding the glass still; but to still a bird’s throbbing little heart you must teach it to trust you.

Jesus asks Luke 8:25 "Where is your faith?"

1) Some put their trust in themselves, their own power, etc.

2) Some put their faith in money, and influence, etc.

3) Some put their trust in the Lord!

Mark 4:41

Said one to another ... This could have been said by his apostles or by some in the other "little boats" as well Mark 4:36;

What manner of man ... This seems a new surprise. Jesus’ miracles built faith in Him as the Son f God and having power over all creation.

Lessons: 1) No scene more grand than this display of Jesus’ humanity and diety. As man, we see him tired and asleep, but as God he is able to know their problems, concerns, and able to still the sea. Psalms 121:4; Psalms 89:9.

2) The disciples of Christ are not exempt from trials.

3) Why is He with us and not seem to care? He want us to see and confess our our dependence on Him.

4) Jesus never found fault with His disciples for trusting Him. Important that we learn to trust Jesus when the storms of life come.

Song: "Does Jesus Care" 1 Peter 5:7

Song: "Trust and Obey"