The Way
Rebuking the Wind and the Sea
Who is this man?
Story
As a day full of parables drew to a close, Jesus said to his disciples, let us cross over to the other side of the lake. Leaving the crowd behind, the disciples took Jesus with them in the boat and rowed out, and other boats followed. Suddenly a fierce squall swept over the lake. Waves broke over the side and poured into the boat.
The boat was filling with water, but Jesus was in the stern, sound asleep on a cushion. The disciples scrambled to him and shook him awake. Teacher, don't you care that we are going to die? Even the voices of fishermen who had cast their nets on this lake all their lives were shaking with fear.
Jesus got up, rebuked the wind, and spoke to the sea. Quiet. Be still. The wind dropped at once, and the lake became as smooth as a mirror. Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith? Seized by a fear greater than the sea, the disciples whispered to one another. Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Walk this scene on the map →His Words
Quiet. Be still.
Why are you so fearful? Do you still have no faith?
Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.
Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: Mt 8:23–27 · Mk 4:35–41 · Lk 8:22–25
Background
The Sea of Galilee lies in a basin about two hundred ten meters below sea level. When cool air from the surrounding highlands suddenly rushes down the valleys, a calm lake can be whipped into a violent storm in moments.
Pause and Reflect
When my fear grows, am I forgetting that Jesus is right here with me?