Marcos 4

Kenneth Wuest · Citado em PreceptAustin

Marcos 4

Wuest - What a day it had been, the blasphemous accusation, the visit of the mother and brothers to take Him home, the leaving of the crowded house for the seaside, then in the house again, and now out of the house for the open sea. The designation of the time is of especial note, for Mark does not usually call attention to this. Our Lord and His disciples were on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, and a trip over to the eastern shore would be a delightful and refreshing change for the weary Lord Jesus. This was His only way to escape the crowds. When evening came - Mark gives a second chronological marker. So which evening because the Jews had two "evenings." So this could have been the first (mid-afternoon to sundown) or the second evening (sundown to dark). Most likely the reference is to sundown. He said to them - Jesus is addressing His 12 disciples. Clearly this was larger boat to hold all 13 men. Jesus initiates the trip into the storm. Indeed, God sometimes takes us into storms not to discipline us but to disciple us, not to break us, but to make us better, more like His Son. God knew how "hot" to turn up the "thermostat" to create a viable test of the faith of these men, many of whom were seasoned fishermen. Likewise, God knows the best means to test His children, turning up the thermostat not to destroy us but to increase our faith and our their heart. Are you in a furnace of affliction? Then remember the words of Paul promising that... "No temptation (TEST - peirasmos) has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, Who will not allow you to be tempted (TESTED - peirazo) beyond what you are able, but with the temptation (TEST - peirasmos) will provide the way (NOT "A" WAY BUT "THE" WAY - KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN FOR THIS DIVINE "ESCAPE HATCH") of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it (NOT TOTALLY ESCAPE IT BUT PERSEVERE THROUGH THE TRIAL). (1 Cor 10:13+) Let us go over to the other side - Did Jesus know there was going to be a "pop test" for the 12 disciples? The text does not say, but I think He did know, for there were other times in the Gospels where we see Him exercise omniscience. Hiebert - The aorist verb pass over carries a note of urgency. The verb is commonly used of a journey by land, but here of crossing a body of water. The “other side” was the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee, which, in contrast to the western shore, had no large cities along the shore of the lake. The obvious purpose of the withdrawal was to get away from the pressure of the crowds after an exhausting day. (Ibid) Brian Bill - While the Sea of Galilee is mentioned 53 times in the Gospels and is the setting or backdrop for many of the messages and miracles of Jesus, hardly any focus is on “the other side.” That’s primarily because that side of the lake was where the Gentiles lived and Jewish people avoided that area at all cost. They didn’t want to hang out with pagan people and it was commonly believed that the devil himself had his dwelling there. The “other side” was unsettling and uncertain so they’d rather stay away. Likewise, we’re called to follow Jesus’ plan even when it doesn’t make sense. Incidentally, this is not a suggestion but a command of Christ according to Matthew 8:18+: “...He gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake.” Just as Jesus called His first followers to go with Him to the other side, so too each of us must go where He goes, even if we’re uncomfortable with people who are different from us. The disciples don’t hesitate. If that’s where Jesus wants to go then that’s where they’ll go....The Sea of Galilee is really a lake but is called a sea because it has a lot of the same characteristics. It is 13 miles long and 8 miles wide and is the lowest fresh water lake in the world. This sea is known for its severe storms as cold wind whips down from snow-capped Mount Hermon and combines with the warm lake air causing explosive thunderstorms and gale-force winds. It was not uncommon for the waves to reach a height of 10-12 feet and sometimes up to 20 feet. One commentator writes: “The Sea was known to swallow entire ships and gulp down people. It was a common superstition for people to view the water as the abyss, where demons lurked in the deep. This sea was considered the manifestation of the realm of death. Besides that, the lake was thought to be where mysterious sea creatures, known as leviathan, lived. Given these superstitions, it’s no wonder that many lived with some aquaphobia.” (Sermon) Sammy Burgess summarizes this story (from sermon on Luke 8 parallel passage) (1) The Teaching That is Excellent (ED: refers to previous parables) (2) The Test That Is Experienced (3) The Trust That Is Expected He's the Master of the Sea Luke 8:22-26 Brian Bell - St. Patrick was neither Irish nor Roman Catholic. Born in Britain. Carried off by pirates at age 16. He was forced to work as a slave in Ireland. After 6 years, during which he experienced a conversion, he then escaped & returned to Britain & his family. Later, he had a night vision in which he received a call to evangelize Ireland. St. Patrick ended up becoming the greatest single force in the Christianization of Ireland. Way to Go Pat! Makes me want to go Green. I would say getting yanked from your homeland as a junior in H.S. & live as a slave till your 22 would have been a pretty tough Life Storm to ride out. But he did so, by experiencing the presence of Jesus! (Sermon) (See also Who was Saint Patrick and why do we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?) No Worries - Read: Mark 4:35–5:1 | Let us go over to the other side. Mark 4:35 A comfortable plane ride was about to get bumpy. The voice of the captain interrupted in-flight beverage service and asked passengers to make sure their seatbelts were fastened. Soon the plane began to roll and pitch like a ship on a wind-whipped ocean. While the rest of the passengers were doing their best to deal with the turbulence, a little girl sat through it all reading her book. After the plane landed, she was asked why she had been able to be so calm. She responded, “My daddy is the pilot and he’s taking me home.” Though Jesus’ disciples were seasoned fishermen, they were terrified the day a storm threatened to swamp their boat. They were following Jesus’ instructions. Why was this happening? (Mark 4:35-38). He was with them but He was asleep at the stern of the craft. They learned that day that it is not true that when we do as our Lord says there will be no storms in our lives. Yet because He was with them, they also learned that storms don’t stop us from getting to where our Lord wants us to go (5:1). Storms don’t stop us from getting to where our Lord wants us to go. Whether the storm we encounter today is the result of a tragic accident, a loss of employment, or some other trial, we can be confident that all is not lost. Our Pilot can handle the storm. He will get us home. What storms are you encountering today? Perhaps you have lost a loved one or are facing a serious illness. Perhaps you are having difficulty finding a job. Ask the Lord to strengthen your faith and take you safely through the storm to the other side. We don't need to fear the storm with Jesus as our anchor. Mark 4:35-41 - "What Manner of Man!" - FULL of truth for us today is the Gospel account of our Lord stilling the tempest (Matt. 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25). Matthew tells us (8:18) that when Jesus saw great multitudes about Him, He gave orders to depart unto the other side of the sea. There is a time to mix with and minister to the crowd, and there is also a time to leave the crowd. Some of us, in our zeal to serve, stay with the crowd when we need to get away for rest and renewed strength. Mark says the disciples took the Lord "even as He was" in the ship. Tired from the busy day, He soon fell asleep. The storm must have been terrific, for these disciples were seasoned fishermen for the most part, used to the waves, and yet they were alarmed. But no matter how fierce the tempest, they had seen our Lord perform His miracles, had witnessed His power over nature, and they should not have given way to panic. How typical of human nature! We believe in a Christ who works wonders. We believe, theoretically, in His supernatural power, but when the actual crisis arises, we are terrified. No wonder that He asks, "Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?" This incident has been misinterpreted again and again. We have heard it applied in this way: Christ asleep in the boat is Christ in the believer, dormant, not called into action; but when the crisis arises, we may call upon Him and be delivered. But this is erroneous. If the disciples had more faith they would not have awakened our Lord, they would have let Him sleep. It was fear and not faith that led them to arouse Him. Besides, Christ is not supposed to be a dormant guest in our hearts, to be aroused only in emergency. He abides in us, and if we trusted as we ought we would rest in peace in any storm because, although at times He may seem to be asleep, we are sure of the fact of His presence—and that is enough. We have grown accustomed to hearing this familiar story, but if we valued it aright we would cry out as did these disciples: "What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" Here He manifested His power over wind and wave, for all things are subject to Him by whom and for whom all things were made. Mark also adds the significant little note: "And there were also with him other little ships." We are not alone upon life's sea. Other lives share in our blessing; and if the Lord is with us, His benefits to us reach out and indirectly bless others. All the little ships profited from our Lord's presence in one ship. The ship that carries Jesus liveth not unto itself. Even lives in which He does not dwell personally