On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples:
“Let us cross to the other side.”
Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion.
They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”
He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea,
“Quiet! Be still!”
The wind ceased and there was great calm.
Then he asked them,
“Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”
They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”
Why does the passage use the phrase “Just as he was”? He enters the boat just as he was…. Then he sleeps. The disciples are scared and wake him because the boat is taking water. He rebukes the wind and sea and it all stops. Then he says to his disciples “Why are you terrified? Do you not have faith”? I find the reading bazaar. I have been at sea in a fishing boat and been caught in a storm. It was terrifying. These guys are fishermen. If anything, they would be the least likely to be scared in a storm. And if it was a terrifying storm, why for 1 second would they thnk that Jesus can help? Perhaps this is the point of the Gospel. When we are in our element, in our area of greatest expertise, we develop an arrogance and self-reliance that excludes God. And it isn’t just when things are going badly. We exclude God especially when things are going well. Perhaps this again sheds light on the difficulties a rich man will have getting to heaven. Our ego reigns supreme in these situations.
ReplyDeleteSo looking at the gospel again, Christ seems overly harsh. These fishermen did turn to him for help even in an area where they were experts. That showed a lack of ego and some humility. Then for Christ to react with “Why are you terrified? Do you not have faith”... seems a little harsh.
Your interpretation of Mark 4:35-41 is insightful and raises interesting questions about the portrayal of the disciples and Jesus' response. I appreciate your perspective that the disciples, as experienced fishermen, wouldn't necessarily be the most terrified in a storm. This certainly adds a layer of complexity to the narrative.
DeleteHere are some points to consider in response to your thoughts:
Fear and Faith:
Fear vs. lack of faith: While the disciples might not have feared the storm itself as much as someone unfamiliar with the sea, it's important to distinguish between fear and lack of faith. Even experienced individuals can feel fear in extreme situations, especially when the unexpected occurs (Jesus sleeping through the storm). Their fear might have stemmed not from doubting their own skills but from questioning Jesus' ability to offer protection or reassurance in this unforeseen circumstance.
Developing faith: The gospel of Mark presents Jesus' ministry as a gradual process of revealing his identity and power to his disciples. This event could be seen as a step in their journey of understanding his authority over nature and his ability to act in seemingly impossible situations. Their initial fear and subsequent reliance on Jesus might demonstrate their evolving faith rather than a complete lack of it.
Jesus' Rebuke:
Severity and context: Jesus' words "Why are you terrified? Do you not have faith?" might appear harsh on the surface. However, it's important to consider the cultural and historical context. In some interpretations, his question is not meant to condemn the disciples but to challenge them to trust in his power and presence even in moments of fear and uncertainty. It could be seen as a call to deepen their faith rather than a dismissal of their emotions.
Teaching moment: Some interpretations suggest that Jesus' response was intended not just for the disciples but also for the reader. It serves as a reminder that even those closest to Jesus can experience doubt and fear, and that true faith involves trusting in his presence and power even in challenging situations.
Overall, your interpretation offers a valuable perspective on this passage. It encourages us to consider the complexities of human emotions, the evolving nature of faith, and the potential for growth and learning even in moments of fear and uncertainty. Whether you see Jesus' response as harsh or as a catalyst for deeper faith ultimately depends on your own interpretation and understanding of the text and its context.
Remember, there is no one "correct" interpretation of this passage. The beauty of scripture lies in its ability to spark dialogue and invite reflection on faith, human nature, and our relationship with the divine.