What happened when Jesus calmed the storm?

A violent storm threatened to sink the boat while Jesus slept. The disciples woke him in fear, and he commanded the wind and sea, 'Peace, be still,' and it became completely calm (Mark 4:39).

What does Jesus calming the storm teach about fear?

That Jesus is present in the storm, not distant, and that his power is greater than what frightens us. He asked, 'Why are ye so fearful?' as the calm was already coming (Mark 4:40).

Where is the story of Jesus calming the storm?

It is told in Mark chapter 4, verses 35 to 41, and also in Matthew 8 and Luke 8. You can read Mark's account in the Gospel reader here.

Meet Jesus

Jesus Calms the Storm: When You Are Afraid

A storm hit hard enough that experienced fishermen were sure they would drown, and Jesus was asleep in the back of the boat. They woke him in a panic. He stood, spoke three words to the wind and the waves, peace, be still, and it all went calm at once. Then he asked them gently why they were so afraid.

If this is you

If you feel like the water is coming over the sides, if the fear is loud and you are sure it is all about to go under, the disciples felt exactly that. These were not beginners. They knew boats, and they were still terrified. Jesus was in the boat with them the whole time.

The story

Jesus and his disciples set out across the lake, and a great storm rose. Waves crashed into the boat until it was filling with water. Jesus was asleep on a cushion in the back. Terrified, the disciples woke him.

“Master, carest thou not that we perish?”

Mark 4:38

“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.”

Mark 4:39

“And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?”

Mark 4:40

What this shows about Jesus

Two things stand out. First, the storm obeyed him instantly, the wind and sea answered to his voice. Second, he was with them in the boat the entire time, not watching from the shore. Their fear was not that he was absent but that he seemed asleep. He was closer than they realized, and stronger than the storm. His question, why are you so afraid, is spoken with the calm already arriving.

Frequently asked questions

What happened when Jesus calmed the storm?: A violent storm threatened to sink the boat while Jesus slept. The disciples woke him in fear, and he commanded the wind and sea, 'Peace, be still,' and it became completely calm (Mark 4:39).
What does Jesus calming the storm teach about fear?: That Jesus is present in the storm, not distant, and that his power is greater than what frightens us. He asked, 'Why are ye so fearful?' as the calm was already coming (Mark 4:40).
Where is the story of Jesus calming the storm?: It is told in Mark chapter 4, verses 35 to 41, and also in Matthew 8 and Luke 8. You can read Mark's account in the Gospel reader here.

Read it yourself. Do not take our word for it. The whole scene is right there in the Gospel: Mark 4 → Read slowly, and watch what Jesus actually does.

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Come and see for yourself

The same voice that stilled that sea is not far from you in the storm you are in. He is in the boat, not on the shore, and nothing you are facing is stronger than his word.

You do not have to believe anything yet. Just come and look at him with an open heart, the way the people in these stories did. He still draws near to everyone who comes.

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Jesus Christ is Lord.

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