WHEN THE STORM SHAKES FAITH: THE MEANING OF CHRIST’S PRESENCE IN MARK 4:35–41

Abstrak

This study offers a narrative-critical and socio-historical exegesis of Mark 4:35–41, addressing the underexplored question of how the Markan text constructs the meaning of Christ’s presence during crisis. While existing scholarship has focused predominantly on historical plausibility or Christological titles, the deeper theological dynamics of presence remain undertheorized, particularly from perspectives attentive to contemporary experiences of vulnerability. Employing a qualitative, text-based methodology integrating narrative criticism and socio-historical analysis, the study examines the pericope’s literary structure, symbolic motifs, and discipleship implications. The analysis demonstrates that the disciples’ fear functions not as a failure but as a pedagogical catalyst for recognizing Jesus’ authoritative presence, which redefines divine accompaniment amid chaos. The study’s novelty lies in proposing the Presence-in-Crisis Model, a coherent interpretive framework synthesizing narrative tension, Christological revelation, and discipleship formation. This model offers a fresh alternative to interventionist or moralistic readings, repositioning the text as a pastoral resource for faith communities navigating contemporary crises. The contribution is twofold: advancing biblical scholarship by addressing a contextual gap in Markan studies, and providing a theologically robust framework for practical theology. The study acknowledges its interpretive, non-empirical nature, offering a foundation for future practical theological inquiry.