July 29, 2026 | Stilling the Storm & Walking on Water | Lesson 348

MATT. 8:23-27; MARK 4:35-41; MATT. 14:22-33

Full lesson HERE

STILLING THE STORM: The Sea of Galilee lies in a deep basin over 600 feet below sea level. In the surrounding hills there are many ravines and deep gorges which open into the sea. Cool winds blowing down from the mountains rush through these ravines and gorges and then over the water, creating violent tempests and raging seas. These storms are sudden, frequent, and very dangerous to small boats. Within minutes the air can become thick with mist, and the calm, peaceful water as a roaring, boiling cauldron or pot.

One day Jesus sat in a boat and taught parables to the people who were gathered on the shore. When evening came, He sent the multitudes away and entered a ship with his disciples to cross to the other side of the sea. As they were sailing, one of the sudden squalls arose and the disciples feared for their lives.

WALKING ON WATER: After Jesus fed the 5000 miraculously, the people were about to take him by force to make him king (John 6:15). He then "constrained" (compelled or forced) his disciples to get into the boat to go to the other side of the sea (Matt. 14:22; Mark 6:45). After He dismissed the multitude, Jesus went alone into a mountain to pray.

Storms on the Sea of Galilee are frequent and sudden. As the disciples attempted to row across the sea, a great contrary wind arose whipping the waves and tossing the boat. By the fourth watch of the night (3:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.), they had gone only 25 to 30 furlongs (three to four miles) and were about in the center of the sea. It was at this time that Jesus came to his troubled and frightened disciples.