are benefitted by His presence in our lives. Is the Lord in your boat? At times He may seem asleep. He may answer you not a word. He may tarry as He did in Lazarus' sickness. But rest assured that if He be present, all things shall work together for good. Do not awaken Him in panic; rest upon His word, "Where is your faith?" (Vance Havner) Mark 4:35–5:1 The Storms of Life - You may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith . . . may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7 In the book of Mark we read about a terrible storm. The disciples were with Jesus on a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee. When a “furious squall came up,” the disciples—among them some seasoned fishermen—were afraid for their lives (Mark 4:37-38). Did God not care? Weren’t they handpicked by Jesus and closest to Him? Weren’t they obeying Jesus who told them to “go over to the other side”? (v. 35). Why, then, were they going through such a turbulent time? No one is exempt from the storms of life. But just as the disciples who initially feared the storm later came to revere Christ more, so the storms we face can bring us to a deeper knowledge of God. “Who is this,” the disciples pondered, “even the wind and the waves obey him!” (v. 41). Through our trials we can learn that no storm is big enough to prevent God from accomplishing His will (5:1). While we may not understand why God allows trials to enter our lives, we thank Him that through them we can come to know who He is. We live to serve Him because He has preserved our lives.By Albert Lee Lord, I know I don’t need to fear the storms of life around me. Help me to be calm because I stand secure in You. The storms of life prove the strength of our anchor. Mark 4:35-41 Facing Hardships - Even when believers follow Christ’s bidding, they may face hardships. For example, Jesus’ disciples were doing God’s will when they took Him across the lake, for he had commanded them to do so. Yet they were buffeted by a dreadful tempest, and they seemed to be in danger of drowning. A storm - and Christ on board! It seems a contradiction. Wouldn’t His presence ensure a peaceful journey? Not at all! Life frequently becomes more difficult after a person has accepted Christ as Savior and Lord. The Christian encounters the devil’s opposition. But a storm - and Christ asleep! That even deepens the perplexity! Our Lord’s silence, the frustrating delays, the mysteries of his dealings - these are too profound for us to understand. Yet we can be certain that His purpose in testing our faith is to strengthen it. God will surly fulfill his plan for us through our struggles, and His deliverance will lead us to praise Him. Mark 4:36 Leaving the crowd, they took Him along with them in the boat, just as He was; and other boats were with Him. Wuest - And having dismissed the crowd, they take Him under their care just as He was, in the boat, and there were other boats with Him. NET Mark 4:36 So after leaving the crowd, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat, and other boats were with him. GNT Mark 4:36 καὶ ἀφέντες τὸν ὄχλον παραλαμβάνουσιν αὐτὸν ὡς ἦν ἐν τῷ πλοίῳ, καὶ ἄλλα πλοῖα ἦν μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ. NLT Mark 4:36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). KJV Mark 4:36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. ESV Mark 4:36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. NIV Mark 4:36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. ASV Mark 4:36 And leaving the multitude, they take him with them, even as he was, in the boat. And other boats were with him. CSB Mark 4:36 So they left the crowd and took Him along since He was already in the boat. And other boats were with Him. NKJ Mark 4:36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. NRS Mark 4:36 And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. YLT Mark 4:36 and having let away the multitude, they take him up as he was in the boat, and other little boats also were with him. NAB Mark 4:36 Leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. NJB Mark 4:36 And leaving the crowd behind they took him, just as he was, in the boat; and there were other boats with him. GWN Mark 4:36 Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus along in a boat just as he was. Other boats were with him. BBE Mark 4:36 And going away from the people, they took him with them, as he was, in the boat. And other boats were with him. Mk 4:1, 3:9 Mark 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Parallel Passages - Matthew 8:23+ When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. (Note: This is after a discussion on the "Cost of Discipleship" in Mt 8:18-22+ that is not recorded in Mark's Gospel) Luke 8:22+ Now on one of those days Jesus and His disciples got into a boat, and He said to them, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they launched out. Click to enlarge - from the Holman Bible Atlas (digital book; Hardcover) copyright © 1998 B&H Publishing Group, Used by permission, all rights reserved. This is one of the best resources for Bible maps. Please do not reproduce this map on any other webpage. Hiebert helps us with the context noting that "Four separate withdrawals from Galilee by Jesus and His disciples marked the latter part of the great Galilean ministry. Prompted by His desire for relief from the pressure of the crowds, Jesus’ first withdrawal was of short duration and was followed by further aggressive work in Galilee (Mk 4:35–6:29). The second withdrawal, an effort to get some time alone with His disciples for rest and discussion, also was brief; and His return marked further ministry and controversy (Mk 6:30–7:23). During the third withdrawal, of considerable duration, Jesus deliberately took His disciples out of Galilee in order to be able to devote time to their special training (Mk 7:24–8:13). Immediate opposition from the Pharisees upon His return prompted the fourth withdrawal, marking the termination of His public ministry in Galilee (Mk 8:14–9:50). This first withdrawal and return were marked by a series of miracles which demonstrated the lordship of Jesus in different areas (Mk 4:35–5:43). The further ministry in Galilee was marked by rejection, intensified work, and growing agitation (Mk 6:1–29). (Gospel of Mark: An Expositional Commentary) Note that this Storm Story is the first of 4 stories that demonstrate Jesus' power and authority: Jesus power and authority over nature (Mark 4:35-41). Jesus power and authority over demons (Mark 5:1-20). Jesus power and authority over sickness (Mark 5:25-34). Jesus power and authority over death (Mark 5:21-24, 35-43). Note that in Mt 8:18 " Now when Jesus saw a crowd around Him, He gave orders to depart to the other side of the sea." As they were preparing to cross the Sea of Galilee, Matthew records a conversation on the "Cost of Discipleship" in Mt 8:18-22+ which is not recorded by Mark. Daniel Akin writes that "God orchestrates an event in the lives of the disciples to increase their faith in the One they should already trust. Why? Because He is God and “with God nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37+)." (Sermon) Leaving the crowd - "having dismissed the crowd." (Wuest). Leaving (863)(aphiemi from apo = prefix speaks of separation, putting some distance between + hiemi = put in motion, send) conveys the basic idea of an action which causes separation. Aphiemi conveys the basic idea of an action which causes separation and refers to total detachment or total separation from a previous location. It is also means to forgive or of letting go of the obligation one "owes" us or we "owe" God. (as in Mt 6:12+). They took Him along with them in the boat, just as He was - "The disciples took the exhausted Lord Jesus under their care just as He was, in the boat." (Wuest) Note that 12 disciples of Jesus plus Jesus means this was a big boat! In 1986, a boat dating from Jesus' time was discovered in the mud near the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is 26.5 feet long, 7.5 feet wide, and 4.5 feet deep, with an elevated stern. It could hold up to fifteen people. (See picture of Sea of Galilee Boat). They took...along (3880)(paralambano from para = beside + lambano = appropriate, receive) means to receive from another, to receive alongside or in the present context meaning to take to oneself into close association. The same idea is used where the angel says to Joseph, “Take the young child and His mother, and flee into Egypt” (Mt. 2:13+), that is, “Take the young child and His mother under your protection and care.” To take with one in order to carry away as in Jesus' allusion to the Rapture in John 14:3 where the taking also conveys a sense close fellowship and agreement associated with the receiving to Himself. And other boats were with Him - This detail is not given by either Matthew or Luke. What happened to these boats? Mark does not tell us but only says "They came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gerasenes." (Mk 5:1+). Note that storms hit the boat with believers and the boats that may have had non-believers. That is the nature of storms, especially "storms" like the Covid19 Virus Storm of 2020 which wreaked havoc on the entire world. Vance Havner wrote that "It was a mountain preacher who followed a strange outline in his sermon on the text, "And there were also with him other little ships" (Mark 4:36). The main ship, he declared, is Lordship. If that ship leads, all the other ships will fall in line: Church membership, Worship, Stewardship, Discipleship, Fellowship." Brian Bell - Crisis = [see below - from Greek krisis “decisive moment”] Crisis is a situation or period in which things are very uncertain, difficult, or painful. Crisis is a critical moment: a time when something very important for the future happens or is decided. Crisis is a good thing…it helps people change! God knows that, and lovingly provides those times of crisis for us. They can come in countless