Are you tired?

Mark 4:35-41
by Brian Knitter

In this passage of scripture, Jesus has just completed a long day surrounded by throngs of people. He basically says “let’s get out of here.” One purpose getting in a boat and going to the other side of the sea of Galilee was so Jesus could rest. He was human after all, and therefore physically tired. About half-way across this five mile wide lake, a big storm comes up. Where is Jesus? He’s asleep on the sail of the boat, known as “the cushion.” Hmmm, let’s stop right there. . .

So wait a second, if Jesus is sleeping on the sail, then his disciples must have been rowing this whole time. When the storm came, they were probably a little tired from rowing already. Their boat was filling with water and they couldn’t do much about it. They were already worn out! DOESN’T THIS SOUND A BIT LIKE YOUR LIFE FROM TIME TO TIME? Sounds like a teachable moment for Jesus to me.
Just as the disciples are “about to perish” (v 38), they decide to wake up Jesus. Why? So he could help row? So he could get off the sail? It didn’t look like the disciples were expecting Jesus to do much more than administer last rites!

Then something amazing happens, often told this way: Jesus then stands up, takes in a deep breath, then shouts “STOP!,” and the wind obeys. (My favorite reading of this version comes from my son Jeffrey’s children’s Bible. Now whenever I ask either of my kids what Jesus said to the storm, they both get stern expressions on their faces, they hold out their hand and yell “STOP!” It’s really cute, but I digress…)

Here’s how I see it: Jesus, barely awake, whispers in his drowsy state “Hush, be still,” and there was a sudden peace. He then asks the disciples why they were so cowardly (the literal translation for “timid” according to my Bible notes) and why they lacked faith. He then presumably rolls over and goes back to sleep. Jesus doesn’t have to be dramatic to get the attention of his disciples, the miraculous events that just occurred left them dumbfounded. It says that they were “afraid” because of what Jesus did. “Afraid” in this sense means a new founded respect for Jesus and His authority. They now “feared” and respected him as one who could do mighty deeds. Good! Now maybe they could learn from him. Fear of the Lord is, after all, the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10a and Psalms 111:10a).

Do you have a problem you can’t handle? Do you feel as though you are “about to perish?” Put your trust in the Lord and he will give you peace. Believe that God can do anything, and you will be blessed.