“And when they had sent away the multitude, they took Him even as He was in the ship. And there were also with Him other little ships.” (Mark 4:36)
Jesus had been teaching the multitude from the boat. The Bible uses the word ship. We only assume because of the paintings, that they were fishing boats as used in those times. This is also reasonable since His disciples were fishermen that they’d have access to fishing boats. There was no platform built and no microphone. It’s said that the water amplified His voice and that God’s wisdom was prevailing so that all could hear His teaching. Mark says that there was a multitude without giving an estimated count, but He does record that the people were crowding around Jesus. He couldn’t well teach the people so that everyone would hear in that circumstance. “And He spake to His disciples, that a small ship should wait on Him because of the multitude, lest they should throng Him.” (Mark 3:9)
Jesus had given instructions that they were to go to the other side of the sea after His teaching. This is the incident when obviously tired from walking from Galilee to Judea, teaching at the mountainside, then teaching by the sea, He falls asleep in the boat and a storm picks up at sea. The disciples were used to storms forming unexpectantly at sea, but this storm scared them. The waves were so big, the boat was filling with water. (Mark 4:37) This was the bigger fishing boat Jesus was in. But the Scripture tells us there were other little ships that were accompanying Him in the sea. Mark didn’t write how they fared in the storm.
Who were these who were in the smaller boats? We can assume they were other disciples and probably fishermen. Since none of the Gospels are too descriptive, we can only deduce by reason. The fact is that if the bigger boat was in peril, I’m sure the smaller boats were also. Looking at the event, it was Jesus Who directed them into the sea. Jesus knew that a storm would arise. But Jesus, Creator of the heavens and the earth, with authority over all things on earth, was not worried. The Father directed Him to the other side of the sea, and He obeyed. No matter what would happen at sea, He had a purpose on the other side of the sea, and He would be there. When we know that we know we are God sent, no matter the obstacles we encounter, our obedience and determination to obey outweigh the hinderances we run into. Jesus is Peace. His Presence brings peace. Like the disciples we can call on Jesus. But unlike them, we can trust that we will accomplish God’s Will, through the storm and on the other side of the sea regardless of the storm, regardless of the obstacles and hinderances the enemy may stir up because Jesus is with us. We have His directions. We’re in the destiny He has for us. We will be on the other side of the sea.
Do not be surprised by the storms. We will survive and accomplish God’s Will. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:” (1Peter 4:12) Jesus the Creator of all things and Who has authority of all things is with us. His Will and purposes will be done. We’re in the boat with Him. He can calm the storm if you want or trust that through the storm you will survive and do His Will. Yes, it’s unpleasant. It’s scary. But trust in Him. Obey. We have His Promise. “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” (Isaiah 43:2)
How about those in the smaller boats? Our loved one, our friends and others are in the storm along with us. Jesus calms the seas for all in the boat with Him and those in the smaller boats that are with us. We all will reach the other side of the sea and accomplish His Will.
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