forms: disaster; catastrophe; emergency; calamity; predicament; job loss; spouse loss; child loss; etc. Remember Issac Newton First Law of Motion, “Everything continues in a state of rest unless it is compelled to change by forces impressed upon it.” No one is willing to do real Change until real Crisis comes! Some people will change when they see the light; others change only when they feel the heat! Just as we vaccinate our children w/the very disease we don’t want them to get, to build up their immune system; So Christ builds our Spiritual Immune System w/ Slide#13c storms, waves, wind, trials! Jesus can be trusted in the storms of life. You can sail with Him right into a sea of tribulation. With Him you’ll never suffer the shipwreck of your soul. It’s like soaring like a kite. You have to run right into/against the wind...to make it go up,up,up! crisis (n.) early 15c., crise, crisis, "decisive point in the progress of a disease," also "vitally important or decisive state of things, point at which change must come, for better or worse," from Latinized form of Greek krisis "turning point in a disease, that change which indicates recovery or death" (used as such by Hippocrates and Galen), literally "judgment, result of a trial, selection," from krinein "to separate, decide, judge," from PIE root *krei- "to sieve," thus "discriminate, distinguish." Transferred non-medical sense is 1620s in English. WIKIPEDIA - The Chinese word for "crisis" (simplified Chinese: 危机; traditional Chinese: 危機; pinyin: wēijī (Mainland), wéijī (Taiwan)[1]) is frequently invoked in Western motivational speaking as being composed of two Chinese characters signifying "danger" and "opportunity" respectively. While the original meaning of wēijī is "danger at a point of juncture," and many linguists and native Chinese speakers highlight the errors in its Western reinterpretation, the term's "danger-plus-opportunity" meaning has been so widely used by politicians, businesspeople, and in popular culture that its alternative etymology has been picked up all over the world, including by some native Chinese speakers. In The Same Boat When He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. —Matthew 8:23 Today's Scripture & Insight:Matthew 8:23-27 When the cruise ship pulled into port, the passengers got off as quickly as possible. They had spent the last few days enduring an outbreak of a virus, and hundreds of people had been sickened. One passenger, interviewed as he disembarked, said: “Well, I don’t mean to complain so much. I mean I know everybody was in the same boat.” His seemingly unintentional pun made the reporter smile. In Matthew 8, we read about another trip on the water (vv.23-27). Jesus got into the boat and the disciples followed Him (v.23). Then a terrible storm arose, and Jesus’ disciples feared for their lives. They awakened a sleeping Jesus, who they assumed was unaware of the crisis. While Jesus was literally in the same boat as His followers, He was unconcerned about the weather. As the all-powerful Creator, He had no fear of a storm. “He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm” (v.26). Heavenly Father, this life is full of uncertainty. But You have promised us Your unfailing presence. May we see You today—especially when we are tempted to panic or to do things in our own strength. No danger can come so near the Christian that God is not nearer. Mark 4:37 And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. Wuest - And there arises a great windstorm of hurricane proportions, and the waves kept on beating into the boat, so that already it was being filled. NET Mark 4:37 Now a great windstorm developed and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was nearly swamped. GNT Mark 4:37 καὶ γίνεται λαῖλαψ μεγάλη ἀνέμου καὶ τὰ κύματα ἐπέβαλλεν εἰς τὸ πλοῖον, ὥστε ἤδη γεμίζεσθαι τὸ πλοῖον. NLT Mark 4:37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. KJV Mark 4:37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. ESV Mark 4:37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. NIV Mark 4:37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. ASV Mark 4:37 And there ariseth a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the boat, insomuch that the boat was now filling. CSB Mark 4:37 A fierce windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. NKJ Mark 4:37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. NRS Mark 4:37 A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. YLT Mark 4:37 And there cometh a great storm of wind, and the waves were beating on the boat, so that it is now being filled, NAB Mark 4:37 A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. NJB Mark 4:37 Then it began to blow a great gale and the waves were breaking into the boat so that it was almost swamped. GWN Mark 4:37 A violent windstorm came up. The waves were breaking into the boat so that it was quickly filling up. BBE Mark 4:37 And a great storm of wind came up, and the waves came into the boat, so that the boat was now becoming full. there arose : Mt 8:23,24 Lu 8:22,23 a fierce gale of wind: Job 1:12,19 Ps 107:23-31 Jon 1:4 Ac 27:14-20,41 2Co 11:25 Mark 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Parallel Passages: Mt 8:24+ And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. Luke 8:23+ But as they were sailing along He fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger. God is In Control SEVERE SQUALL BRINGS DIRE STRAITS In dire straits means in a very bad, bleak, grim or difficult situation, a very serious, bad circumstance. A squall is a sudden strong wind or brief turbulent storm. Do you remember when you were in school and had been taught for several weeks about history or geometry, etc? What followed the teaching time? You always had a test to see if you had learned the lessons taught. We see a similar situation with the disciples who had been taught several parables and now it was "examination time." Brian Bell adds that "After a long day of teaching…time for some practical tests to see what they’ve learned! This storm was part of the day’s curriculum. [Storm theology 101] The journey of this boat is a picture of the journey of life. Jesus can You be trusted in the storms of life? Many think that storms only come when they’ve disobeyed God. Jonah ended up in a storm because of his disobedience; The disciples got into a storm because of their obedience. (Sermon) Better to go through the storm with Christ than to have smooth sailing without Him. And there arose a fierce (megas) gale of wind - "The Sea of Galilee is located in a depression some 700 ft (200 m) below sea level and is surrounded by hills. Frequently a rush of wind and the right mix of temperatures can cause a storm to come suddenly on the lake. Storms on the Sea of Galilee were known for their suddenness and violence." (NET) God is in control (Play Twila Paris' song) and here in His perfect providence and sovereignty either allowed or sent this storm. Either way He is able to use storms (and trials in our life) for our good and His glory. He is the God of Romans 8:28 and ever able to cause all things to work together for good to those who love Him (His disciples) and are called according to His purpose. Hiebert - These storms often swept down on the sea through the deep gaps in the highlands surrounding the lake. The deep ravines served as gigantic funnels to draw the wind down upon the waters. For a boat to capsize in such a storm meant sure death. (Ibid) Wuest - Vincent quotes a Mr. Macgregor: “On the Sea of Galilee the wind has a singular force and suddenness; and this is no doubt because that sea is so deep in the world that the sun rarefies the air in it enormously, and the wind speeding swiftly above a long and level plateau, gathers much force as it sweeps through flat deserts, until suddenly it meets this huge gap in the way, and it tumbles down here irresistible.” Robertson suggests that the storm fell suddenly from Mount Hermon down into the Jordan Valley and hit the Sea of Galilee violently at its depth of 682 feet below the Mediterranean Sea. He explains that the hot air at this depth draws the storm down with sudden power. Luke says (Lk 8:23), “there came down a storm on the lake.” Matthew describes it as a seismos, a violent upheaval like an earthquake (Mt 8:24). These sudden storms continue to this day. THOUGHT - "When serious trials hit, I often hear people say, “The Lord didn’t cause this trial; He only allowed it.” Somehow they think that they are getting God off the hook. Sometimes they will even say, “Satan, not God, caused this tragedy.” They think that by blaming Satan or by saying that God only allowed it, they preserve His love. But they do so at the expense of His sovereignty. But the Bible clearly affirms that God is both loving and sovereign. You will not derive any comfort in trials by denying God’s sovereignty. True, God may use Satan to bring trials, as He did in the case of Job." (Cole) God clearly states, “I am the Lord, and there is no other, the One forming light and creating darkness, causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the Lord who does all these” (Is 45:6-7). You will find comfort in trials only if you affirm both God’s absolute sovereignty and His unfailing love. Isaiah 45:6-7 adds "That men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun That there is no one besides Me. I am the LORD, and there is no other, The One forming light and creating darkness, Causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the LORD who does all these." Gale (2978)(lailaps) refers to a whirlwind, a tempestuous wind, a squall or a violent wind. Wuest says lailaps "never refers to a single gust, nor a steadily blowing wind, however violent, but to a storm breaking forth from black thunder-clouds in furious gusts, with floods of rain, and throwing everything topsy-turvy. According to Aristotle, it is a whirlwind revolving from below upwards. It is used in the LXX of the whirlwind out of which God answered Job."

