Hopefully by now you've been able to catch a glimpse of what those small boats must have looked like bouncing in those waves as the sun disappeared and darkness crept across the land. As the winds and clouds pounded the lake, the boats were all but lost at sea...and Jesus slept. Let's head back to the text and see exactly what it says.

"Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion." Mark 4:38a

When we hear that Jesus was asleep in such a storm, it seems impossible! Waves that bounced the boat back and forth across the waves apparently were pounding over the side of the boat and all over the passengers. The boat was filling up with water. How could ANYbody sleep through that. Before we even look at the spiritual aspect of this situation, look at how this boat would have been constructed. To the right is a model of a first century fishing boat.

Notice the platforms at both ends of the boat. It is from the platform at the stern (or the back) of the boat that the ships captain would guide the boat. There was space underneath these platforms for items to be stored, the catch of the day to be hauled, and in this case for Jesus to rest. More than likely, he positioned himself underneath the captain's deck to rest for the duration of the trip. He would have been out of the foreseen elements and able to be comfortable. Remember when He asked them to leave, they did so immediately taking Him "as He was." The cushion was likely the cushion used by the captain when sleeping on his vessel.

There is a spiritual aspect to this situation of course. Even as the storm arose, Christ did not stir from His sleep. He had given the command that they must cross over to the other side. He was not concerned even in the middle of the "furious squall" that their journey would fail. His peace was not disturbed.

On the other hand, the people in the boat, feared greatly for their lives. They couldn't see beyond the immediate danger. The situation consumed them and fear controlled them. Fortunately, in their moment of weak faith, they knew who to turn to. Without hesitation, they lowered themselves underneath the stern platform and found Jesus. Even as he slept in peace, they had no thought about waking Him.

Then again, they let the fear control even their tongue by asking the question "“Teacher, don't you care if we drown?”

Really? What a question to ask the Master. I'm not saying I wouldn't have asked it too. All I am saying is that looking back on the situation as the disciples must have done too, it seems like a silly question.

Jesus wakes up and well...that is a whole post unto itself!

If we are truly to bring this part of God's Word into focus, it is important that we really look at Christ in this moment. There is so much to what He does and why He does it that it is of utmost importantance that we not miss it. For if it is truly our heart to be His followers, we should study Him carefully and take from His Word what He intended us to know about Him. Just a mere reading of the Word is a good first step but sadly insufficient for deep understanding about who Christ is and what He wants for our lives.

As we said yesterday, Jesus had spent the day with an overwhelming number of people. As a communicator He would spend an unbelievable amount of energy speaking to them. Remember there were no microphones, no speakers, no megaphones. He had to use his voice to project His message to the ears of the thousands of listeners who arrived to hear Him. Not only did He speak, a great portion of the crowd had arrived to receive more from Jesus, His healing touch. The Scripture simply says in verse 35 and the first part of 36:

35That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." 36Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along...

Look at the time of day that Jesus makes this statement. It was evening. This indicates quite a bit. First it tells us that Jesus had spent the entire day ministering to people. The sun was beginning to set and He had stayed to meet each person's needs. The beginning of verse 36 shows that even as the time came for Him to be finished, there were still crowds gathered around. Secondly, as we find out in Chapter 5, Jesus had work to do across the lake. Even though it was evening and not customary to depart as night approached, He set out to accomplish the task at hand. To say that Jesus would have been tired at this point would be an understatement. However, he pressed on to do the work he was called too.

Verse 36 continues "Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him."

What does it mean "just as He was"? Quite simply, anyone leaving on a journey across the Sea of Galilee at night in a small fishing vessel would have dressed prepared for weather, at least for a steady cool cross-wind. Having preached and worked all day, as Christ was in the boat, He most likely didn't have a cloak or any such preparation. However, when He said "Go", they departed with Him just as He was.

Finally look at the interesting spectacle that unfolds around them as they leave for the other side of the lake. Other boats join them on this journey. As Jesus' following grew, the small boat could never have held all of those traveling with Him. Plus there were many who had witnessed all He had done that day and just had to see more. Little did they know what they would find themselves in the middle of all while following Jesus.

Next time we'll read on into the storm...it's pretty cool.