The Disciples’ Illustrated Sermon
- Bishop Keith Butler
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
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. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 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? 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. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? (Mark 4:36-41)
Do you know what happened right before Mark 4:36-41? Jesus had just taught His most important parable—the parable of the sower. Now, His disciples were about to experience what some call “an illustrated sermon.” Were they good ground? Did they receive the Word, or would it be rendered void because of affliction? They would soon find out as they encountered a violent storm on the water. Remember, most of these men were professional fishermen. They weren’t new to managing a boat or surviving a squall. This storm must have been massive to make such men panic as they did! While His disciples were panicking, Jesus was asleep on a pillow in the back of the boat. I want you to think about that for a moment. This proves that although Jesus was 100% God, He was also 100% man. He got tired, just as any preacher would be after ministering all day! God never slumbers or sleeps, but Jesus functioned on this earth as a man anointed by God. His connection with the Father and that anointing kept Him calm while the others were anxious. He knew His authority and used it to calm the storm. But He first had to get up off the pillow and address it: “Peace! Be still!” Even Old Testament servants of God took authority over the weather when God told them to. You’ve got the Holy Ghost within and upon you. Don’t let any kind of storm stop you from following God.
Practical Application
When storms cross your path, rise from your pillow and speak to them in faith: “Peace! Be still.” You’ve got that authority! Use it!