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The Stilling of the Storm
This chapter is based on Matthew 8:23-34; Mark 4:35-41; 5:1-20;
Luke 8:22-39.
It had been an eventful day. Beside the Sea of Galilee Jesus had
spoken His first parables, explaining the nature of His kingdom and
how it was to be established. He had compared His work to that
of the sower and the development of His kingdom to the growth of
the mustard seed and the effect of leaven in flour. He had pictured
the final separation of the righteous and the wicked in the parables
of the wheat and tares and the fishing net. The precious truths He
taught had been illustrated by the hidden treasure and the pearl of
great price.
As evening came on, the crowds still pressed in on Him. Day
after day He had ministered to them, scarcely pausing for food or
rest. Now the close of day found Him so completely weary that
He went looking for rest in some solitary place across the lake. He
asked His disciples to accompany Him there.
After He had sent the crowds away, the disciples took Him into
the boat and quickly set off. But other fishing boats lying near the
shore were soon crowded with people who followed Jesus, still eager
to see and hear Him.
The Savior, overcome with weariness and hunger, lay down in
the stern of the boat and soon fell asleep. The evening had been
calm and pleasant, but suddenly darkness spread over the sky, and a
fierce storm burst upon the lake.
The waves, lashed into fury by howling winds, dashed fiercely
over the boat and threatened to sink it. Those strong fishermen
had guided their boats safely through many a storm, but now their
strength and skill were of no use. Helpless in the grasp of the storm,
they saw their boat filling.
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