Jesus Calms the Storm
Matthew 8:23-27 NLT
“Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.”- Matthew 8:23-24
In verse 18 Jesus, seeing the large crowd around him, told his disciples to cross over to the other side of Lake Galilee. It was well known that many a violent storm would quickly develop on that lake. “The surface is more than six hundred feet below sea level, and the rapidly rising hot air draws violent winds whose cold air churns up the water.” [1] When a storm whipped up the disciples became afraid and cried out to Jesus, who was sleeping. It is interesting to note that Jesus, perhaps because of physical exhaustion, appeared unaware of the storm that was raging around them. Water was spilling into the boat and the men were concerned for their lives, not fully realizing who was on the boat with them. “The disciples are increasing in their understanding of who Jesus is, but they still do not fully grasp his true nature.” [2]
It is said that Jesus statement regarding the disciples faith was not regarding their skepticism of his ability to calm the storm, but rather that they didn’t realize that as the Messiah he could not have died because his work on earth was still not complete. For Jesus to die in a storm would have been impossible since he was in complete control of the elements.
How does this apply to us today? The disciples allowed their surroundings to dictate their emotions. They allowed what they could see to override what they knew in their hearts to be true. Thus it is with us. We are no different until we have conceded to the fact that God is over all nature and everything in his creation. Nothing can come against us unless God either causes or allows it for his own purposes. I repeat this last statement frequently so it sinks in. It is an all-important truth that must be ingrained in our heart, mind, and soul. We are God’s children, if we are born-again of his spirit. There is a hedge of protection about us at all times. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has on every side?” (Job 1:10) “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him and delivers them.” (Psalm 34:7) Biblical scholars tell us the phrase “Fear Not” and “Have no fear” appear approximately 144 times in the entirety of scripture. So it should be apparent to us as children of the Most High God that we need not fear...anything! Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In his name & for his glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
[1] Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): New Testament, Copyright 2004.
[2] NIV Grace and Truth Study Bible, Copyright © 2021 by Zondervan.
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