Marcos 4

Wuest writes Jesus' teaching "was line upon line, precept upon precept. The teaching was simplicity itself, and possibly oft repeated in order that the people might understand." Again is a time phrase (so to speak) and should prompt the question since "again" means once more, when did Mark record His prior teachings? The answer is... Mark 1:21-22+ They *went into Capernaum; and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and began to teach. 22 They were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Mark 2:13+ And He went out again by the seashore; and all the people were coming to Him, and He was teaching them. Notice the diagram above depicting the PUBLIC MINISTRY of Jesus, where the SHADED AREAS refer to the sections discussed in the Gospel of Mark. Note that references to Mark are recorded along the lower border of the diagram ("Middle Galilean Ministry" which Jensen says lasts about 10 months), where you see Mark 1:1, 1:14, 3:12. Now that you are oriented what do you see about Jesus popularity and opposition? Clearly the former is on the decline and the latter is on the incline! This marks a pivotal turning point in the ministry of Jesus. From here on, the opposition will steadily increase until it ends up nailing His hands and feet to an old rugged Cross. And such a very large crowd gathered to Him that He got into a boat in the sea and sat down and the whole crowd was by the sea on the land - Jesus could hardly be heard if He stayed in the midst of the surging crowd, so to be heard by all He moves to the boat where he would also be able to sit down, taking the posture typical of a rabbi when they were teaching. In many places along the seashore, the hills would rise around the shore and in effect produce a natural amphitheater. In any event, there is no doubt that despite "standing room only" every one was able to hear Jesus' words. It reminds me of the stories of John Whitefield in the days of the first Great Awakening in America where it was not uncommon for him to speak to crowds as large as 20,000 (or even greater) without electronic voice amplification! We do not know how large the crowd was but it is reasonable to speculate that it was many thousands. Note that (hoste) can be translated "so that" and indicates a term of purpose or result. The size of the crowd resulted Jesus moving His "pulpit" in order to accomodate the size of the crowd. They are about to be confronted with parabolic teaching. Daniel Akin - It is interesting to notice how often the Bible uses some part of the human body to make an important spiritual observation or illustrate an important biblical truth. Feet – Romans 10:15, “And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Hands and Knees – Hebrews 12:12-13, “Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.” Tongue – James 3:6, “And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.” Eyes – Matthew 6:22, “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.” Hair – Matthew 10:30, “But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” Heart – Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Ears – Mark 4:9, “And he said, ‘He who has ears to hear, let him hear.’” (Mark 4:1-20 Sowing the Seed) Mark 4:2 And He was teaching them many things in parables, and was saying to them in His teaching, NET Mark 4:2 He taught them many things in parables, and in his teaching said to them: GNT Mark 4:2 καὶ ἐδίδασκεν αὐτοὺς ἐν παραβολαῖς πολλά καὶ ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς ἐν τῇ διδαχῇ αὐτοῦ, NLT Mark 4:2 He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables, such as this one: KJV Mark 4:2 And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine, ESV Mark 4:2 And he was teaching them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them: NIV Mark 4:2 He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: ASV Mark 4:2 And he taught them many things in parables, and said unto them in his teaching, CSB Mark 4:2 He taught them many things in parables, and in His teaching He said to them: NKJ Mark 4:2 Then He taught them many things by parables, and said to them in His teaching: NRS Mark 4:2 He began to teach them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them: YLT Mark 4:2 and he taught them many things in similes, and he said to them in his teaching: NAB Mark 4:2 And he taught them at length in parables, and in the course of his instruction he said to them, NJB Mark 4:2 He taught them many things in parables, and in the course of his teaching he said to them, GWN Mark 4:2 He used stories as illustrations to teach them many things. While he was teaching them, he said, BBE Mark 4:2 And he gave them teaching about a number of things in the form of stories, and said to them in his teaching, Give ear: parables: Mk 4:11,34 3:23 Ps 49:4 78:2 Mt 13:3,10,34,35 in His: Mk 12:38 Mt 7:28 Joh 7:16,17 18:19 Mark 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries TEACHING IN PARABLES Mark 4:1-34 contains 4 parables and is the longest teaching section in the Gospel of Mark. And He was teaching them many things in parables, and was saying to them in His teaching - Was teaching is the imperfect tense picturing this as His ongoing activity. In Mark Jesus first taught in parables (see below) in Mark 3:23+ using the parables to refute the Pharisees' accusation that He was performing miraculous deeds by the power of Satan. There is a basic difference in His use of parables in Mark 3 and all subsequent parabolic teaching, because in Mark 3 the parables were spoken in such a way that the hearers could clearly understand the meaning.

