Sunday 24 June 2018

Psalm: Psalm 107

Background

Before this passage, Jesus had been preaching about the kingdom of God in parables (the parable of the sower (Mark 4:1-9), the parable of the lamp on a stand (Mark 4:21-23), the parable of the growing seed (Mark 4:26-29), the parable of the mustard seed (Mark 4:30-32)). But now we move from allegory to reality.

The disciples were in a boat in the middle of a storm. Sudden squalls were common in the Sea of Galilee. As fishermen, it’s surprising that they were so overwhelmed by fear. Not only were they used to being in the water and surely in the middle of storms, but they also had Jesus with them. Their fear separated them from the reality of Jesus amongst them.

Jesus, however, was asleep; he was not concerned. When the disciples woke him up they were not asking him to save them but to share in their distress. Even though they had just heard Jesus’ preaching about the kingdom they do not yet understand Jesus’ true identity.

As Jesus calmed the storm he demonstrated that he had authority over all creation. The impact of Jesus’ authority could be lost in the translation of verse 39 as ‘peace, be still’ which can also be literally translated as ‘Be silent, be muzzled’.

In this display of God’s power on earth, Jesus showed that God’s kingdom is present with us at all times.

To Ponder

• What are the situations in the world and in our lives when we need to hear Jesus’ voice saying ‘be silent’? When do we need to trust in the authority of God?
• How do you think Jesus was able to sleep in the middle of a storm?
• How might you have reacted if you were in that boat?