After a long day at work, I would think I am entitled to a respite—albeit short—wouldn’t I? After all, I put my time and effort into work. No one would object to my taking a break.
Reading Mark 3-4, however, I realized that Jesus had been exhausted from his teaching ministry. Wherever he went, there was a large crowd following him, and they were literally crushing upon him. Jesus taught them, healed the sick, forgave their sins, and cast out unclean spirits. So, when he finally told his disciples that he would like to go across to the other side of the lake, I think Jesus wanted to take a break. He was in dire need of rest, and I believe it was one of the major reasons that they decided to go to the other side. Another reason might be that Jesus wanted to do his ministry in the predominantly gentile region. Simply put, when Jesus and his disciples got in the boat and departed, they had two important reasons: for Jesus to take a break and to continue his ministry among gentiles.
Nonetheless, while on its way, the boat with Jesus aboard encountered a severe windstorm, so strong that the boat was about to break and sink. It is also remarkable that, even in the middle of the storm, Jesus was too tired to wake up.
As I see it, Jesus’ boat should have been escorted by a fleet of angels. And I suspect that the disciples may have thought about their entitlement to a smooth and pleasant voyage and a good time of rest on the other side of the lake. But the boat met a storm. It was not a bad thing at all, however, because it demonstrated to all that Jesus possessed divine power over nature.
If Jesus had to face a severe storm on his way to a place of rest after a long day, I do not think I can say I am entitled to comfort.
