Into the Maelstrom: Mark 4:35-38
Genuinely following Jesus is not always easy.
With respect to today’s passage, a bit of discomfort is in order. Jesus does something here that should make the uninitiated stop and think. Before getting to that, it is important to understand a history lesson.
The Sea of Galilee is notorious for storms. The storm that comes in this story shouldn’t surprise anyone. Furthermore, Peter, Andrew, James, and John are skilled fishermen. That means a third of Jesus’ disciples are experienced on the water. Finally, most ancient people didn’t know how to swim. It wasn’t uncommon for experienced fishermen to not know how to swim – especially in bad water. Even though many of Jesus’ disciples had experience on the water, they likely had a healthy fear of being in the water.
Consider one more fact. Jesus is God. Being God, Jesus knows what is going on. When Jesus turns, sees the crowds, and suggests to His disciples that they go out onto the sea, Jesus knows that a major storm is brewing over the horizon where only He knows it is coming.
Don’t miss this point. When Jesus tells everyone to get into the boat, Jesus knows the storm is coming. When Jesus falls asleep in the boat, He knows the storm is coming. Jesus makes an intentional choice to put His disciples in the direct path of a turbulent storm and then makes another intentional choice to take a nap.
Lest I be too heretical here, I’m not accusing Jesus of doing anything wrong. Jesus is God. He’s got the situation under control. He knows how the story is going to end. Jesus isn’t being reckless; Jesus is being intentional about putting His disciples in the path of the storm and falling asleep.
Jesus isn’t afraid to lead us into dark places. Following Jesus isn’t going to be all roses and lavender and comfortable couches. Following Jesus means inviting sacrifice into our life. Following Jesus means making tough choices. Following Jesus means accepting some risk. Following Jesus may mean staring a panic attack straight in the face. Following Jesus may periodically feel like our life is in jeopardy.
I’m willing to bet if you ask the disciples in the middle of the storm while Jesus is sound asleep in the boat, they might confess to questioning their decision to follow Jesus out onto the sea. If they weren’t afraid and concerned, why would they turn to Jesus and ask whether He cares that they are perishing?
Remember, though. The same desire to be one of Jesus’ favorites implies we desire to be in proximity to Him. If we want to be His disciple, we follow Him. If Jesus tells us to get into a boat and throw ourselves into the middle of a storm, so long as He is there with us then we throw ourselves into the middle of the storm.
Genuinely following Jesus is not always easy.
