Come Follow the One Who Is In Control

SERMON NOTES FROM FEBRUARY 2, 2025

Mark 4:35-41 recounts the story of Jesus calming a storm on the Sea of Galilee. After a long day of teaching, Jesus and his disciples set out across the lake in a boat. As they travel, a fierce storm arises, causing waves to crash into the boat and threaten to sink it. Despite the chaos, Jesus is asleep in the stern. The terrified disciples wake him and plead for help, questioning if he cares that they might perish. Jesus then rises, rebukes the wind, and commands the sea to be still. Instantly, the wind ceases, and a great calm ensues. He questions the disciples about their fear and lack of faith. Awestruck, the disciples wonder about the identity of Jesus, marveling that even the wind and sea obey him.

This is one of the most dramatic demonstrations of Jesus's power in the Gospels, and there are so many layers to unpack here.

First, consider the setting - the Sea of Galilee was known for sudden, violent storms due to its unique geography. Cold air from the surrounding mountains would clash with the warm air over the lake, creating intense wind and waves. Several of Jesus's disciples were experienced fishermen who knew these waters well, so when they were frightened, it must have been a truly severe storm.

The contrast between Jesus's complete peace (sleeping through the storm) and the disciples' panic is striking. Here they were with the Son of God in their boat, yet they still feared for their lives. It's a very human moment - how often do we also panic in life's storms despite knowing who's "in our boat," so to speak?

When Jesus calms the storm, he does so with just a word - no elaborate rituals or prolonged prayers. The Greek text suggests he literally told the sea "Be muzzled!" as one might command a wild animal. The immediate response of nature to his authority left the disciples in awe. This wasn't just a gradual calming - it was an instant transformation from chaos to complete stillness.

What's particularly interesting is Jesus's response to the disciples. Rather than immediately reassuring them, he challenges their faith. The question "Why are you so afraid?" suggests that their fear revealed a deeper issue - they hadn't yet fully grasped who he was, despite witnessing his many miracles.

The disciples' final reaction - "Who then is this, that even the wind and sea obey him?" - is almost ironic, as Jewish listeners would have at once recognized this authority over nature as a divine attribute. In their scriptures, only God had the power to control the seas.

It's a powerful story about faith, divine authority, and the gap between intellectual knowledge and deep trust. What aspects of the account stand out most to you?

The disciples panicked because the storm threatened to destroy them all, and Jesus seemed unaware and unconcerned.  Theirs was a physical storm, but storms come in other forms. Think about the storms in your life, the situations that cause you great anxiety. Whatever your difficulty, you have two options: You can worry and assume that Jesus no longer cares, or you can resist fear, putting you trust in him. When you feel like panicking, confess your need for God and then trust him to care for you. Instead of fear—have faith!  Get in the boat and follow Jesus!

Mark 5:1-20

Mark 5:1-20 details the encounter between Jesus and a man possessed by demons in the region of the Gerasenes. As Jesus steps out of the boat, he is met by a man living among the tombs, who is tormented by many demons and exhibits superhuman strength, breaking chains and shackles. The man, seeing Jesus from a distance, runs to him and falls at his feet, crying out in recognition of Jesus as the Son of the Most High God. The demons, calling themselves "Legion" because they are many, beg Jesus not to send them out of the area. Instead, they request to enter a herd of pigs, which Jesus permits. The demons then enter the pigs, causing the herd to rush down a steep bank into the sea and drown. The herdsmen flee and report the incident in the town and countryside, leading people to come and see what happened. They find the formerly possessed man sitting, clothed, and in his right mind, causing fear among the witnesses. The townspeople plead with Jesus to leave their region. As Jesus is about to leave, the healed man asks to go with Him, but Jesus instructs him to return home and tell his friends the great things the Lord has done for him. The man obeys and proclaims his story in the Decapolis, and all who hear it are amazed.

This is another incredibly dramatic encounter, and it's packed with meaningful details that paint a vivid picture of both human suffering and divine compassion.

The setting itself is significant - this takes place in Gentile territory (evidenced by the pig herd), showing Jesus's ministry extending beyond Jewish boundaries. The man's dwelling among tombs would have made him ritually unclean by Jewish standards, adding another layer of isolation to his already tragic situation.

The description of the man's condition is heartbreaking. His superhuman strength in breaking chains illustrates not just physical torment but a complete loss of human dignity and connection. Living among tombs, crying out, and cutting himself - this was someone in the depths of suffering, completely isolated from society.

What's fascinating is the demons' immediate recognition of Jesus's authority. Even before he commands them, they know they're powerless before him. The name "Legion" is particularly telling - a Roman legion consisted of thousands of soldiers, suggesting the overwhelming nature of this possession. Yet even this multitude of demons must bow before Jesus.

The transformation is stark - from a wild, isolated, tormented figure to someone "sitting, clothed, and in his right mind." It's a beautiful picture of complete restoration. But the townspeople's reaction is troubling - rather than rejoicing, they're afraid and ask Jesus to leave. Perhaps the economic loss of the pigs was too much for them, or maybe they were simply terrified by such a display of power.

Jesus's instruction to the healed man is noteworthy. This man is specifically told to go tell his story. As a Gentile in Gentile territory, he becomes one of the first Christian missionaries to non-Jewish people, spreading the news throughout the Decapolis (a region of ten cities).

The whole account powerfully illustrates Jesus's authority over the spiritual realm, his compassion for the suffering, and his mission to restore and transform lives - regardless of cultural or social boundaries. What strikes you most about this encounter?

Jesus has been with his people for over 20 centuries and yet we, like the disciples, underestimate his power to manage crisis in our lives. If you have experienced Jesus’ power in your life, are you, like this healed man, enthusiastically sharing the good news with those around you?  Just as we should tell others about a doctor who cured a physical disease, we should tell about Christ who cures our sin. If Jesus can heal a demon-possessed man, Jesus can save you!

Blessings to You,

Donna Chandler