Marcos 4

Wuest adds that "The demand was quite natural, for a summons such as this was necessary if He was to obtain the attention of the crowd on shore while He was speaking from a ship. It was a crowd more interested in coming in contact with the Lord Jesus in order to be healed than in salvation for their souls." It is interesting to note that Jesus the first word of this parable is listen and the very last word of the parable is also listen (Mk 4:9) and both uses are in the present imperative. Jesus was clearly making the point that it was urgent and important to listen to what He was saying! In fact Jesus' focus on the importance of listen recalls the great "Shema" Israel's foundational confession in Deut 6:4 "Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!" In the Septuagint the same Greek verb (akouo) is used as here in Mark 4 and is also in the present imperative. The point in the Old Testament cry to "Hear" and Jesus' command in this section is that HEARING is the only way one could understand what God desired from His people, and specifically the only way His hearers could understand His parables. But as the context shows, Jesus was not calling for the Jews to hear "sound waves" simply bouncing off the drum of their ears, but was callling for His "sound waves" be received and transcribed, indeed written on the tablet of their hearts. The hearing He was commanding was in essence a call for heeding what He was saying, listening with receptivity and a heart desire to respond to His words! (cf James 1:22-24+). In fact one might even say that listen was a key word in Mark 4 as it occurs 10x (Mk. 4:3; Mk. 4:9; Mk. 4:12; Mk. 4:15; Mk. 4:16; Mk. 4:18; Mk. 4:20; Mk. 4:23; Mk. 4:24; Mk. 4:33), the most concentrated use of listen in Mark's entire gospel. Listen - Mk. 2:1; Mk. 2:17; Mk. 3:8; Mk. 3:21; Mk. 4:3; Mk. 4:9; Mk. 4:12; Mk. 4:15; Mk. 4:16; Mk. 4:18; Mk. 4:20; Mk. 4:23; Mk. 4:24; Mk. 4:33; Mk. 5:27; Mk. 6:2; Mk. 6:11; Mk. 6:14; Mk. 6:16; Mk. 6:20; Mk. 6:29; Mk. 6:55; Mk. 7:14; Mk. 7:16; Mk. 7:25; Mk. 7:37; Mk. 8:18; Mk. 9:7; Mk. 10:41; Mk. 10:47; Mk. 11:14; Mk. 11:18; Mk. 12:28; Mk. 12:29; Mk. 12:37; Mk. 13:7; Mk. 14:11; Mk. 14:58; Mk. 14:64; Mk. 15:35; Mk. 16:11; Hearing and heeding what Jesus says is important and is reiterated at the end of the parable in Mark 4:9 where Jesus says “He who has ears to hear, let him hear (a command).” And again He alludes to hearing in Mk 4:20+ describing those who "hear the word and accept it." THOUGHT - The simple but serious application is "Do you (I) have ears to hear Jesus?" This is the only place in the Gospels that Jesus uses these two "attention getters" (listen, behold) in the same sentence! Clearly He wants the crowd to "Listen up!" What He is going to say is very important. In fact many feel that if you cannot understand this parable, you cannot understand the other parables which follow, for as He says to His disciples "Do you not understand this parable? How will you understand all the parables?" (Mk 4:13+) Behold(2400)(idou) is the second person singular aorist middle imperative of eidon which means to see, perceive, look at. In the NT idou is used as a demonstrative particle that draws attention to what follows. Idou in the middle voice means "you yourself look, see, perceive!" The aorist imperative is a command emphasizing "Do it now! Don't delay!"

Marcos 4

Wuest - And other (seeds of the same kind) fell on ground that was good, and they kept on yielding fruit, growing up and increasing, and they kept on bearing, (some) up to thirty, and (some) to sixty, and (some) to one hundred. NET Mark 4:8 But other seed fell on good soil and produced grain, sprouting and growing; some yielded thirty times as much, some sixty, and some a hundred times." GNT Mark 4:8 καὶ ἄλλα ἔπεσεν εἰς τὴν γῆν τὴν καλὴν καὶ ἐδίδου καρπὸν ἀναβαίνοντα καὶ αὐξανόμενα καὶ ἔφερεν ἓν τριάκοντα καὶ ἓν ἑξήκοντα καὶ ἓν ἑκατόν. NLT Mark 4:8 Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!" KJV Mark 4:8 And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred. ESV Mark 4:8 And other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold." NIV Mark 4:8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times." ASV Mark 4:8 And others fell into the good ground, and yielded fruit, growing up and increasing; and brought forth, thirtyfold, and sixtyfold, and a hundredfold. CSB Mark 4:8 Still others fell on good ground and produced a crop that increased 30, 60, and 100 times what was sown." NKJ Mark 4:8 "But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred." NRS Mark 4:8 Other seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold." YLT Mark 4:8 and other fell to the good ground, and was giving fruit, coming up and increasing, and it bare, one thirty-fold, and one sixty, and one an hundred.' NAB Mark 4:8 And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit. It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold." NJB Mark 4:8 And some seeds fell into rich soil, grew tall and strong, and produced a good crop; the yield was thirty, sixty, even a hundredfold.' GWN Mark 4:8 But other seeds were planted on good ground, sprouted, and produced thirty, sixty, or one hundred times as much as was planted." BBE Mark 4:8 And some, falling on good earth, gave fruit, coming up and increasing, and giving thirty, sixty, and a hundred times as much. fell: Mk 4:20 Isa 58:1 Jer 23:29 Mt 13:8,23 Lu 8:8,15 Joh 1:12,13 Joh 3:19-21 7:17 15:5 Ac 17:11 Col 1:6 Heb 4:1,2 Jas 1:19-22 1Pe 2:1-3 hundred: Ge 26:12 Php 1:11 Mark 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Parallel Passages: Mt 13:8+ And others fell on the good soil and *yielded a crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty. Luke 8:8+ Other seed fell into the good soil, and grew up, and produced a crop a hundred times as great." As He said these things, He would call out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear Other seeds fell into the good soil - As the sower would toss out the seed some seed hit the optimal mark, the good soil. Good (kalos) means healthy, sound, fit, advantageous (for producing growth).

