Matthew 8:24-27; 14:25, 29-33 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 8:24-27; 14:25, 29-33 on biblegateway.com
Verse 24A windstorm arose on the sea, so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. Verse 25And they went and woke him up, saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!" Verse 26And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, you of little faith?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a dead calm. Verse 27They were amazed, saying, "What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?" Verse 25And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. Verse 29He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. Verse 30But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Verse 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" Verse 32When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Verse 33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Devotion
In two events on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus quiets the storm and calms the raging waves. The disciples first respond as we might expect—with fear. "Lord, save us! We are perishing!" In one situation, Peter courageously walks out on the water to meet Jesus, who is strolling on the waves to their rescue. But then, he is overcome by fear, and he sinks like a rock.
In spite of the doubt and fear, Jesus calms the raging winds and waves. The disciples respond with amazement and faith. Their proclamation—"Truly you are the Son of God"—makes it clear they recognize the power of God.
We experience our own storms. And we know well the reactions of fear and lack of faith. Can we hear the voice of Jesus calling to us in the midst of our chaotic seas? Can we hear his words of assurance? Life's storms will come. But because we follow the one who can calm wind and wave, fear is not the last word. We are held in the hands of the very son of God.
Prayer
Lord, send us Jesus to calm the raging seas, and give us faith to meet our fears.
Amen.