Sleeping in the Storm

The Jesus Gospel Book

The Jesus Gospel© book blends all 4 Gospels into a continuous easy to read record of Jesus’ ministry.  Below are 5 combined verses from Matthew, Mark, and Luke, often referred to as the Synoptic Gospels. These verses are about a storm on the Sea of Galilee with Jesus and His apostles on board. By blending all 3 versions you get a complete and rich account of what happened.

I am not saying that this storm compares to a Hurricane, but when you are on a small boat in the middle of any event that could capsize you, it really would not matter.

Sleeping in the Storm

As we read this short record we see that there were a number of ships that sailed with Jesus on the Sea of Galilee.  Jesus then fell asleep on a pillow.  Afterwards, a GREAT storm of wind arrived, so serious that the ship they were on began taking on water and they were in jeopardy of sinking. It was serious.

Jesus was, however, still asleep during all of this. He was not worried, since He knew he was already prepared.

Do Your Best, Let God Do the Rest

Immediately prior to getting on the ship, Jesus had just completed a full day of teachings, doing the work of His Father. That may have been one reason He was tired. But after doing God’s work, we need to rest in peace and assurance that He will take care of us.

I am not saying we should not be prepared for a storm. No, we need to do everything we need to do to get ready for the worst, but don’t forget to pray and seek God’s guidance.

When we have done all we can, including prayer, then we can rest in the assurance that God is with us.  If more action is needed, know that God is with you and He will let you know.

While on the sea, it took some time for the disciples to wake up Jesus as evidenced by their persistence. We can see the progression (see below)  in the disciples’ concern for their lives reflected in the language they used to address Christ. At first, the Greek word for “Master” “Epistates” in Luke 8:24 is used, which can be translated “an appointee over” It then progresses to “Didaskalos” which can be translated as “doctor, master, teacher” Finally, in Matthew 8:25 “kurios” which means supremacy; supremein authority. It is also probable that a number of those on board spoke at the same time and that each of the Gospels recorded each of the different sayings.

As Jesus continued to sleep, they increased in concern.  If Jesus is sleeping, all if well. We need to know that we are taken care of AFTER we have done everything we can. That means taking the advice of others, INCLUDING Government and local authorities.  Remember, it was a non-Jewish person who had to finally inform Moses how he needed to change to handle God’s people. We need to listen to all, test all, and pray for our guidance.

The Jesus Gospel
Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:36-41; Luke 8:22-25

Mt 8:23 Mk 4:36 .Lk 8:22	And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And there were also with him other little ships. And they launched forth.
Mt 8:24 Mk 4:37 Lk 8:23	But as they sailed he fell asleep: and, behold, there came down a great storm of wind on the lake; and arose a great tempest in the sea and the waves beat into the ship, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: so that they were now filled with water, and were in jeopardy.
Mt 8:25-26. Mk 4:38 Lk 8:24.	But he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: And his disciples came to him and awoke him, saying, “Master, master, we perish…” “Master, carest thou not that we perish?” “Lord, save us: we perish.” And he saith unto them, “Why are ye fearful, “O ye of little faith?”
Mk 4:39-40 .Mt 8:26 .Lk 8:24-25.	And then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water and: said unto the sea, “Peace, be still.” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, “Where is your faith?” “Why are ye so fearful? “How is it that ye have no faith?
Mt 8:27 .Lk 8:25 Mk 4:41	But the men marvelled and they feared exceedingly saying one to another, “What manner of man is this? For he commandeth that even the winds and the sea and water, and they obey him?”