Christ and his disciples in the storm. The service of Christ— I. CONSISTING IN OBEDIENCE , SYMPATHY , AND CO - OPERATION , II . INVOLVING HARDSHIP AND APPARENT RISK . III. A TRIAL AND DISCIPLINE OF FAITH . 1 . Left to the realization of imminent destruction. 2 . Discovering the weakness of the carnal nature. 3 . Affording opportunity for the moral teaching of the Master. IV. A REVELATION OF THE DIGNITY AND POWER ... read more
The Church in the world. Communion with Christ in— I. SEPARATION . II. TRIAL AND APPARENT DANGER . III. MUTUAL SYMPATHIES AND CARES . IV. FINAL VICTORY AND ATTAINMENT .—M. read more
The stilling of the storm: the deliverance of the Church. The miracles so far recorded were miracles of healing, and demonstrate the dominion of Christ in the realm of the human life—he is Lord of the human body. Now he declares his equal dominion in the realm of disturbed nature, "even the wind and the sea obey him." The Church has found two uses in the miracles of our Lord. 1 . In an earlier age they were a sign to unbelievers, evidences of the authority of the Teacher, attestations... read more
Storm and calm. I. STORMS BREAK UNEXPECTEDLY UPON US . The Lake of Galilee was peculiarly exposed to them from the north; the wind rushed as through a funnel down those gulleys and ravines. This was known to the sailors, yet the storm was unexpected. Life is the lake; change may come at any moment, we know; and yet it is the "unexpected which always happens." II. PRESENCE OF MIND IS NEEDED . To know that the mind is our real place, and all that happens elsewhere... read more
And there arose a great storm of wind ; literally, there ariseth ( γίνεται λαίλαψ ). St. Mark often uses the historical present, which gives vigor and point to his narrative. And the waves beat into the boat, insomuch that the boat was now filling ( ἤδη γεμίζεσθαι ). St. Matthew says ( Matthew 8:24 ), "the boat was covered with the waves." St. Luke ( Luke 8:23 ), "they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy." Bede and ethers have thought that the boat in which... read more
The Christian's extremity Christ's opportunity. I. THE CHRISTIAN FREQUENTLY SUFFERED TO ENTER INTO APPARENT PERIL . 1 . Outward losses troubles Persecution in its various phases and degrees. The major calamities of life. Everything seems against him, and he is continually disappointed; yet the objects sought are reasonable and proper. 2 . Inward griefs and fears. Self-questionings as to being in a state of grace; as to whether or not God's favor has been... read more
And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow ; more literally, he himself was in the stern ( ἦν αὐτὸς ἐπὶ τῇ πρύμνῃ ) asleep on the cushion ( ἐπὶ τὸ προσκεφάλαιον καθεύδων ) . He had changed his posture. He was weary with the labour of addressing the great multitude. He had sought the momentary rest which the crossing of the lake offered to him. He was resting his head upon the low bench which served both for a seat and for a pillow. But while he... read more
Human and Divine remonstrances. Christ and his disciples chide one another, yet gently and affectionately. Representative positions— I. AS SUGGESTING THE OPPOSITE STANDPOINTS FROM WHICH PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES OF THE RELIGIOUS LIFE MAY BE REGARDED . II. As FURNISHING THEIR SOLUTION .—M. read more
And he arose —literally, he awoke ( διεγερθεὶς )— and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still ( σιώπα πεφίμωσο ); literally, Be silent ! be muzzled ! The Greek perfect implies that before the word was uttered, the thing was done by the simple fiat of his will preceding the word. The combined descriptions of the synoptists show that the storm was very violent, such as no human power could have composed or stilled. So that these words indicate the supreme... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:35-41
The storm: the two questions. The scene here depicted by the evangelist is an emblem of the condition, of the needs, of the fears, of the Church of Christ; and of the perpetual presence, the brotherly care, the Divine dignity, of the Lord. The disciples were on the Sea of Gennesaret; and we are upon the sea of life—of this uncertain world. They took Christ with them in the boat; and we have him with us alway. A storm arose and threatened their safety; and we, as long as we are here, are... read more