SECTION FIVE A SERIES OF Mark 4:35 to 5:43 1. THE TEMPEST Mark 4:35-41 (Matthew 8:18-27, Luke 8:22-25) 35 And on that day, when even was come, he saith unto them, Let us go over unto the other side.--Matthew (Matthew 8:18) says: "When Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side." He did this for retirement and rest. 36 And leaving the multitude, they take him with them, even as he was, in the boat.--After teaching through the day, at Jesus' request, the disciples without further preparation started with him to the eastern side of the sea. He was already in the boat. Peter, James, and John owned their boats, and Jesus taught from Peter's boat. (Luke 5:1-11.) Peter's example in using his boat in the Master's cause is worthy of emulation, and should teach us a lesson. Our boats, our ships, our cars, and horses should be so used. And other boats were with him.--Boats owned by other disciples, or at their disposal. 37 And there ariseth a great storm of wind,--A mighty windstorm. Luke (Luke 8:23) says: "And there came down a storm of wind on the lake"; Matthew (Matthew 8:24) says: "There arose a great tempest in the sea." This came down suddenly. All travelers describe the storms as very sudden and violent, caused by the cold air that rushes down from the mountains into the heated depression of the lake. and the waves beat into the boat, insomuch that the boat was now filling.--This was not a large ship such as we have now, but a small rowboat, probably open--a small boat with sails, such as were commonly used for fishing on the lake. Luke (Luke 8:23) says they "were in jeopardy." Matthew (Matthew 8:24) says: "The boat was covered with the waves," and "was now filling." Doubtless in a sinking condition. 38 And he himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion --It was night, and Jesus had retired for rest. He had labored hard all day teaching, was probably weary, and slept calmly and serenely. He needed rest and sleep like other men. Like Jonah he slept in the midst of the storm; but very differently. Jonah was fleeing from duty, Jesus calmly awaiting the hour of duty. and they awake him, and say unto him, Teacher, carest thou not that we perish?--The storm greatly frightened the disciples. They went to him, roused him up, and said: "Save, Lord; we perish." (Matthew 8:25.) The disciples were accustomed to the lake, the winds and the waves. This, then, was to them a terrific storm to fill them with such terror. 39 And he awoke, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.--The wind was still, the sea ceased to dash against the vessel, the waves stopped rolling and the living made safe. His word awed the tempest, and allayed the storm. What a power was this! What irresistible proof that he was divine! There is not to be found anywhere a sublimer description of a display of power. Nor could there be sublimer proof that he was truly the Son of God. "Jehovah bath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers. . . . The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt; and the earth is upheaved at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein." (Nahum 1:3-5.) 40 And he said unto them, Why are ye fearful? have ye not yet faith?--Matthew (Matthew 8:26) says: "Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?" Luke (Luke 8:25) puts it: "Where is your faith?" The terror of the disciples would have been excusable but for the presence of Jesus. With him in the vessel it argued weakness of faith, because the many miracles which he had wrought should have convinced them that he had power over the winds and the waves. 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?--They believed in Jesus as the Messiah, but such an exhibition of power confounded them. Notwithstanding all the other miracles which they had seen Jesus perform, this one filled them with wonder and awe. Since God "gathereth the waters of the sea together as a heap"; "layeth up the deeps in storehouses" (Psalms 33:7); "spake, and it was done"; and commanded, "and it stood fast" (Psalms 33:9), why should they marvel that the Son of God stills the tempest? Jesus worked every variety of miracle to leave even the weakest in faith no room to doubt his divine power, or that he is the Christ, the Son of the living God.