Our Gospel this week is Mark 4:35-41, taken today from the New International Version (NIV).
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 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?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
Jesus teaches His disciples through parables and explanations, and while they are present when He performs miracles, it is always for others. Only this instance is specifically for them. They are saved from the storm by His power and learn a lesson as well.
It should come as no surprise that all nature obeys Christ’s command. In John 1:3 we hear “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” This is a demonstration of who Jesus is, and it is more powerful than any teaching could be for His disciples.
While Jesus is not physically here with us, we feel His presence through the Holy Spirit and see His power displayed in all of creation. Like the disciples we may be afraid of situations we face, but we know that Jesus is there for us. Trust in the Lord and know He is our savior.
Heavenly Father, we are grateful for the example Jesus came to bring us and the amazing things He taught us. Help us to share His love and lessons with all Your children. Amen.