Snapshots of Jesus in Mark #5

JESUS THE SUFFICIENT ONE

Mark 4:35-40

Photography is not just about capturing images of people. It is about capturing candid and natural photographs about life. That is exactly what Mark does in his recording of Jesus stilling the Storm. The location is the Sea of Galilee. Sudden and violent storms are a normal occurrence there. This snapshot captures the candid nature of the believer and Jesus. We are on a journey through a storm infested life. Jesus is with us. We are all in the same boat. I want you to notice three things about this snapshot by Mark:

1. We tend to focus our attention of the storms of life, and not the sufficient Savor. Storms have a way of clamoring for our attention. They are a clear and present danger as we see in this storm. We have a fierce gale, waves harshly beating against us, and the boat filling. There is a sense of urgency about this picture.
2. There are things we tend to forget in the storm: (1) The promise we will reach the other side—Mark 4:35, (2) The presence of Jesus. Jesus is in the boat with them. He is there.  His sleep did not mean he did not care, but a sign of peace in the storm. (3) They needed to focus upon Jesus and call upon him. O’ how often we forget. We are a forgetful people.
3. Jesus is sufficient for the storms of life. Turn to Jesus, He works in and on the storms of life. Notice He gives two rebukes in this snapshot: First to the storm: “Be still” (Mark 4:39). These are the same words he spoke to in Mark 1:25. This speaks of His sufficiency in both the external storms of life and the internal storms of strife. Second, he rebukes the faithlessness of his disciples (Mark 4:40). This is common theme of His teaching to His disciples, and a common occurrence that is experienced by all believers. In this snapshot Mark captures our insufficient nature. But he also captures our sufficient Savior. He is willing to give us peace. To give us peace in every aspect of our lives. He gives us peace in the storms of uncertainty and tension because of problems that assault us. He gives peace in the storms of anxiety that are within us. He is our Peace!