When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing!” He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. The men were amazed, and said, “What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”

The story before us is not about a storm, nor the disciples’ fears. Nor is it really about a miracle. Rather it is about the question, “What kind of man is this?” The events recorded in the gospels, particularly the miracles of Jesus, had the overriding purpose of bringing His followers, and us readers of the Gospel accounts, to confront this big question, “Who is Jesus really?”

The storm was sufficiently fierce that even these sea-hardened fishermen were fearful, thinking death was inevitable. The Lord of Creation, whom they had not yet recognized Him to be, was the “kind of man” who was sleeping like a baby—not bothered in the least. The disciples in illogical desperation could interpret this in no other way than a lack of care. An extra set of hands at the ready would have been the least He could have provided in the dire circumstances. Maybe He was exhausted from dealing with people, but it seems a bit of a stretch that the disciples would have interpreted His lack of action in that way. What sort of man could have been asleep in such circumstances? One who didn’t care, they thought.

Jesus, roused from His slumber, did two things. He rebuked His followers and characterized them as “men of little faith.” That’s who they were! Then He turned and rebuked the winds and the sea. The calm that followed almost left the men speechless. Their second query was the right one. Jesus had already demonstrated with His many healings that He cared for people. Now, was He demonstrating that He could command nature? They were slowly learning.

The application is obvious, but one to be rehearsed frequently in our lives. When life is difficult and God is silent, it is not because He does not care. Two questions we must always ask ourselves. First, am I a person of faith? Is that characteristic of me in what may seem like hopeless circumstances in life? The second question is related, but focused more on God. Do I really believe Jesus is the God of creation who can in His wisdom and timing command the elements, the demons, physical illness—the very things causing my difficulties?

Lord, I believe; help my unbelief (Mark 9:24). Thank You that You are mightier than any thing or situation that forces itself on me.