The statement “Peace, be still” is found in Mark 4:39, where Jesus speaks these words to calm a raging storm. This powerful phrase gives us insight into Jesus’ authority and compassion, as He brings peace in the midst of turmoil.
The Context of “Peace, Be Still”
The statement occurs amidst the narrative of Jesus and His disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee by boat. Jesus had been teaching the crowds on the shore and then instructed His disciples to go across to the other side. As they were sailing, a fierce storm arose, with strong winds and heavy waves battering the boat (Mark 4:37). The disciples, many of whom were experienced fishermen, feared that they would perish in the tempest. Jesus was asleep in the stern when they frantically woke Him up, exclaiming “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38). After being roused, Jesus “rebuked” the wind and commanded the sea, “Peace! Be still!” (Mark 4:39). Immediately, the wind ceased, and there was a “great calm.” Jesus then turned to His disciples and asked them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:40).
This account demonstrates Jesus’ authority over natural forces and His care for His frightened followers in the face of peril. The fishermen among the disciples were familiar with storms on the Sea of Galilee, but this tempest was so extreme that even these seasoned sailors feared for their lives. Into this raging chaos, Jesus brought instant calm and order with just a word. Additionally, He showed concern for His disciples by reassuring them and teaching them to have greater faith in God’s sovereign control, even in difficult circumstances.
The Significance of “Peace, Be Still”
Jesus’ words “Peace, be still” carry deep theological significance.
1. A demonstration of Jesus’ divine authority
The ability to calm the storm with a command showed Jesus’ authority over the very forces of nature. Only God has power over wind and waves, as seen in passages like Psalm 107:25-29 that describe the Lord stilling a storm. By rebuking the wind and waves, Jesus was demonstrating His divine authority over creation. This confirmed that He was no ordinary man, but the very Son of God (see Matthew 14:32-33).
2. A revelation of Jesus’ identity and purpose
In the Old Testament, the LORD God is described as ruling over the seas and waves (Psalm 89:9; Psalm 93:3-4). The prophet Isaiah described God stilling the waters and bringing peace (Isaiah 51:15). By quieting the storm, Jesus revealed His identity as the promised Lord who would come to bring divine salvation. As the Son of God, Jesus came to fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy and bring God’s reign of peace in the midst of turmoil.
3. A display of Jesus’ power and compassion
The disciples had seen Jesus perform healing miracles, but calming the forces of nature unequivocally demonstrated His power. He cared for His followers by stopping the storm that threatened to overwhelm them. Jesus’ words over the storm mirrored His larger mission – bringing God’s peace into people’s lives. He came to redeem mankind from the power of sin and death, rescuing people from darkness into light.
4. An object lesson of trusting in God’s sovereignty
When Jesus calmed the storm and then asked His disciples why they were afraid, He highlighted their need to place faith in God even in seemingly impossible circumstances. No earthly turmoil is beyond God’s control. Though we cannot physically still a storm as Jesus did, we can trust God’s power and adopt Christ’s peace in the midst of life’s tempests. Jesus taught His disciples – and all subsequent believers – to rely on God’s sovereign control over all things.
The Significance of Peace in Jesus’ Teachings
The concept of peace was central to Jesus’ teachings throughout the gospels.
1. Peace as a greeting and blessing
In the ancient Near East, the word “peace” was a common greeting (1 Samuel 25:6; Daniel 4:1). The Hebrew word shalom expressed not just the absence of conflict but also wholeness and blessing. Jesus transformed this everyday greeting into a pronouncement of spiritual peace. At His birth, Jesus’ coming was proclaimed as “on earth peace” (Luke 2:14). Jesus frequently greeted His disciples by saying, “Peace be with you” (Luke 24:36; John 20:19).
2. Peace as a reconciliation between God and man
According to the Apostle Paul, Jesus “is our peace” because He has reconciled sinful humanity to a holy God through His death on the cross (Ephesians 2:14-16). Jesus made peace between God and mankind by fixing the breach created by Adam’s sin.
