David Bahn – Reflections

Matthew 8:23-27

And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. ²⁴And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. ²⁵And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” ²⁶And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. ²⁷And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”

One way or another, Jesus is always on call. He heals the leper, responds to the Centurion’s need, heals Peter’s mother-in-law, casts out demons from many and heals the sick. Now, even as he is withdrawing from Capernaum, he will still the storm and embolden the faint hearts of his disciples. He demonstrates God’s power and love. Jesus loves is all sorts of people. His power is over all of creation.

Matthew notes that Jesus is asleep in the boat even as the storm rages. He is surely tired. But it seems that he is also quite at peace in the midst of the storm; he is not worried about how the disciples will handle the boat, nor is he worried about the storm itself. He is quite confident that they will reach their destination.

When he is awakened, Jesus rebukes both the disciples and the storm. He calls them men of little faith. He orders the winds and waves to be at peace. There was great calm on the seas. There was awe and marveling in the hearts of the disciples. “Who is this man?” they wonder.

Perhaps you are wondering if God can love you. Jesus’ response to people throughout his earthly life testifies to his love for all kinds of people; he loves you. Maybe you are facing a challenge so large that you despair of God’s help. Jesus’ stilling of the storm and resurrection from the grave show his power over life’s storms and death’s power. Jesus might say to you, “Why are you afraid, of you of little faith?” He cares for you and has your good well in hand.