Written by Dynamis Ministries | September 18, 2025
The Sea of Galilee is located in a unique geographical position that makes its waters quite dangerous and unpredictable, even for the most seasoned mariner. Sitting almost 700 feet below sea level, the Sea of Galilee is surrounded by mountains with peaks up to 2,000 feet above sea level. With this drastic change in elevation come changes in climate, from the semi-tropical, warm, humid air around the coast to the cool, dry air at the mountain summits. These differences cause drastic atmospheric pressure changes, leading to strong winds and storms that can strike the sea with little warning, putting any fisherman or boater in immediate danger.
This is a backdrop to one of the better-known stories of Jesus’ ministry, which is recorded in three of the four Gospels – the story of Jesus calming the storm. The book of Mark describes it this way:
“On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:35-41).
Given the aforementioned factors that made these sea conditions so dangerous, and the small detail that the disciples – who, remember, were experienced fishermen well trained in navigating such troubled waters – described their situation as perishing, it’s reasonable to conclude that this was no ordinary storm. The storm they faced that night threatened not only their boat’s integrity but also their very lives!
Yet despite the fear and terror that surrounded the boat’s crew, we are told that Jesus was sound asleep on a pillow. How could Jesus possibly be asleep while all this turmoil and chaos was swirling around him? The answer can be found a few verses earlier in Jesus’ own words: “Let us go across to the other side.” Let’s explore that phrase together.
One thing the disciples learned the hard way that night, and something you and I still need to be reminded of today, is that we can take Jesus at his word. When Jesus says something, it is as good as done. So, when they embarked on their journey and he said, “Let us go to the other side,” he truly meant it. There was no question they would arrive. This is why, despite the storms and the waves, Jesus could remain sleeping on the boat, with not even a hint of fear or anxiety.
We still face storms today. It may not be a literal storm while on a boat, but the feeling of perishing is still the same. Perhaps it is a season of life that is full of sorrow, uncertainty or disappointment. Regardless of the storms in our lives, we can find comfort in being reminded that we can take Jesus at his word. The Gospels are full of promises from Jesus. Here are just a few that may serve as an encouragement today:
He will offer rest to those who are burdened. –Matthew 11:28
He gives us peace. –John 14:27
He is with us always. –Matthew 28:20
He can satisfy our soul. –John 4:14
He welcomes anyone who comes to him. –John 6:37
Cling to one of these promises today and find rest as you navigate the storms of life, with Jesus right there in the boat beside you!
