"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?'"
(Mark 4:38)

Mark 4:35-41
Have you ever looked at a sleeping baby and envied how peacefully she sleeps? I think Jesus had the ability to sleep that way. Here the disciples find themselves in the midst of a furious storm, waves crashing over the sides and filling the boat with water. And where is Jesus? He’s asleep in the back of the boat. Mark’s account adds “on a cushion.” It’s a small detail that both Matthew and Luke leave out, but it really completes the picture, doesn’t it? We’re about to drown and Jesus is all snuggly and slumbering on a cushion! Deep sleep is a sign of deep peace. The Prince of Peace has plenty.


The key question comes next: “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Isn’t that our question to Jesus in the midst of our own fears and uncertainty? Just substitute the word “drown” for whatever worst-case-scenario you’re currently facing. None of the three Gospel accounts makes it sound as if Jesus was startled as He awoke. He simply got up, calmed the waves, and then asked His disciples why they were so worked up.



Scripture Focus

Mark 4:35-41

Insight

Take note of where your journey of faith is stormy. Jesus is peacefully resting in the midst of the tempest, all of your trials in His control.

Bible In A Year

  • 1 Chronicles 22-23
  • Psalm 4
  • Matthew 5

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