Following the previous teachings is a new section in Mark's Gospel characterized by wonderful healing stories flowing naturally from Jesus' message and his understanding of God. Despite the fact that the disciples were given special explanations of the parables, they will demonstrate that they still have much to learn. We will find their behavior and their questions to be quite surprising.
4:35-41 In the evening after a long day of teaching, Jesus said to his disciples, Let us pass over unto the other side ... in the ship. . . . And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. Although such storms are common on the Sea of Galilee, these seasoned fishermen thought they were about to be swamped.
Jesus, meanwhile, seemed unaware of the danger, being in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow. With his confident trust in God's care and in the experience of the fishermen, his peaceful sleep presents a striking contrast to the raging storm and the disciples' fearfulness. Terror stricken, they woke Jesus by shouting, Master, carest thou not that we perish? Their harsh words reflect panic and despair. It's not clear whether they expected him to do something about their dire situation. But this trip had been his idea, and he certainly could help them pray.
