The story of Jesus calming the storm is told in the three Synoptic Gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Jesus had been teaching near the Sea of Galilee. Afterwards, He wanted a respite from the crowds so decided to take a boat with the apostles to the opposite shore where there were no large towns (Mark 4:35-36). The Bible reports not long after they sailed, Jesus fell asleep, and a storm arose (Luke 8:23).
Here are two important points that reveal the true humanity of Christ: He needed rest and time away from crowds, and He was so exhausted that even the battering of the boat did not awaken Him (Matthew 8:24). These truths should help us realize that Jesus was genuinely human with the same basic needs we all have. Christ’s humanity is part of what qualifies Him to be our merciful intercessor between us and God the Father (Hebrews 2:17).
Although the text doesn’t say which apostles were with Jesus on the boat, it’s probable that seasoned fishermen (at least four of the twelve) were aboard. These men were quite familiar with the ways of the sea; certainly, this was not their experience with a storm on a body of water which was known for its sudden raging storms. Even these professional fishermen were frightened by this storm, to the point of fearing for their lives (Luke 8:24).
Mark’s account tells us that a “furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4:37-38 NIV).
It’s significant that Jesus’ sleep was deep and sound, even though the storm, was already filling the boat. The Bible says the sleep of a believer will be sweet and peaceful because he knows the Lord is with him (Proverbs 3:24; Psalm 4:8). This is why Jesus, when He was awakened, rebuked the disciples with the questions: “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40 NIV).
The apostles’ lack of faith reminds us that even those who lived and walked with Jesus, saw His miracles, and heard His message still found it difficult to be 100 percent faith-filled all the time. In that way, the disciples were a lot like us. However, their lack of faith was rebuked—and, by extension, so is ours. If Jesus was able to rescue the apostles from the storm, He is also able to rescue us from the storms of everyday life: sickness, job loss, marriage problems, and even the sting of death (1 Corinthians 15:55).
Jesus never promised we will never see a storm in life (as a matter of fact, He has told us to expect trouble, John 16:33). Rather, He has promised that He will be with us in the storm. He will never leave His children alone in amid trouble; with perseverance they will overcome (Deuteronomy 31:8; James 1:12).
This passage not only reveals Jesus’ true humanity, but also the divine nature of Christ, because only God can make the “winds and water obey” (Luke 8:25). With one quick word from Jesus, the storm ceased, and the sea became calm (Mark 4:39). The apostles marveled at this powerful display of Jesus’ supernatural ability over the elements (Luke 8:25). This should be comforting to the Christian during the storms of life. Faith in Christ is never misplaced. If He can calm the storms of the sea with one word, He can calm the storms of life as well.