Mark 4:39

"He himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and asked him, “Teacher, don’t you care that we are dying?”"

Key Reflection

In Mark 4:39, Jesus is portrayed as being in the stern of the boat, symbolizing his position of authority and leadership, yet he is asleep on a cushion, highlighting his humanity and vulnerability. The disciples' reaction—waking him up and asking if he cares about their impending doom—underscores their fear and lack of faith. This scene captures the tension between Jesus’ divine nature and his human weakness, as well as the disciples' struggle to understand both.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 39. Peace, be still. There is something exceedingly authoritative and majestic in this command of our Lord. Standing amidst the howling tempest, on the heaving sea, and in the darkness of the night, by his own power he stills the waves, and bids the storm subside. None but the God of the storms and the billows could awe, by a word, the troubled elements, and send a universal peace and stillness among the winds and waves. He must, therefore, be Divine. {m} "And the wind" Ps 89:9; La 3:31,32 __________________________________________________________________

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