10/04/2024
Jesus Calms the Disciples
Today, let us delve deeper together into the spiritual insights found in Matthew 8:23-27. Let’s do it verse by verse:
23 Now when He (Jesus) got into a boat, His disciples followed Him.
Jesus's initiation of getting into the boat signifies His leadership and guidance in our lives. Just as the disciples followed Jesus into the boat, we are called to follow Him in our Christian journey through life's ups and downs. Jesus is leading the way, and we should follow Him in life. To the missionaries who have been involved in different kinds of ministries, Jesus originates and we simply cooperate.
Reflection: Are we willing to trust Jesus to lead us, even when the path seems uncertain?
24 And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep.
Storms can surprise us, but Jesus stayed calm even when things got crazy. This Storms in life can come suddenly and fiercely, overwhelming us with fear and uncertainty. Yet, even in the midst of chaos, Jesus remains peaceful, calm, and unshaken. He was asleep! He was in perfect peace! Jesus was not affected by the storm while the disciples were panicking. When faced with adversity, our instinct may be to panic and cry out for help. If they are truly disciples of Jesus, they should be following Jesus and they should be sleeping peacefully also! Jesus put them on a different level of circumstances to see if they could follow. And sadly, they couldn’t follow Him…
25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”
The followers woke Jesus up, scared they were going to drown. When we're afraid, anxious, and uncertain, we should turn to Jesus for help. Jesus encourages us to turn to Him in faith, knowing that He is the one who can save us from our troubles.
26 But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?”
You see here that this story is not about the storm. This is actually about the disciples! When Jesus got up, what Jesus did first was to rebuke His disciples. Should we change the title of the story? Should we change it to “Jesus Calms the Disciples?” or should we change it to “Jesus Was Not Affected by the Storm?”
Anyway, let’s move on. Jesus's question to the disciples reveals the root of their fear- their lack of faith. Similarly, when we allow fear to reign in our hearts, it reflects our own lack of trust in God's power and provision.
Reflection: How do we respond when storms of life hit? Do we panic, or do we trust in the calm presence of Jesus?
“…..Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.”
This reminds us that He is always in control, even when things seem out of control to us. In our Christian journey, Jesus is always ready to calm the storms of our lives when we place our faith in Him. He wants us to trust Him more, and when we do, He helps us through tough times.
Reflection: Do we turn to Jesus first when faced with adversity, or do we rely on our own strength and understanding?
27 So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”
The disciples witnessed Jesus' awe-inspiring power over nature. They marveled! Just as the disciples marveled at His ability to command the winds and the sea, we too should marvel at His authority over every aspect of our lives. He is not just a mere teacher or prophet, but Jesus is the “True God” with the power to bring peace and order to even the most chaotic situations of our life. Perhaps as missionaries, our ministries are in chaos. Jesus is ready to bring order. He is willing to rearrange it for His glory.
Reflection: How can we strengthen our faith in Jesus, especially in the midst of life's storms? Do we acknowledge Jesus's authority over every aspect of our lives, or do we try to control things ourselves?
The story of Jesus calming the storm serves as a powerful reminder of His sovereignty, our need for faith in the midst of trials, and the miraculous peace He brings to our lives when we trust in Him. Let us continue to follow Him faithfully, knowing that He is always with us, guiding us through the storms of life.
Sulad Jhun Cardeinte writes from AIIAS Cavite, Philippines.
