One of the things that I have pointedly noticed from trying to read the Bible from cover to cover is just how many times certain stories are repeated and repeated, albeit with nuances and names changed to protect the innocent. It is clear to see that the Bible is not a chronological history of God's people and that it was not written by a single author. It is apparent that the word of God has been mansplained by numerous inspired authors who are relaying certain truths. For example, that we are beloved children of God, that we are created in Her image, that there are certain rules that we as humans should abide by and that God always and in every time strives to have a deep, meaningful relationship with us as humans and as individuals.
Bible 101, explained by me in a few run-on sentences. Hurray! You're welcome.
I was reminded about duplicate stories because today's passage from Mark also appears in Matthew and Luke. Of course there are differences and it is portrayed in different parts of each evangelists story. Do these differences negate the message of the story?
First of all, it helps to know that there was some degree of collaboration among the writers. Matthew , Mark, Luke and John were not in fact the exact authors of the texts but more like, for lack of better words, the 'schools of thought' of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The authors shared some sources in preparing their texts and stories. Further, the stories were geared towards different audiences and thus the stories tweaked to appeal to their audience. There are entire courses and probably Doctoral Theses on the subject of sources and nuances in each Gospel writers stories. It is very fascinating and perhaps challenging for literalists. The truth is, without plucking passages here and there to support your favorite position, there are some deep conflicts and differences in how the Bible is written. In some cases I am sure it might shake your faith a bit.
Let's return to Mark though. What is the message being conveyed. That can be as personal as you are and and as varied as when you read the passage, youngster, middle age, elderly? There are so many variances to what passages can mean or how you respond to them based on personality, maturity, age, etc.
I could easily point to a lonely teenage guy who has just come out as gay. The maelstrom of emotions and how your family responds can easily be likened to the storm the Apostles were living through as they were tossed on the windy seas. If you have been raised as a person of faith, especially Christian you may be at odds with what you have been taught. The reaction of your family can run the gamut from not understanding, embracing you with love, disappointment, hate or being totally disowned. Talk about your wind tossed seas. The passage seems clear to me though, God calms those seas for us. It may be out of our hands and we may be in the middle of a storm but know, know in your heart and every fiber of your being, that God loves you, cares for you and will see you through the storms of life.
I am sure if you google these passages there will be multiple biblical scholars and references that will attest to varied other meanings or messages that God could be conveying in this passage. I dislike and reject the concept that there is one true meaning or an officially approved meaning.
What I do know is that no matter what passage we read there is an attempt to portray a love relationship and the desire of God to reveal herself to us in love and real life.
Matthew 8:23-27 , Mark 4:35-41 , Luke 8:22-25
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