Marcos 4

Wuest - And He was saying, He who has ears to be hearing, let him be hearing. NET Mark 4:9 And he said, "Whoever has ears to hear had better listen!" GNT Mark 4:9 καὶ ἔλεγεν, Ὃς ἔχει ὦτα ἀκούειν ἀκουέτω. NLT Mark 4:9 Then he said, "Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand." KJV Mark 4:9 And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. ESV Mark 4:9 And he said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." NIV Mark 4:9 Then Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." ASV Mark 4:9 And he said, Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. CSB Mark 4:9 Then He said, "Anyone who has ears to hear should listen!" NKJ Mark 4:9 And He said to them, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" NRS Mark 4:9 And he said, "Let anyone with ears to hear listen!" YLT Mark 4:9 And he said to them, 'He who is having ears to hear -- let him hear.' NAB Mark 4:9 He added, "Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear." NJB Mark 4:9 And he said, 'Anyone who has ears for listening should listen!' GWN Mark 4:9 He added, "Let the person who has ears listen!" BBE Mark 4:9 And he said to them, Whoever has ears, let him give ear. Mk 4:3,23,24 Mk 7:14,16 Mt 11:15 Mt 13:9 15:10 Lu 8:18 Rev 3:6,13,22 Mark 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Parallel Passage: Matthew 13:9 “He who has ears, let him hear.” JESUS CALLS FOR "SPIRITUAL EARS" And He was saying, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Mt 13:9+, Lk 8:8+) - Who has ears? Everyone. But Jesus is not speaking solely of physical ears, but of "spiritual ears." This translation almost sounds like a proverb, suggesting it is a good idea to hear. More literally this is a command from Jesus because let him hear is in the present imperative. Jesus is not just saying take in the "sound waves!" He is saying make sure you accurately interpret the "sound waves" and respond obediently and without hesitation to the "sound waves!" As Jesus' half-brother James would later write "But prove (present imperative) yourselves doers (poietes) of the word, and not merely hearers (akroates) who delude (paralogizomai - present tense continually deceiving by false reasoning) themselves.." (James 1:22+). While I realize this command of Jesus was spoken Pre-Pentecost and so the Spirit was not yet indwelling believers as He is now in the Church Age (Ro 8:9+), (in my opinion) the principle still applies that for one to "hearken" to Jesus' command calling for supernatural action ("audition"), he or she can only do so by learning to (1) jettison self-reliance and (2) rely wholly on the Holy Spirit to provide the enabling power to "listen up" and obey accordingly! Notice James' parallel passage where he commands us to be "doers." This charge begs the question "Can we do anything supernatural in our own power?" Not really! Jesus amplifies this vitally important principle declaring "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me (AND TODAY THAT MEANS APART FROM RELYING ON THE ONE HE SENT TO BE OUR "HELPER" OR "ENABLER," THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST!) you can do (GREEK = ABSOLUTELY) nothing (OF ETERNAL VALUE OR SPIRITUAL FRUIT THAT "REMAINS" - Jn 15:16)." (Jn 15:5) .

Marcos 4

Wuest explains that "The mystery is not in the fact that they are difficult to interpret, but that they are impossible to interpret until their meaning is revealed, for only then do they become plain. The disciples had been initiated into these secret things." (Word Studies)

Marcos 4

Wuest - “Bushel” is modios, a dry measure holding about a peck. To put the lamp under a peck measure, would put out the flame, and it would give no light. To put it under a reclining couch would set it on fire. Daniel Akin - Jesus begins this set of parables with a commonsense illustration about a lamp. However, a literal translation of the key phrase in verse 21 is, “Comes the lamp....” This is a reference to Jesus Himself, who has “come as a light into the world” (John 12:46). He is “the light of men” (John 1:4), “the true light” (John 1:9), and the “light of the world” (John 8:12). How then do we respond to this extraordinary Lamp? The Lamp, and for that matter any lamp, is not brought to be put under a basket or a bed. The very idea is ridiculous. No, you put a lamp up high in the open. Likewise, God has sent this Lamp to bring light to a dark world. He has come to reveal truth, enlighten minds, and conquer the darkness! The light may be, for the most part, hidden at the moment. However, eventually the whole world will see the glory of this light. That which is hidden will be manifest. The resurrection of the crucified King assures this revelation. The second coming of the glorified King will establish it. The world may try to hide Jesus, but it will fail miserably in those attempts. (Exalting Jesus in Mark) Expositors says: “True to His uniform teaching that privileges are to be used for the benefit of others, Jesus tells His disciples that if they have more insight than the multitude, they must employ it for the common benefit. These sentences in Mark represent the first special instruction of the disciples.” John

Marcos 4

Wuest has an interesting comment who could be true - Expositors says, “This new parable refers to the disciples as representing the fertile soil, and is a pendant to the parable of the Sower, teaching that even in the case of the fourth type of hearers the production of fruit is a gradual process demanding time. Put negatively, it amounts to saying that Christ’s ministry has as yet produced no fruit properly speaking at all, but only in some cases has met with soil that gives promise of fruit (the disciples).” John

