Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (Guide A) Mark 4:35-41

Peter's Perspective?

While this narrative of Jesus calming the storm occurs in Matthew (8:23-27) and Luke (8:22-25), Mark’s account in 4:35-41 is the fullest account of that day. This has led some scholars to propose that Mark’s sources must have been one or more of the Apostles themselves, possibly Peter (Edwards, Mark, PNTC, 148). 

Cross-References to the Old Testament

The Markan tradition of the calming of the storm is notably theological, in that it exhibits a clear reflection on Jonah 1 and Psalm 107:23-32 (one of the lectionary psalms for this week). Both Jesus and Jonah’s ships are caught up in a furious storm (Mark 4:37; Jonah 1:4). Remarkably, both men are found deeply sleeping in the bow of the…

• In the ancient world of the Bible, the sea (or "the waters") was a fearful thing. (Even the Greeks referred to the sea as "wine-dark," a very ominous color — not as blue or sparkling.) The sea is often treated as something hostile to the land, something that has to be "held back." Why might this have been their attitude? How does this affect the way we see stories like the calming of the sea of Galilee? (Not to mention, the stories of Jonah, the creation of dry land, the parting of the Red Sea, Paul's shipwreck(s), Jesus walking on water, etc.?)

• How do you feel about the sea? Do you find it fearful or threatening? Why do you think your attitude about the sea is somewhat different from ancient views?

• Regardless of…