And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.
After Jesus calms the storm, He asks: 'Where is your faith?' The disciples had called on Jesus ('Master, master, we perish,' v. 24), showing some faith, but their panic revealed weak faith. Jesus' question challenges them—they had the Master of wind and waves in their boat; what did they have to fear? True faith trusts God's presence and power even in terrifying circumstances. The disciples' fear despite Jesus' presence shows the common struggle between intellectual knowledge (Jesus is with us) and experiential trust (therefore we're safe). Faith grows through testing.
Historical Context
The Sea of Galilee, surrounded by hills, experiences sudden, violent storms as cold air rushes down from heights. Experienced fishermen (Peter, James, John) fearing a storm indicates genuine danger—this wasn't novice panic. Jesus' sleeping during the storm (v. 23) demonstrated perfect peace and trust in the Father. His calming the storm with a word ('Peace, be still,' Mark 4:39) demonstrated divine authority over nature—only God controls wind and waves (Psalm 107:23-30). The disciples' question 'What manner of man is this? for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him' (v. 25) shows dawning awareness of Jesus' divine identity.
Questions for Reflection
What does Jesus' question 'Where is your faith?' teach about trusting God's presence and power even in frightening circumstances?
How does Jesus' authority over nature reveal His divine identity and build faith?
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Analysis & Commentary
After Jesus calms the storm, He asks: 'Where is your faith?' The disciples had called on Jesus ('Master, master, we perish,' v. 24), showing some faith, but their panic revealed weak faith. Jesus' question challenges them—they had the Master of wind and waves in their boat; what did they have to fear? True faith trusts God's presence and power even in terrifying circumstances. The disciples' fear despite Jesus' presence shows the common struggle between intellectual knowledge (Jesus is with us) and experiential trust (therefore we're safe). Faith grows through testing.