Who Is This, That Even Wind and Sea Obey Him?

This meditation is based on a passage for January 21, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Mark 4:35-41

Reflection and Question: Up until this point in Mark, Jesus has been a teacher and a healer and a bit of a provocateur. This story of the stilling of the storm, also told by Matthew and Luke, has Jesus do something only God can do: control the sea. In the calm, Jesus asks, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” Those with Him respond with another question. “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” I think the evangelists want their listeners to answer that question in their own minds so that their faith will be strengthened. Who is Jesus in light of this story?

Prayer: Most powerful God, the Psalmist extols You saying, “You rule the raging sea; when the waves rise, You still them (Ps. 89:9).” And here Jesus calms the water with a word, “Peace.” Overcome our fears and sustain our faith, we pray. Amen.