3. Peace as a result of following Jesus
Jesus taught that following Him results in peace. He contrasts the peace He gives with the false peace offered by the world (John 14:27). This peace is an inner tranquility that comes from resting in faith in Christ amidst trials. Jesus urged His followers to emulate His gentleness and humility, promising rest in their souls as a result (Matthew 11:29-30).
4. Peacemakers as children of God
Jesus’ most explicit teaching on peace comes as part of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus declared the peacemakers blessed, called “sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). Those who seek reconciliation and unity with others exhibit God’s character and will experience His blessing.
The Fulfillment of Jesus’ Words Through His Death and Resurrection
After His resurrection, Jesus again greeted His disciples with “Peace be with you” (Luke 24:36; John 20:19, 21, 26). This was no mere greeting, but the proclamation that God’s peace was made available through Christ’s atoning death and victory over the grave.
Peace with God through forgiveness of sins
Isaiah 53:5 prophesies that the Messiah would be pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities, bringing peace through the forgiveness of sins. Jesus fulfilled this by giving His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). His sacrifice reconciled us to the Father, so that we can have true peace with God.
Peace with one another through the destruction of barriers
Human hostility and divisions resulted from Adam’s fall. But Jesus’ death has torn down sinful barriers between people, bringing peace by uniting former enemies as fellow members of God’s household (Ephesians 2:14-18). The peace Jesus secured results in peace between people.
Inner peace that surpasses understanding
Jesus promised heavenly peace to His disciples even amidst tribulation (John 16:33). At the Last Supper, He told them His peace would guard their hearts and minds (John 14:27). The inner tranquility Jesus provides surpasses worldly understanding of peace because it is divine in origin.
Eternal peace in God’s presence
The unrest of the human condition is rooted in being separated from God. But Jesus has ushered those who put faith in Him into God’s presence where they will experience perfect peace for eternity (John 14:2-3). The final fulfillment of peace is found in the unending joy of God’s glorious presence.
The Significance of “Peace, Be Still” for Believers Today
While Jesus’ calming of the storm was an historical event, His words “Peace, be still” continue to hold deep meaning for Christians today.
1. Jesus has authority over the storms of life
The difficulties and trials believers face are like storms that assail them. Financial problems, health issues, persecution, relationship strife – these are tumultuous winds and waves that seem overwhelming at times. Just as Jesus commanded the natural storm, He has power over the personal storms of believers’ lives. He is able to speak peace into any circumstance if we call out to Him in faith.
2. Jesus cares about our fears and needs
The disciples feared perishing in the storm, but Jesus saved them. He showed that He cared deeply about their needs. Whenever storms arise, believers can be comforted that Jesus cares about their fears and will save them according to His wisdom.
3. Faith requires learning to trust in God’s purposes
Calming the storm was as much about teaching the disciples faith as displaying power. Storms will come, but they have a purpose in teaching Christians to trust God more deeply. Through tumultuous times, believers learn to rest in God’s sovereign will.
4. Jesus’ people are called to bring peace in His name
As His followers, Christians are called to emulate Jesus’ ministry of bringing peace. This includes proclaiming the gospel of reconciliation with God and fostering human reconciliation between conflicting groups. Praying for and modeling peace is central to living out Jesus’ teachings.
5. Complete peace is found in Jesus’ presence
On earth storms will always arise temporarily, but Jesus has secured eternal peace with God for His people. Experiencing God’s presence through His Spirit gives us a transcendent peace. Our ultimate hope is the permanent peace of Jesus’ presence in the New Creation.
Conclusion
Jesus’ words “Peace, be still” vividly demonstrate His divine authority and His care for frightened followers. This phrase encapsulates Jesus’ identity as the Son of God who has power over creation and has come to bring reconciliation to mankind and all creation. He is the Prince of Peace, and it is only through relationship with Him that the human soul can find true peace that surpasses worldly understanding. The peace He bestows helps believers endure earthly trials and points to the perfect peace they will experience eternally dwelling in the presence of the Lord.