Jesus continued to stay in the house where so much had already happened. Right from the start, he had “packed the house” with so many people wanting to hear him teach, that no one had time or resources to eat! His relatives went there to lay hold on him, believing he was out of his mind. The Pharisees and scribes accused him of casting out evil spirits by the authority of Beelzebub, the prince of devils. They also demanded a “sign” from him.
On another day, he went out to the nearby seashore and taught in parables to the multitudes. That same day, after explaining the parables to his disciples in the house where they had been staying (see FLJC #39), Jesus knew that it was time to move on.
Matthew 13:53
Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, that He departed from there.
At his direction, they then took a boat to cross over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee.
Mark 4:35,36; Luke 8:22; Matthew 8:23
Now it happened, on the same day when evening had come and they had left the multitude, he said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” Now when he got into a boat with His disciples following Him, they launched out. And other little boats were also with Him.
Jesus most likely got into either Peter and Matthew’s boat or possibly James and John’s. And not only did the twelve go with him, but also some of his faithful disciples followed him in other little boats.
A Great Storm – Jesus Asleep
On a clear and sunny day, the entire shoreline is visible from any point on the lake. But when a sudden violent storm hits, it can be difficult to see even another nearby boat. At times, it’s even difficult to see your hand in front of your face!
Matthew 8:24; Mark 4:37, 38a; Luke 8:23
And suddenly a great tempest arose on the lake, so that the boat was covered with the waves. And the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling with water and they were in jeopardy. But as they sailed, he had fallen asleep on a pillow in the stern.
Asleep in a small boat being tossed violently by the waves—now that’s the peace of God inside!
Disciples Fear – Wake Up Jesus
Matthew 8:25; Mark 4:38b; Luke 8:24a
Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”
Not only did the disciples wake him up, they demanded he “save them”! And then they accused him of an uncaring, cold-hearted view of the fact that they WERE perishing. They, once again, underestimated the power and love of God that motivated Jesus’ every thought and action. He rightly reproved their unbelief.
Matthew 8:26a; Mark 4:40; Luke 8:25a
But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful, O you of little faith? How is it that you have no faith?”
And so we all see that power and love demonstrated.
Jesus Rebukes the Wind and Sea
Matthew 8:26b,27; Mark 4:39,41; Luke 8:24b
Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the raging of the water and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the winds ceased and there was a great calm. So the men marveled, and they feared exceedingly, saying to one another, “Who can this be, for he commands that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”
To be fair, I think I would have been right there with the disciples as the wind and the waves seemed to overpower the boat doomed for destruction. When health or wealth are threatened, sometimes we may react with worry or fear. If we do, let’s STOP! And remember that Jesus shows us the complete love of our heavenly Father to heal and deliver us every time.
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