Is Jesus Asleep in Your Boat?

And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. 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. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 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? 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. Mark 4:35-39 (KJV)

This is such an interesting event in the ministry of Jesus. While it’s fascinating that He spoke to the wind and waves and they obeyed, it amazes me more that the disciples reacted the way they did knowing that Jesus was in the boat with them.

Picture it. Jesus has just finished ministering to a boatload of people (pun intended). He needs to rest because ministry can be physically tiring. So, as they head across the lake, He decides to grab a quick nap in the back of the boat. The presence of a pillow in the boat makes me wonder if maybe He did this frequently. He’s sleeping soundly in the boat, so soundly that the splash of the water over the sides of the boat do not wake Him. The spray of the waves may be hitting Him and the boat is tossing about, but He does not stir. He is the picture of calm, peace, and safety. His disciples, on the other hand are frantic, trying to bail out water and prevent the boat from capsizing. They rouse Jesus from His sleep to save them from what they see as a life-threatening situation.

How was Jesus able to soundly sleep through such panic? Faith. He had spoken that they were going to pass over to the other side. He had not spoken anything about shipwreck or drowning. He knew His words had power, and He did not doubt they would arrive at their destination. Not to mention the fact that He knew that, as God, He was the source of Life. Death could not overcome Him unless He allowed it. The disciples had no such understanding or revelation, but they had seen enough manifestations of the supernatural that they should have believed Him when He said they were going to the other side.

Do you feel like Jesus is asleep in your boat? Are you feeling panicked and anxious about the storm around you? Are you trying to do everything in your natural ability to keep things afloat? Do you feel like shaking Him awake to rescue you? Settle down. Remember that the biggest key to your victory in any situation is to remember that Jesus is in your boat with you. Even if He were asleep, which He is not, His very presence is the assurance of your safety and protection. And if He’s not worried, you shouldn’t be either.

So, relax, and remember that the Maker of the Universe is with you in your boat. All is well. No harm will befall you. He’s taking you across to the other side and you will reach your destination.