Series: /

Preacher: Ps. James Tang

Date: 20th July 2025

Passage: Mark 4:35-41

Summary:

How familiar are you with the account of Jesus calming the storm? You might remember how He steers His disciples across the Sea of Galilee, but falls asleep at the crucial moment. (Mk. 4:35-38a) His disciples panic and try to shake Him awake—and they were filled with great fear after witnessing Jesus rebuke the wind and the waves. But do you remember how He rebuked them for their lack of faith? Did you notice the other boats caught in the storm with them? (v.36)

As we reflect on this week’s passage, we realize that we can mistakenly assume the Jesus way to be like the first half of Psalm 23. It should involve lying down in green pastures and being refreshed beside quiet waters (v.2). The Good Shepherd is here to take care of us! However, we forget that following the Good Shepherd includes being led through the valley of the shadow of death. The only difference between us and those who don’t yet know Jesus is that He promises He will be there for us. His rod and His staff comfort us. (v.4)

Just like the disciples, we panic when we shift our gaze away from Him. In their desperation, they questioned if Jesus even cared that they were about to die (Mk. 4:38b). The truth is that they were always safe because Jesus was in the boat with them. When God asks His people to be still in Psalm 46:10, He means not for them to leisurely make space, to quiet down and be still. Instead, He’s asking them to freeze, to stop, to drop everything and focus on Him. That is when we have peace, because we know He is God.

But what about the other boats caught in the storm? What, then, will they do? That is a question we must ask ourselves, church, as we re-evaluate what it means to be caught in the storm with Jesus, and whether we truly have our eyes fixed on Him.