Focused on their efforts to save themselves, they had forgotten that Jesus was on board. Now, seeing only death before them, they remembered who had commanded them to set out across the sea. Their only hope was in Jesus. “Master, Master!” But the roaring tempest drowned out their voices, and there was no reply. Doubt and fear overtook them. Jesus had conquered disease and demons, and even death. Was He powerless to help His disciples now? Was He unaware of their distress? HH 151.6
Again they called, but there was no answer except the shrieking of the angry storm. Apparently, they were going to be swallowed up by the hungry waters. HH 152.1
Suddenly a flash of lightning pierced the darkness, and they saw Jesus lying asleep, undisturbed by the tempest. In amazement, they exclaimed, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” HH 152.2
Their cry awakened Jesus. As the lightning’s glare revealed Him, they saw the peace of heaven in His face; they saw tender love in His glance, and they cried, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” HH 152.3
Never did anyone utter that cry unheard. As the disciples grasped their oars to make a last effort, Jesus rose. While the storm raged and the waves broke over them, He lifted His hand and said to the angry sea, “Peace, be still!” HH 152.4
The waves sank, the clouds rolled away, and the stars came out. The boat rested on a quiet sea. Then Jesus asked sorrowfully, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” HH 152.5
A hush fell on the disciples. Terror and despair had seized the occupants of the boats that had set out to accompany Jesus. The storm had driven the boats close together, and all on board saw the miracle. The people whispered among themselves, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” HH 152.6
When Jesus was awakened to meet the storm, He showed no trace of fear in word or look. But it was not His possession of almighty power that gave Him rest. It was not as “Master of earth and sea and sky” that He rested quietly. That power He had laid down. “I can of Myself do nothing.” John 5:30. He trusted in the Father’s might. It was in faith—faith in God’s love and care—that Jesus rested, and the power of the word that stilled the storm was the power of God. HH 152.7
In the same way, we are to rest in the care of our Savior. The disciples’ fear in time of danger revealed their unbelief. They forgot Jesus, and only when they turned to Him could He give them help. HH 152.8
When tempests of temptation gather, how often we battle with the storm alone. We trust to our own strength till we are ready to perish. Then we remember Jesus, and if we call on Him to save us, we will not cry out in vain. He never fails to give us the help we need. If we have the Savior in our hearts, we do not need to fear. The Redeemer will deliver us from danger in the way that He knows best. HH 152.9
“The wicked are like the troubled sea.” Isaiah 57:20. Sin has destroyed our peace. No human power can control the ruling passions of the heart. We are as helpless here as the disciples were to quiet the raging storm. But however fierce the tempest, those who turn to Jesus with the cry, “Lord, save us,” will find deliverance. His grace quiets the strife of human passion, and in His love the heart is at rest. HH 152.10
He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.
Then they were glad because they had quiet,
and he brought them to their desired haven. Psalm 107:29, 30, NRSV HH 152.11
“Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1. HH 153.1
In the early morning, the Savior and His companions came to shore. The light of the rising sun touched sea and land with the blessing of peace. But as they stepped on the beach, their eyes took in a sight more terrible than the fury of the tempest. Two madmen rushed on them as if to tear them to pieces. Hanging about these men were parts of chains they had broken in escaping from confinement. Their flesh was torn and bleeding. Their eyes glared out from under their long, matted hair. Demons possessed them, and they looked more like wild beasts than like men. HH 153.2
The disciples ran away in terror, but soon they turned to look for Jesus. He was standing where they had left Him. He who had stilled the storm did not run away. When the men, foaming at the mouth, approached Him, Jesus raised that hand whose gesture had quieted the waves, and the men could come no nearer. HH 153.3
With authority, Jesus commanded the unclean spirits to come out of them. His words penetrated the darkened minds of the unfortunate men. They realized dimly that One was near who could save them from the tormenting demons. But when they opened their lips to beg for His mercy, the demons spoke through them, crying furiously, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!” HH 153.4
Jesus asked, “What is your name?” And the answer was, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” The demons begged Jesus not to send them out of the country. On a mountainside not far away, a large herd of swine was feeding. The demons asked to be allowed to enter these pigs. Immediately, the herd rushed madly down the cliff, plunged into the lake, and died. HH 153.5
Meanwhile, a marvelous change had come over the two demon-possessed men. Light had shone into their minds. Their eyes beamed with intelligence and their blood-stained hands were quiet. With glad voices, the men praised God for deliverance. HH 153.6
From the cliff, the keepers of the pigs had seen everything that had happened, and they hurried away to announce the news to their employers. In fear and amazement, the whole population flocked to meet Jesus. The demon-possessed men had been the terror of the country. No one had been safe to pass where they were. Now these men were clothed and in their right mind, listening to Jesus’ words and glorifying Him who had made them whole. But the people did not rejoice. The loss of the pigs seemed greater to them than the deliverance of these captives of Satan. HH 153.7
The owners of the swine were absorbed in earthly things and did not care about the great interests of spiritual life. Jesus wanted to break the spell of selfish indifference, so that they might accept His grace. But resentment over their financial loss blinded their eyes to the Savior’s mercy. HH 153.8