Calming the Storm

In the Gospels, Jesus and his disciples encounter a fierce storm while crossing the Sea of Galilee, causing the disciples to fear for their lives. Jesus, who had been sleeping, awakens and rebukes the wind and waves, resulting in an immediate great calm that demonstrates his divine authority over creation. This miracle underscores Jesus' identity as the Son of God and serves to strengthen the faith of his followers by revealing his power to bring peace amid chaos. In Scripture, the event highlights themes of trust in God's sovereignty and is recorded in multiple accounts to affirm Christ's lordship over nature.

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Category: Nature
Testament: New Testament
Performed by: Jesus

Key Passages

Peace, Be Still

Mark 4:37-41

A³⁷nd there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

³⁸ And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? ³⁹ And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. ⁴⁰ And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? ⁴¹ And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Matthew's Account

Matthew 8:23-27

A²³nd when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.

²⁴ And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. ²⁵ And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. ²⁶ And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. ²⁷ But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Luke's Account

Luke 8:22-25

N²²ow it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.

²³ But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. ²⁴ And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. ²⁵ 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.

Did You Know?

Jesus was sleeping through a storm violent enough to terrify experienced fishermen.

He rebuked the storm with the same authority he used to cast out demons.

The disciples' question 'Who is this?' shows they were still discovering Jesus' true identity.