23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. 24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. 25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him! (Matthew 8:23-27 KJV)
Jesus Calms the Storm
Christ had given sailing orders to his disciples (Matthew 8:18) to cross to the other side of the Sea of Tiberias, into the country of Gadara, in the tribe of Gad, east of the Jordan. He went there to rescue a man possessed by a legion of demons, though he foresaw how he would be rejected.
He chose to travel by water. He could have gone by land, but he crossed the lake to show that he was Lord of the sea as well as the land, demonstrating his power over all creation. This is a comfort to those who travel by sea, knowing they have a Savior who understands storms. He had no yacht or pleasure boat but used his disciples’ fishing boats, showing his humility in all things.
His disciples followed him. The twelve stayed close while others remained on solid ground. True disciples are those willing to follow Christ into difficulties. Many would prefer an easy journey to heaven, but those who would rest with Christ in eternity must follow him now, even into storms.
A great storm arose (Matthew 8:24). Christ could have prevented it, but he allowed it for his glory and to strengthen their faith. Having Christ with them did not mean a smooth passage—he was teaching them that those who journey with him through this world must expect trials.
Jesus was asleep during the storm. This is the only recorded instance of his sleeping. Unlike Jonah’s sleep of indifference, Christ’s was one of peaceful trust in his Father. His human nature needed rest, and his sinless heart had no fear to disturb him. He also slept to test his disciples’ faith, to see if they would trust him when he seemed absent.
The disciples, though experienced sailors, were terrified and cried out, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” (Matthew 8:25). It was good they had him near. In times of danger, their instinct was to turn to him. Their prayer was short but full of faith and urgency. Their petition was, “Lord, save us.” They believed he could save them and begged him to do so. Christ came to save, but only those who call on him will be saved (Acts 2:21). Their plea was, “We are perishing.” This was both the language of fear, believing their situation hopeless, and the language of urgency, praying as people desperate for rescue.
He rebuked the disciples (Matthew 8:26), saying, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” He did not rebuke them for waking him but for their fear. He expected them to trust him even in the storm. Their fear came from weak faith. Strong faith anchors the soul in trials and looks beyond the storm to the calm that will follow.
He rebuked the wind and the sea. He first addressed their hearts, then the storm. With just a word, he calmed the sea, showing his dominion over nature. Unlike natural storms that take time to settle, this one ceased instantly.
The disciples were amazed (Matthew 8:27). They had never seen a storm subside so quickly. They marveled, saying, “What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?” Christ’s authority over nature confirmed his divine power. If he can control the sea, he can control every storm in our lives. The Lord reigns over the floods and is mightier than the raging waters (Psalm 93:4).
By commanding the sea, Christ revealed himself as the same God who, at creation, rebuked the waters and set their boundaries (Psalm 104:7-8). The same voice that calmed the storm now speaks peace to all who trust in him.
Here are some key points to consider: (1) Those who follow Christ will face many storms in life. (2) Christ may appear indifferent to his followers when they are in grave danger, teaching us to call upon Him. (3) The challenges faced by the faithful are meant to test, strengthen, and enhance their character.