Matthew 8:23-25
Throughout Galilee, large crowds followed Jesus as news spread about His teachings and miracles of healing (Matt. 4:23-25). In Matthew 8:18 a large crowd surrounded Him, and He commanded his disciples to go to the other side of the sea.
Here Jesus entered a ship, and his disciples followed him (v.23). “And behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep” (v.24). Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words says tempest comes from the Gr. seismos, a shaking, a shock, translated earthquake. When we hear earthquake, fear coupled with confusion usually grip us. I imagine when that powerful storm arose and the waves covered the ship, beating furiously against its deck, Jesus’ disciples were frantic. They knew there was trouble in the water, and danger surrounded them and Jesus. They were disciples fearful while Jesus was peacefully sleeping. This signified that as Lord over all of creation, we should trust Him to provide what we need when we need it. We trust Him to rule over and calm storms of nature because we live by faith. This is the same reason we must trust Him in our daily lives, calming storms that arise, causing fears, challenges, heartaches and pains, and so on.
Jesus’ disciples awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish (v.25). They were fearful of the danger and possible outcome of the storm, but they knew to call Him in the time of trouble. The disciples awoke Him with an urgency; they recognized His Lordship and pleaded for Him to save them from dying.
Today, trust the Lord to calm the storms of your life. Give Him glory!