The primary focus of the Gospels is Jesus, not you. Reading the Gospels with a me-centered, narcissistic approach will result in the “Jesus is going to calm my storms” type of application. This can have the detrimental effect of “knowing more about ourselves and less about Jesus” (Russell, 205). When interpreting Scripture, first determine the meaning of the text, then move on to application.

Hermeneutics is the art and science of biblical interpretation. The correct interpretation of Scripture ensures not only that we understand the text in its proper context but also that we apply it to our lives appropriately. If we misunderstand the meaning of a passage, the application may also be mistaken.

One of the most familiar texts in the Gospel of Mark is the story of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. It is found in Mark 4:35–41 and reads,

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

A popular application of this passage is a metaphorical one. You’ve probably heard it before. It usually goes something like this: Just as Jesus calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee, so he wants to calm the storms in your own life. The storms you face may be as diverse as the circumstances of life: a strained relationship, a problem at work, finances, even a recently diagnosed sickness or disease. One recent Christian article states,

The significance of Jesus calming the storm is pertinent to what’s happening in our world today and is evidence of God’s love for us. COVID-19 has had a significant impact on our lives. We’re flooded by numerous types of storms daily. These storms are both internal and external. The intense surges of emotion within us are due to our humanity while the chaotic circumstances around us are beyond our control. Right now, many can relate to the disciples’ emotions when Jesus calmed the storm.

This application has great emotional appeal and brings a wonderful sense of comfort to many Christians. Despite the overwhelming problems and crushing pressures we may face, Jesus will not let you drown. He will not let your boat be dashed against the rocks. He will calm the raging storms, bring an overwhelming sense of peace into your own life, and get you safely to the other side.

But is this what Mark was intending to communicate in this passage?

Proving Jesus Is the Messiah

One of the most important rules of hermeneutics to remember is the issue of authorial intent. In other words, what was the purpose of the author when he wrote this, and what was he trying to teach or convey? Mark is clear regarding his intent from the very beginning of his Gospel: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (1:1). In his commentary on Mark, R.C. Sproul states, “The facts Mark gives us are included to demonstrate two things: Jesus is the promised Messiah and the Son of God…. That is the thematic statement for the entire gospel” (p. 3).

In context, the meaning of this passage seems rather straightforward: Jesus exercises his authority over nature, giving evidence of his identity as the Messiah. As readers of this text, we are led to ask the same question as the disciples when we come to the end: Who then is this? Who is this Jesus?

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