Marcos 4

Wuest - And He Himself was in the stern of the boat, sleeping on the steersman’s leather cushion. And they arouse Him from sleep and say to Him, O, Teacher, is it not a concern to you that we are perishing? NET Mark 4:38 But he was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. They woke him up and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care that we are about to die?" GNT Mark 4:38 καὶ αὐτὸς ἦν ἐν τῇ πρύμνῃ ἐπὶ τὸ προσκεφάλαιον καθεύδων. καὶ ἐγείρουσιν αὐτὸν καὶ λέγουσιν αὐτῷ, Διδάσκαλε, οὐ μέλει σοι ὅτι ἀπολλύμεθα; NLT Mark 4:38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, "Teacher, don't you care that we're going to drown?" KJV Mark 4:38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? ESV Mark 4:38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" NIV Mark 4:38 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?" ASV Mark 4:38 And he himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion: and they awake him, and say unto him, Teacher, carest thou not that we perish? CSB Mark 4:38 But He was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him up and said to Him, "Teacher! Don't you care that we're going to die?" NKJ Mark 4:38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" NRS Mark 4:38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" YLT Mark 4:38 and he himself was upon the stern, upon the pillow sleeping, and they wake him up, and say to him, 'Teacher, art thou not caring that we perish?' NAB Mark 4:38 Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" NJB Mark 4:38 But he was in the stern, his head on the cushion, asleep. GWN Mark 4:38 But he was sleeping on a cushion in the back of the boat. So they woke him up and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care that we're going to die?" BBE Mark 4:38 And he himself was in the back of the boat, sleeping on the cushion: and they, awaking him, said, Master, is it nothing to you that we are in danger of destruction? in the stern: Joh 4:6 Heb 2:17 4:15 and they woke Him: 1Ki 18:27-29 Job 8:5,6 Ps 44:23,24 Isa 51:9,10 Mt 8:25 Lu 8:24 do You not care: Ps 10:1,2 22:1,2 77:7-10 Isa 40:27,28 49:14-16 54:6-8 63:15 Isa 64:12 La 3:8 1Pe 5:7 Mark 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Parallel Passages: Mt 8:24+ And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. 25 And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing!” Luke 8:23+ But as they were sailing along He fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger. 24 They came to Jesus and woke Him up, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm. Storm Tossed Ship PEACE IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion - Literally "He" (NAS adds "Jesus") where "he is emphatic, marking the contrast between Jesus a Carpenter and the anxious crew of experienced fishermen! The stern is the hindmost part of the boat, a fact noted only by Mark. This is the only incident in the Bible that mentions Jesus asleep, and what a time to fall asleep! Notice that Jesus didn’t keep them from the storm, but He went through the storm with them and He does the same with us today! While Jesus is fully Man (He became hungry - Mt 4:2, He became angry - Mk 3:5, He cried - Jn 11:35, He died), He was also fully convinced that He must die on a Cross not on a cruise. Jesus the Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6+) was at perfect peace. He was the model of peace. He was the Source of peace. And later He would be able to offer His peace to His disciples (and to us) in His upper room discourse... “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. (Jn 14:27) “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (Jn 16:33) THOUGHT - Have you ever been in a trial or "storm" and felt like Jesus was "asleep?" If so you can identify with the disciples. But just as in their dire situation, Jesus is with you and not just with you but able to calm the storm. Sometimes Jesus let's us go to the "end of our rope" that we might come to realize that He is ultimately the One we need. And that even means should we have to die, because as I have been telling people in the Covid19 pandemic death is not the worst thing that can happen to me, but the best thing for then I will be forever in the presence of my Savior and King. (cf 2 Cor 5:8+) Hebrews 13:5-6+ says Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,” so that we confidently say, “THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?” Paul writes "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Ro 8:38-39+) And remember Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who obeyed the Lord and found themselves in a storm of a different sort, thrown into Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace. Daniel records "Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astounded and stood up in haste; he said to his high officials, “Was it not three men we cast bound into the midst of the fire?” They replied to the king, “Certainly, O king.” He said, “Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!” (Daniel 3:24-25+). The fourth Man was (in my opinion) Jesus would walked through the fiery furnace with those faithful men. So next time you are in a storm, remember that Jesus us there. (cf Paul's last words - 2 Ti 4:16-18+). No danger can come so near the Christian that God is not nearer. Asleep (2518)(katheudo from katá = an intensive + heúdō = to sleep) means literally to sleep, fall asleep or be fast asleep, and is chiefly used of natural sleep. With reference to death katheudo is found in the Lord's remark concerning Jairus' daughter, Matt. 9:24; Mark 5:39; Luke 8:52. Lottie Moon said, “We are immortal until our work on earth is finished.” Jesus knew He had a work to complete on the cross. He was confident in His Father’s promise to see Him finish His work. (Akin)

Marcos 4

Wuest - They were rebuking the Lord Jesus for sleeping in the storm. What a picture of the humanity of God the Son. The noise of the storm, the violent pitching of the boat, and the sting of the cold water as it came beating into the boat, did not awake Him. The Teacher was so exhausted, that the need of His body for rest overcame the demands of outside impressions on His senses. From this, one can form some estimate of the tremendous drain on our Lord’s physical and nerve force by His ministry. THOUGHT - Of course Jesus cared for these disciples for His Church (Eph 4) would be "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone." (Eph 2:20+). So of course He cared what happened to them. And that also applies to you dear reader for you have great purpose in His plan of redemption, whoever and wherever you are, for you "are His workmanship (His "masterpiece" = poiema), created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that (you) would walk in them." (Eph 2:10+). Howard Hendricks emphasizes how severe this storm must have been for "This was not a group of seminary professors scared spitless that the boat was going down. It was a group of professional fishermen. They had lived on this lake and seen storms before. You see, in the Galilee region, prevailing winds come from the west, down valleys that act as funnels. The lake is 690 feet below sea level, so there are tremendous downdrafts. The phenomenon exists to this day. In fact, the last time I was visiting the Sea of Galilee, I watched a violent storm come up in less than ten minutes. So these men had experienced storms all of their lives but never anything like this." (Living by the Book) Wuest - Someone has said, “Jesus did not say, ‘Let us go down to the sea and be drowned,’ but, ‘Let us pass over to the other side.’ ” Woke (1453)(egeiro) means to rise (stand up) from a sitting or lying position (Mt 8:26, 9:5), to awaken from sleep (Mt 8:25), figuratively to "awaken" from death (rise up) Figuratively egeiro is used in Ro 4:24+, egeiro to describe bringing Jesus back from the dead, causing Him to rise from the dead. The idea of wake up from death is conveyed by egeiro because sleep was used as metaphor of death for believers (1 Cor 11:30 - but there is no such thing as soul sleep). Teacher (1320)(didaskalos from didasko = teach cp didaskalía) is one who provides instruction or systematically imparts truth. The teacher teaches in such a way as to shape will of one being taught by content of what is taught.Someone has said that "The great teacher is the one who turns our ears into eyes so that we can see the truth." Henry Brooks adds that "A (Bible) teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." Uses in Matthew - Matt. 8:19; Matt. 9:11; Matt. 10:24; Matt. 10:25; Matt. 12:38; Matt. 17:24; Matt. 19:16; Matt. 22:16; Matt. 22:24; Matt. 22:36; Matt. 23:8; Matt. 26:18. Mark has Teacher (didaskalos) twelve times, rabbi (rhabbi) three times; Matthew has Teacher nine, rabbi twice; Luke has Teacher thirteen times, rabbi, none. Care (3199)(melo) means to concern oneself, to be of interest to. The idea contained in the verb is that of solicitude for another’s welfare. To focus one's care or attention on someone or something; to assume a feeling of responsibility for someone or something. All 10 NT uses - Matt. 22:16; Mk. 4:38; Mk. 12:14; Lk. 10:40+; Jn. 10:13; Jn. 12:6; Acts 18:17+; 1 Co. 7:21; 1 Co. 9:9; 1 Pet. 5:7+ = "casting all your anxiety on Him (THIS IS WHAT THE 12 SHOULD HAVE DONE), (WHY?) because He cares (present tense) for you" where casting (epirrhipto) means literally to propel something off or away in this case casting anxiety or fear of dying out of your mind and upon the powerful shoulders of Jesus because He does care, even when He is asleep! We are perishing (622)(apollumi from apo = away from or wholly + olethros = state of utter ruin) means to destroy utterly but not to cause one to cease to exist. Apollumi has the basic meaning of describing that which is ruined and is no longer usable for its intended purpose. If the disciples drowned they would certainly no longer be of use as Jesus' disciples. Apollumi is used to describe Jesus purpose for coming to earth "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost (apollumi).” (Luke 19:10+) Apollumi speaks of rewards “And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose (apollumi) his reward.” (Matt. 10:42+) Jesus paradoxically declaring that “He who has found his life will lose (apollumi) it, and he who has lost (apollumi) his life for My sake will find it." (Mt 10:39+) Apollumi speaks of eternal punishment Jesus declaring "Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy (apollumi) both soul and body in hell." (Mt 10:28+). In one of the most famous verses in the Bible John writes "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish (apollumi), but have eternal life." (John 3:16). All uses in Mark - Mk. 1:24; Mk. 2:22; Mk. 3:6; Mk. 4:38; Mk. 8:35; Mk. 9:22; Mk. 9:41; Mk. 11:18; Mk. 12:9; Make Jesus your anchor, your rudder, your lighthouse, your life-boat, and even your harbor -- Brian Bell Brian Bill - Friend, don’t confuse God’s silence with a lack of compassion because He cares deeply for you. 1 Peter 5:7: “Casting all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.” Commentator Matthew

