Proper 7: Gospel, Mark 4:35-41                                                        

Mark 4:35-41

Funny reading the gospel for the week, I remember that it is the first gospel text that I specifically remember hearing a message on after my conversion to Christ as a college student. Pastor Ron Mehl, one of my heroes, spoke from the pulpit about the compassionate love of a Savior who rises from a nap to … to save. But today I want us to look at how that connects to the two times the disciples of Jesus speak in this account. They are both questions.

First, in the midst of what, no doubt, was a very scary situation they cried, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing” (4:38)? He does care. He just has no sense of panic. He has already shown his complete control over the situation, but secretly. By sleeping through the storm. But after he is awakened and sees and hears their obvious fear he gives command and “there was a great calm” (v.39).

Next we hear their other utterance. And I find this so interesting. There is no record of them crying, “Alright Jesus! You did it. We’re gonna make it. Thank you, thank you.” Nope. None of that. Rather, a second question arises from their collective fear. And it is fear, but of a different sort. “Who then is this, that even the wind and sea obey him” (v. 41)? They are safe. From the waves and water’s upheaval they are safe. But I have a sneaking suspicion that they weren’t sure they were altogether safe. Not completely. If you had been on that boat, what would you have been thinking?

What do you think today?