[MYM] 27.0 Yeshua Calms a Storm

This miracle takes place after a long day of teaching by the Sea of Galilee. Yeshua had been ministering to large crowds, teaching in parables about the kingdom of God (Mark 4:1–34; Matthew 13; Luke 8:4–15). As evening came, He told His disciples to cross to the other side of the lake — likely toward the region of the Gerasenes (Mark 5:1), where He would later heal a man possessed by many demons.

The Sea of Galilee, though called a “sea,” is actually a freshwater lake surrounded by hills, where sudden and violent windstorms are common. These storms could easily overwhelm small fishing boats, especially at night. Many of Yeshua’s disciples were experienced fishermen, yet what happens next terrified even them.

This moment also follows Yeshua’s call to discipleship (Matthew 8:18–22), emphasizing that following Him requires trust and endurance — even through danger. The storm that follows becomes both a real event and a spiritual lesson about faith under trial.

As they set sail, Yeshua, exhausted from ministry, fell asleep on a cushion in the stern of the boat (Mark 4:38). Suddenly, a furious storm arose. Waves crashed over the boat, and it began filling with water. The disciples, gripped with fear, cried out to Yeshua, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” (Matthew 8:25).

Their cry revealed both desperation and a lack of understanding of who He truly was. In Mark’s account, they even accused Him of indifference: “Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38).

Yeshua awoke, calm amidst chaos. First, He rebuked the disciples: “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 8:26). Then He turned to the elements themselves — and rebuked the wind and the waves, saying, “Peace! Be still!” (Mark 4:39). Instantly, the storm ceased, and a great calm covered the sea.

The disciples, who moments before were terrified of the storm, now stood in awe of Yeshua, saying, “Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” (Mark 4:41). Luke’s account adds that they were “afraid and amazed,” recognizing a divine authority in their midst.

The calming of the storm teaches profound truths about faith, fear, and the authority of Yeshua:

1. Messiah’s Authority over Creation – The wind and sea obey His word, revealing that Yeshua is not merely a teacher or prophet but the Lord of creation. His power echoes God’s command in Psalm 107:29: “He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.”
2. Faith in the Midst of Fear – The disciples’ fear represents humanity’s natural response to chaos and danger. Yeshua contrasts their fear with the faith He calls for — a faith that rests even when the storm rages.
3. Presence of Yeshua Brings Peace – His presence in the boat symbolizes divine security. Storms may arise, but when Yeshua is present, peace is possible.
4. A Test of Discipleship – This event served to deepen the disciples’ understanding of who Yeshua was. It prepared them for future trials when their faith would again be tested.
5. Spiritual Symbolism – The storm represents life’s troubles and spiritual warfare. The calm after Yeshua’s word represents the peace that comes when we trust in Him completely.

In the end, this miracle demonstrates that Yeshua is Lord over both nature and fear. The same voice that spoke creation into being commands the storm to be still. The disciples’ awe-filled question — “Who then is this?” — becomes the key revelation: He is the Son of God, the One in whom faith triumphs over fear.