The story of Jesus calming the storm is a well-known one among Christians. It is a powerful reminder of the authority and power that Jesus had over nature. The story takes place on a boat with Jesus and his disciples.
A great storm arose, causing the disciples to fear for their lives. However, Jesus was able to calm the storm with just a few words. So, what did Jesus say to the disciples on the boat?
The Context of the Story
Before we get into what Jesus said, let’s first look at the context of the story. In Matthew 8:23-27, we are told that Jesus and his disciples got into a boat to cross over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee.
While they were sailing, a great storm arose on the sea. The waves were so high that they were crashing into the boat, threatening to capsize it.
The Disciples’ Fear
It’s important to note that many of Jesus’ disciples were experienced fishermen who had spent their entire lives on boats. They were used to storms and knew how dangerous they could be. So when they became afraid for their lives, it was an indication of just how severe this particular storm was.
What Did Jesus Say?
So what did Jesus say in this situation? In Matthew 8:26 (NIV), we read: “He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.”
“You of Little Faith”
The first thing that Jesus said to his disciples was “You of little faith.” This is an interesting statement because it implies that if they had more faith in him, they wouldn’t have been so afraid. It’s also worth noting that this wasn’t said in a condemning way, but rather as an observation.
“Why are you so Afraid?”
Jesus’ next question to his disciples was “Why are you so afraid?” This question is important because it gets to the heart of the matter. Jesus wasn’t just concerned with their fear; he wanted to know why they were afraid.
Was it because they didn’t trust him? Did they think that he couldn’t save them? By asking this question, Jesus was able to address the root cause of their fear.
Rebuking the Storm
After addressing his disciples’ fear, Jesus then rebuked the winds and the waves, and the storm was completely calm. This is a powerful example of Jesus’ authority over nature. With just a few words, he was able to calm a raging storm.
The Meaning of the Story
So what does this story mean for us today? There are several lessons that we can learn from it.
First, it reminds us that Jesus has power over nature. No matter how big or scary our problems may seem, Jesus is more powerful than them all.
Secondly, it teaches us about faith. If we have faith in Jesus, we can trust that he will be with us through even the toughest storms of life.
And finally, it shows us that fear is often rooted in a lack of faith. When we trust in Jesus, we don’t have to be afraid.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the story of Jesus calming the storm is a powerful reminder of who Jesus is and what he can do. It’s also a reminder that when we put our faith in him, we don’t have to be afraid no matter how big or scary our problems may seem.