The Creator Calms the Wind and Waves

Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 4:35-41.

Jesus’ ministry transitions from a time of teaching to a time of miracles. He calls His disciples to go with Him across the Sea of Galilee to the other side. In trust of His Heavenly Father, Jesus sleeps in the boat even as a great windstorm arises. The disciples wake Jesus, thinking that they will die. With His Word, Jesus rebukes the wind and calms the sea. He questions His disciples’ lack of faith. They respond with fear and question the identity of Jesus that the wind and sea obey Him. In this miracle, Jesus teaches us who He is. He is the Creator who spoke all things into existence and still exercises authority over His creation. He is the Savior who remains with His disciples in their distress. He is the Almighty God who brings calm to chaos by the power of His Word.

“The Gospel in Action” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. Mark. The Evangelist hits the ground running with the very first verse of his Gospel account, and he never lets up the pace. As one deed of Jesus comes right after another, always paired with His authoritative Word, St. Mark proclaims the good news that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, revealed conclusively by His death on the cross.