Marcos 4

Wuest - And having arisen, He rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Be getting calm; hush up and stay that way. And the wind ceased its raging, and there was a great calm. NET Mark 4:39 So he got up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Be quiet! Calm down!" Then the wind stopped, and it was dead calm. GNT Mark 4:39 καὶ διεγερθεὶς ἐπετίμησεν τῷ ἀνέμῳ καὶ εἶπεν τῇ θαλάσσῃ, Σιώπα, πεφίμωσο. καὶ ἐκόπασεν ὁ ἄνεμος καὶ ἐγένετο γαλήνη μεγάλη. NLT Mark 4:39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the water, "Silence! Be still!" Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. KJV Mark 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. ESV Mark 4:39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. NIV Mark 4:39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. ASV Mark 4:39 And he awoke, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. CSB Mark 4:39 He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Silence! Be still!" The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. NKJ Mark 4:39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. NRS Mark 4:39 He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. YLT Mark 4:39 And having waked up, he rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 'Peace, be stilled;' and the wind did lull, and there was a great calm: NAB Mark 4:39 He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Quiet! Be still!" The wind ceased and there was great calm. NJB Mark 4:39 They woke him and said to him, 'Master, do you not care? We are lost!' And he woke up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Quiet now! Be calm!' And the wind dropped, and there followed a great calm. GWN Mark 4:39 Then he got up, ordered the wind to stop, and said to the sea, "Be still, absolutely still!" The wind stopped blowing, and the sea became very calm. BBE Mark 4:39 And he came out of his sleep, and gave strong orders to the wind, and said to the sea, Peace, be at rest. And the wind went down, and there was a great calm. He got up: Ex 14:16,22,28,29 Job 38:11 Ps 29:10 93:3,4 104:7-9 107:29 Ps 148:8 Pr 8:29 Jer 5:22 rebuked: M k 9:25 Na 1:4 Lu 4:39 the wind: Ps 89:9 La 3:31 Mark 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Parallel Passages: Mt 8:26+ He *said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. Luke 8:24+ They came to Jesus and woke Him up, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm. THE CREATOR COMMANDS CREATION TO CEASE ROARING Watch the dramatization of Jesus Calming the Tempest. And He got up - The verb diegeiro in the aorist passive is more literally rendered "having been thoroughly aroused." One gets the picture that the disciples had to shake Him several times to arouse Him, so deep was His sleep! Notice that Jesus does not answer with words the disciples' question about whether He cares, but He answers with works! And rebuked the wind and said to the sea “Hush, be still.” - Luke says Jesus rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm. Matthew tells us that first Jesus addressed the disciples "Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?" associating their fear with their faith. They are polar opposites, fear going hand in hand with unbelief. Faith in God and belief in His sovereign control over every storm situation should have been the "antidote" for the disciples, but that was not to be! As Spurgeon said Jesus "spoke to the men first, for they were the most difficult to deal with: wind and sea could be rebuked afterwards. ”So next He addressed the wind and then the sea. Hush is a command in present imperative, passive voice, calling for the wind to "be being calm"! In the midst of the howling storm, all Jesus has to do is say “Be quiet”. The verb be still (phimoo) is in the unusual perfect imperative a command which means "be muzzled and stay muzzled!" This is the same verb Jesus used in Mark 1:25+ when He rebuked the demon "saying, “Be quiet (aorist imperative) and come out (aorist imperative) of him!” The demon obeyed. The tempest obeyed. The sea obeyed and became completely calm. The incident reveals the humanity and the deity of the Lord Jesus. He slept in the stern of the boat; that's His humanity. He spoke and the sea was calm; that's His deity. It is interesting that in Ps 107:29 we read a passage that is almost prophetic - "He caused the storm to be still, So that the waves of the sea were hushed." -- this is the same sequence that occurred in the Synoptic accounts. Notice also this is a "double miracle" of stilling the wind above the sea, but also the current below the sea. What the Creator created, He controls! This scene recalls the proverb "Who has ascended into heaven and descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has wrapped the waters in His garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name or His Son’s name? Surely you know!" (Proverbs 30:4) God is behind the scenes and controls the scenes He is behind.

Marcos 4

Wuest - "used of muzzling an ox and of Jesus muzzling (silencing) the Pharisees." In this case the waves were commanded to have "say nothing" and to stay that way. Aristophanes, the Athenian dramatist (Fifth Century B.C.), used the word in his satiric comedies with the meaning “to make fast” Used once in Septuagint - Dt 25:4 “You shall not muzzle (Lxx = phimoo) the ox while he is threshing." NT - muzzle(1), quiet(2), silence(1), silenced(1), speechless(1), still(1). - Matt. 22:12; Matt. 22:34; Mk. 1:25; Mk. 4:39; Lk. 4:35; 1 Tim. 5:18; 1 Pet. 2:15 God is in Control Twila Paris This is no time for fear This is a time for faith and determination Don't lose the vision here Carried away by the motion Hold on to all that you hide in your heart There is one thing that has always been true It holds the world together God is in control We believe that His children will not be forsaken God is in control We will choose to remember and never be shaken There is no power above or beside Him, we know God is in control History marches on There is a bottom line drawn across the ages Culture can make its plan Oh, but the line never changes No matter how the deception may fly There is one thing that has always been true It will be true forever He has never let you down Why start to worry now? (2x) He is still the Lord of all we see And He is still the loving Father Watching over you and me To realize the worth of the anchor, we need to feel the stress of the storm. That Jesus should be able to rebuke His creation should come as no surprise to us. Recall also that it was Jesus Who spoke and created the universe with His Word! John 1:3+ All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. Col 1:16+ For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities–all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Hebrews 1:2+ in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through Whom also He made the world. Hebrews 11:3+ By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the Word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. Jensen - Two miracles are involved in 4:39: the wind died down and the sea was stilled, both of them suddenly, at the same time. Normally, a troubled sea calms down gradually, a long time after the winds have ceased. And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm - Became perfectly calm is literally "became great (megas) calm." The wind and the sea stopped suddenly and immediately in obedience to the Creator! Hiebert adds an interesting comment that "Such raging winds were known to die down suddenly, but the sudden dying down of the dashing waves was most extraordinary." (Ibid) "After preaching in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Pastor Fred Luter of New Orleans concluded his sermon with these words: “Always remember that when the storms show up, so does the Savior.”" (Bell) C H