1. The Miracles of Jesus Lesson 13: Jesus Calms a Storm Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25

2. The Sea of Galilee is a freshwater lake through which the Jordan River flows. The lake lies 686 feet below sea level, but it is surrounded by steep cliffs and hills, creating swirling wind currents which foster severe storms.
The Sea of Galilee

3. Storms on The Sea of Galilee
The storm pictured here occurred in Galilee in April of One resident said, “Believe me, it was like a Tsunami. I thought Hurricane Katrina came to Israel” Israel News

4. The picture below shows stormy surf on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee; some have described storms on this sea as a “boiling cauldron”

5. The Sea of Galilee
The large waves breaking on the shore in the picture below occurred under a clear sky at sunset.

6. Jesus Calms the Storm Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-31; Luke 8:22-25
Details of the miracle:
Jesus and His disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee along with other little boats.
A windstorm “came down”, waves beat on the boat, and it began to fill with water.
Jesus was in the stern asleep on a pillow.
The disciples, including some experienced sailors, woke Jesus asking, “Do you not care that we are perishing?”
Jesus arose and rebuked the wind and water.
The wind ceased and there was a great calm.
Jesus asked, “Why are you so fearful? Where is your faith?” “How is it that you have no faith?”

7. Observations from When Jesus Calmed The Storm
The Humanity & Deity of Jesus
Jesus was a man with human needs. He needed sleep. He also experienced hunger (Matthew 4:2), thirst (John 4:7), weariness (John 4:6) and sorrow (John 11:35).
Jesus was God. Only God could control the elements with His word
He is the Creator and Sustainer (Colossians 1:15-17; Psalm 33:6-9)
He has complete control over the elements of His creation (Psalms 65:6-7; 89:8-9; 93:4-5; 135:5-6)

8. Observations from When Jesus Calmed The Storm
Three kinds of fear
Natural caution concerning real dangers (e.g. the disciples used a boat instead of attempting to swim across)
Terrifying fear (Mark 4:38-40)
Involves an immediate fear of death or harm
Creates great anxiety & a sense of helplessness.
Indicates little faith in God’s POWER & CARING.
Contrast Paul in Acts 27:23-25
Faith relieves such fear (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Pet. 5:7)
Fear of God’s power, leading to respect and trust. (Mark 4:41)

9. Lessons from When Jesus Calmed The Storm
Jesus cares.
The Lord has the power to calm the storms of life.
He delivers us from many of life’s storms. We should be so thankful! (Psalm 107:22-31)
Jesus’ word is powerful.
The words, “Peace be still” calmed the storm.
If the winds and the waves obey the Lord, so should we.