35 And on that day, when evening was come, he says to them, Let us go over to the other side: 36 and having sent away the crowd, they take him with [them], as he was, in the ship. But other ships also were with him. 37 And there comes a violent gust of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it already filled. 38 And he was in the stern sleeping on the cushion. And they awake him up and say to him, Teacher, dost thou not care that we are perishing? 39 And awaking up he rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Silence; be mute. And the wind fell, and there was a great calm. 40 And he said to them, Why are ye [thus] fearful? how [is it] ye have not faith? 41 And they feared [with] great fear, and said one to another, Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 4:35-41
Commentary on Mark 4:35-41
(Read Mark 4:35-41)
Christ was asleep in the storm, to try the faith of his disciples, and to stir them up to pray. Their faith appeared weak, and their prayers strong. When our wicked hearts are like the troubled sea which cannot rest, when our passions are unruly, let us think we hear the law of Christ, saying, Be silent, be dumb. When without are fightings, and within are fears, and the spirits are in a tumult, if he say, "Peace, be still," there is a great calm at once. Why are ye so fearful? Though there may be cause for some fear, yet not for such fear as this. Those may suspect their faith, who can have such a thought as that Jesus careth not though his people perish. How imperfect are the best of saints! Faith and fear take their turns while we are in this world; but ere long, fear will be overcome, and faith will be lost in sight.