Jesus questions part 7

I’m sitting in front of my keyboard, having just completed my research in the Moody Bible Commentary. Honestly, it was balm to me, reviewing Matthew 8 and 9 with the help of this book. This book sees connections I haven’t made. Then, right after that, I sat here and reviewed all the things with which I am afraid. Yes, yes I did.

I’m trying to solve all the problems that face me, in my own strength and in my own way. But Lord, you are not moving in the way I think you should. Or, oh Lord, I messed up royally here. Or…fill in the blank.

Guys, when life hits us like the storm, it is so easy to focus on the storm and not on our Savior. Think with me, how likely are you to begin worrying about the storm and forget the Savior in the boat with you?

In Matthew 11, according to the MBC, verses four and five are the “key to understanding chapters 8-9..” pg. 3627, Michael Rydelnik, Moody Bible Commentary.

“Jesus replied to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: the blind see, the lame walk, those with skin diseases are healed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor are told the good news. And if anyone is not offended because of Me, he is blessed.””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭HCSB‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/72/mat.11.4-6.HCSB

If we could stop the waves of fear ourselves, there wouldn’t be 365 examples of the phrase “do not fear”in the word of God. Jesus tells John’s disciples here to slow down. Observe with your senses. What you see. What you hear. And honestly, in the midst of a full blown panic of life, maybe that is exactly what we need to do. What do I actually observe in my life? What do I see? What do I hear? What do I smell? Then to remind myself, speak comfort and remember truth.

Which brings me to the question of the day found in Matthew 8:26…

“As He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. Suddenly, a violent storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves. But He was sleeping. So the disciples came and woke Him up, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to die! ” But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, you of little faith? ” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea. And there was a great calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? — even the winds and the sea obey Him! ””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭8‬:‭23‬-‭27‬ ‭HCSB‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/72/mat.8.23-27.HCSB

I’m struck by the words, “his disciples followed him.” Many of these men were seasoned fishermen. They knew the unexpected nature of the water, how storms roar at a moment’s notice. They followed him. Jesus took his place and promptly fell asleep. AND then a storm swamped their boat. Jesus slept on. Now, just think for a moment with me. They freaked out and they knew these waters! It must have been terrifying for them. I can imagine their screams. We. Are. Going. To. Die.

Now, if the creator of the world can sleep in a boat, resting in trust of the next seconds, may I need to take some notes.

Jesus responds. And many times I have heard pastors teach that these next words of Jesus are in frustration. I’m not so sure about that. Here’s the Greek:

Faith (Of Little):

Jesus speaks this question tenderly, little of faith. Our faith is small. Their faith was small. Notice the timeline. He asks the question and then he rebuked the winds. He cares for their souls first, and physical bodies second.

My soul finds rest in this story. I hope it does for you as well.