How soundly Jesus must have slept! Can you imagine
anyone sleeping when waves toss the boat around like a cork, with water
splashing into the boat, and twelve men scampering and yelling in fear of
drowning? His sleepingindicate4s how worn out Jesus was from his constant
ministering, but it also indicates his complete relaxation resulting from his
faith in the Father’s providence and protection, It was not the sleep of a
Jonah who used sleep as an escape from reality. Jesus’ sleep was one of perfect
trust in the Father’s care.
Jesus asked the men in the boat “have you no faith?” Scared to death from the storm, the disciples
awaken Jesus and rebuke him “Don’t you care
that we perish?” Jesus not care – how could they accuse him after all the
good things they already had seen him do? These hardened, seasoned men – some
professional fishermen – were scared to death. Jesus asked them why they were
afraid. In the light of the storm, it seemed like a foolish question. Who
wouldn’t be scared except maybe Jesus only? The answer to fear is faith. If
they had faith, they would not have been frightened. A storm calls for faith in
the care and protection of God.[2]
[1]-Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts “Jesus asleep in the ship” copyright © WELS for personal and congregational use
[2] Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH
[3] Collect for Pentecost 4, Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House, St., Louis
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