Kingdom Principle: The storms in this life are designed to force us into the stern with Jesus. When we turn to Jesus and his Word, we are reminded that nothing befalls us that is not part of God’s sovereign plan and completely controlled by his capable hand.
“Know Jesus, Know Peace. No Jesus, No Peace.”
John 16:33 (ESV) — 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
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Luke 8:24 (ESV) — 24 And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm.
The one thing that is of note in this text is the contrast between Jesus,asleep in the stern, and the disciples,afraid of the storm.
Mark 4:35–41 (ESV) — 35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him.37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
The disciples saw the care that Jesus had for others, but lacked confidence in the care he had for them, personally.
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Luke 8:25 (ESV) — 25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”
Why is Jesus so Confident?
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Jesus knows and has complete confidence in the Father’s plan for his life.
Psalm 135:5–7 (ESV) — 5 For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.6 Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.7 He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses.
Psalm 145:17 (ESV) — 17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.
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Jesus is in complete control of the circumstances in the boat.
The calm that was intrinsic to Jesus’ nature because of his confidence in the Father, was made explicitly demonstrated in his command over the circumstance.
John 14:27 (ESV) — 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
It is not theaction of the disciples that deserves Jesus’ rebuke here, it is thespirit that provoked and motivated those actions.It wasn’t trust that forced the disciples into the stern, it was fear.
Psalm 118:5–7 (ESV) — 5 Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?7 The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.
The waves that threaten to undo us, force us into the stern of the boat where Jesus rests. If your soul is filled with unrest this morning, then turn to Jesus.
Question to Consider: What circumstances is the Lord calling you to trust him with?
