Sometimes following Jesus leads us right into a storm.
The disciples obeyed when Jesus got into the boat—but even obedience doesn’t exempt us from trouble. What it does guarantee is this: Jesus is in the boat with us.
And when Jesus is in the boat, the storm never has the final word.
Who Is Jesus Speaking To?
Jesus is with His closest disciples—those who had already seen miracles, heard the Sermon on the Mount, and witnessed His healing touch. These weren’t strangers to His power.
But fear has a way of making us forget everything we know.
What Jesus Said: Matthew 8:23–27 (NASB)
23 When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. 24 And behold, a violent storm developed on the sea, so that the boat was being covered by the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. 25 And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing!” 26 He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. 27 The men were amazed, and said, “What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”
The Storm Was Real—But So Was the Savior
The Sea of Galilee is known for sudden, violent storms. The danger wasn’t imagined. The boat was actually filling with water.
But Jesus was asleep—not because He didn’t care, but because He wasn’t afraid.
Action Step: When chaos strikes, remind yourself: Jesus isn’t panicking, and He’s not absent. He’s at peace—and that peace is available to you.
“Save us, Lord—we are perishing!”
This cry reveals both faith and fear. They knew Jesus could save them—but they doubted whether He would.
It’s the tension we all feel in crises: “God, I know You’re able. But… will You?”
Action Step: In moments of panic, don’t stay silent. Cry out. Even imperfect prayers get perfect attention when spoken to Jesus.
“Why Are You Afraid?”
Jesus doesn’t rebuke them for waking Him. He challenges the fear behind their plea.
Faith isn’t the absence of fear—it’s choosing to trust even when you’re terrified.
Action Step: Ask yourself: “Is fear steering my boat right now?” Let faith regain the wheel. Speak God’s Word over your situation.
“He Rebuked the Winds and the Sea”
Jesus spoke to the chaos, and it obeyed.
He didn’t flail.
He didn’t shout.
And He rebuked the storm like a misbehaving child—and nature bowed in obedience.
Action Step: Speak with authority over your storm. Use Scripture. Declare peace. Jesus gave us the example—now follow it.
“What Kind of Man Is This?”
The disciples were amazed—not just at the weather, but at the man in the boat.
This moment redefined Jesus in their eyes. He wasn’t just a teacher or healer—He is the Lord of all creation.
Action Step: Let every storm show you more of who Jesus truly is. He uses trouble to reveal truth.
The Mood of the Scene
Chaotic. Desperate. Then, supernaturally calm.
This is how Jesus often works: He brings order to disorder, not by avoiding it—but by entering right into the middle of it.
What This Means for Us in 2025
In a world filled with anxiety, economic uncertainty, health crises, and spiritual warfare, storms are everywhere. But fear is not your destiny.
Jesus still rebukes storms.
He still questions our fear—not to shame us, but to help us grow.
If the wind and waves obey Him, your fear should too.
Application for Today:
- Invite Jesus into the boat—every day.
- Don’t mistake His silence for indifference.
- Cry out—but stay rooted in trust.
- Speak His promises over your storm.
- Let every trial teach you more about His identity.
Final Prayer
Jesus, I feel the waves rising, but I know You are near. Calm my fear. Speak to the storm in my heart, in my life, and in my circumstances. I trust that Your voice still carries power. Help me rest in Your presence, even in the chaos. In Your name, Amen.
