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. His email address is acardeinte@aiias.edu
Follow his FB page: Adventist ToolBoX
To read the previous blog articles, go to SULADS Thailand website and click blog section. Direct link below; https://www.suladsthailand.com/blog-1/
Write a comment
CLP Writes (Tuesday, 09 April 2024 18:20)
Amen and amen. ❤️
Analiza (Tuesday, 09 April 2024 18:27)
We are bless to read the message
Sulads Jally (Tuesday, 09 April 2024 18:29)
There is peace amidst the storms.
Cecilia Bill (Tuesday, 09 April 2024 18:30)
Yes really we need Jesus to calm the angry storms in our lives and he is the only source we depend on ..we must build our faith on the rock Jesus so we can stand firm when trials arises �
Ezekiel Anil Karinas (Tuesday, 09 April 2024 18:30)
Powerful message, thank for sharing.
Please continue to share.
Moses KARNHICK (Tuesday, 09 April 2024 18:45)
Amen! Jesus is our Rock in our storms of life
Regina (Tuesday, 09 April 2024 18:48)
Really inspiring.
Jesus is always there to calm the stormy seas in life. Amen. ���❤️
Praise (Tuesday, 09 April 2024 19:12)
When he says : peace be still. They all shall obey His will nor demons or man or whatever it be....
Helen Garae Louis (Tuesday, 09 April 2024 19:12)
Dear brother in Christ,
I thank you for this inspired message of inviting Jesus into my heart. I have faced with a stressful challenge this morning with my children and my husband...This message have lifted me up this midday.
Thank you so much.
Samah.Suguya (Tuesday, 09 April 2024 19:39)
Thankyou, I praise God for this powerful message. I had a storm coming to me but this message has put me into perspective, praise God � �
Lueann (Tuesday, 09 April 2024 21:10)
Jesus is the answer to all our problems �� ��,wonderful message.
Buldama Jacob. (Tuesday, 09 April 2024 21:57)
I am really blessed to read this wonderful message, it is a source of encouragement to me, to trust in the Lord Jesus in the midst of the storm of life I am passing through every day, Lord Jesus increase my faith and trust, help my unbelieve and trust, fill my heart with the holy Spirit. Thank you Lord Jesus.
Buldama Jacob from Lagos, Nigeria.
Eddie Michael (Tuesday, 09 April 2024 22:05)
Thanks for the powerful massage. It really helped me..very inspiring..
Tendai (Tuesday, 09 April 2024 22:14)
Thanks so much for such a powerful message. It surely deserves the title " Jesus calms the disciples" as it brings out the significance of our faith in Jesus in all forms of adversity.
Otiogbo Oke (Tuesday, 09 April 2024 22:26)
I thank God for this timely message, i pray for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and that God should calm all the storms raging in my life in Jesus Christ name amen.
FRED (Tuesday, 09 April 2024 23:17)
With Jesus in the vessel i can smile at the storm
Nganai stephen (Tuesday, 09 April 2024 23:20)
Amen..build up in his power...
Annie (Tuesday, 09 April 2024 23:27)
Amen��
Amanda (Tuesday, 09 April 2024 23:51)
Thank you for this message, I have learnt to trust Jesus, although I cry as my husband and son is captured, I know God is taking care of them.
Clinton Junior (Tuesday, 09 April 2024 23:55)
Powerful message. Amen
Simon Nyandoro (Wednesday, 10 April 2024 00:26)
So nice message to all of us.be blessed
Oloo (Wednesday, 10 April 2024 00:30)
Reassuring. Amen.
Dumisani (Wednesday, 10 April 2024 00:39)
Amen
Sir Abraham (Wednesday, 10 April 2024 00:46)
Wow what an awesome message, God bless you abundantly. Peace be still
Keith (Wednesday, 10 April 2024 00:53)
Amen, I have learnt that my faith in Christ should be stronger and I should always look up to Him to help me through every situation that I find myself in, believing that he has already overcome it.
Nyuot chuong Nyuot (Wednesday, 10 April 2024 01:03)
The true message that always inspire my heart and make me glad in the midst of storm is the fact that God love me, I have a confidence that he will never left me and you have inspired my heart about what happened in the midst of the sea.
Amen in the morning
Allan Chisaina (Wednesday, 10 April 2024 01:04)
Amen;indeed Christ's calms all the storms in our lives when we trust Him;Key point :Trust and obey Him
Daniel Kiago (Wednesday, 10 April 2024 01:22)
Blessed to always be with Jesus even in time of trouble's.
Elnuel (Wednesday, 10 April 2024 01:38)
Amen. This article is inspiring. I need to be calm amidst life's threatening storms
Derrick (Wednesday, 10 April 2024 02:19)
Amen. Peace be still
Milton Namikuta (Wednesday, 10 April 2024 03:50)
Thanks for the inspired message which gives me strength and encouragement in life 's storms, challenges and temptations.
Edwina San Agustin (Wednesday, 10 April 2024 04:44)
Thank you for this message .It is really true that we need to trust Jesus at all times..
Gendell Ortiz (Wednesday, 10 April 2024 08:27)
Praise the Lord for this inspiring message that reminds me to lean wholeheartedly to Him and only Him ��
Simangele Nondonga (Wednesday, 10 April 2024 11:23)
With Jesus in the vessel you can smile at the storm.
Benedict Mulaala (Saturday, 27 April 2024 22:00)
Telephone to Jesus; Telephone to Jesus telephone to Jesus
Every day....