Matthew 8:23-27, Jesus Calms a Storm

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

Comments

The uniqueness of Jesus’ authority is further revealed by his first recorded nature-miracle. Jesus is progressively being revealed to his disciples as the Messiah.

Discipleship involves faith and practical trust in Jesus. In this instant, it is lacking. Perhaps Matthew intends the reader to begin to make a decision about who exactly Jesus is.

Who do you say he is?

Prayer

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(BCP, p. 215)