Following Jesus: The Storm Calmer
Passage: Matthew 8:23-27 Preacher: Laura Nelson
Have you ever been out in a boat when it is stormy and rough? It can be extremely scary. The sea is a powerful force and many lives have been lost because of it. The disciples here in Matthew 8 are crossing the Sea of Galilee and a violent storm arises. This is not just a small squall, it was a great storm. The words in the Greek portray the intensity. The storm is called a seismos, which is the word for an earthquake.When describing the waves, the Greek verb kaluptó is used which means to cover or conceal. The waves were covering the boat. The disciples are trying to deal with this intense storm in the best way they can and then in panic, rush and wake Jesus up complaining. Jesus gets up, and with just a few words transforms this great storm into a great calm. Jesus expresses surprise at the disciples lack of faith. The disciples are surprised, asking “who is this man?”
There are three things I think we can take away from this story:
First is the presence of Jesus in the boat.
Rembrandt did an incredible picture of this passage titled: “Storm on the Sea of Galilee”. An interesting thing about this painting is that Rembrandt painted himself on the boat. Rembrandt went through many storms in his life. One of the messages we can take from this passage, highlighted through this painting, is hold on and don’t let go, because Jesus is in the boat with you. Maybe like Rembrandt, you are going through rough seas, maybe feeling like life is breaking apart. Know that Jesus is with you. We can put our faith in Him, even when the waves crash around us. We can face the storms in our life, not in fear, but with a confidence that He is there and He will bring us through.
The second point to consider is understanding who this man is.
The disciples at this point still only have a vague idea of who this man Jesus, is. They obviously regard him as a leader, as master, they know he is a healer and teacher, but now they see him having authority over the elements. The disciples respond with: “who is this man, that even the wind and the waves obey him? Matthew, Mark, and Luke all include this story. This account is not just as a demonstration of power but to unveil who Jesus really is. He is not only powerful over demonic forces and illnesses, but He is also sovereign over the forces of nature. As Jesus is able to control the sea with His words it equates him with God. The power here is the same power that made the world in the first place. The one who speaks to the wind and the waves, stilling the sea, is the Son of God. This story, and why each gospel writer includes it, is to affirm Jesus divinity, that He is God.
The third point to consider is that when we grasp the truth of who Jesus is our trust grows.
I wonder if we are often like the disciples, we don’t have faith and trust because we don’t really know who He is. N. T. Wright asks the probing question: “How do we regard Jesus? It’s all very well to say in church, or in private devotion, that he’s the son of God, the Lord, the Messiah, or whatever. Do we actually treat Him as if he’s got authority over every aspect of our lives and our world?” Do we really know and trust Him? As we get to know Jesus more, understanding who He is, our faith and trust grows. Even though the disciples had already witnessed many miracles and heard Jesus teach they still really didn’t know who he was. How about us, is our knowledge of Him lacking? How well do we know him? Recently I have been encouraged to spend time with Jesus in the gospels, taking the time to get to know Him more. We will never fully grasp who He is, but as we grow in our understanding, spending time learning from Him and hearing from Him, our faith and trust grows and we can be at peace in the storms that come our way.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Can you relate to Rembrandt, feeling overwhelmed with the struggles of life? Holding on for dear life?
Have you experienced a time when Jesus ‘calmed the storm’ in your life?
How would you respond to N.T Wright’s question “How do we regard Jesus?” J.B. Phillips in his book “Your God is Too Small” notes that we have inadequate concepts of God such as: “Resident Policeman” “Grand Old Man”, “Meek and Mild” and “Managing Director”. Can you relate to any of these or have other misconceptions that come to mind?
The story highlights the fact that Jesus is God. Is this something you think about? Who is Jesus to you? Is he God? Does he have the power? Is he the one who cares?
Have you experienced a time when Jesus affirmed His love for you?
What would it mean for you to spend time with Jesus, getting to know Him better?
