Matthew 8 - 11.26.21

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 8:27b

“Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

OBSERVATION

The disciples were panicking as Jesus stood up in the boat that was being swamped by violent waves. I imagine his hair and beard going completely sideways from the wind, but his facial expression calm and confident. He rebuked the wind and waves and it was suddenly calm. The boat came to a rest. Wide eyed, the disciples couldn’t believe that Jesus had the ability to control even the most powerful forces of nature.

This chapter reveals Jesus as Lord over sickness and disease as he cleansed the leper (8:3), healed Peter’s mother-in-law of her fever (8:15) and healed all the sick (8:16). This chapter reveals Jesus as Lord over the spiritual realm when he sent demons fleeing the people they were tormenting (8:16, 32). And as mentioned, we see here Jesus’ lordship over creation.

UNDERSTANDING

Jesus is Lord of all.

It’s no wonder the apostle Paul passionately declared to the Roman Christians, “If God is for us, who can be against us!” This is the amazing part! The significance of Jesus’ lordship and authority is that he uses it on our behalf! No matter what may be against us – sickness, demons, even hurricanes and storms – we have a God who is for us. And our God has authority over it all!

This chapter also so clearly reveals God’s love for us. Every time he exercised his authority, it was for the benefit of those he came to save! Jesus is Lord of all and he is pleased to use his power and authority for our benefit.

Side note: Jesus spoke and calmed this storm in Matthew 8. But there was one other time in scripture where Jesus encountered a storm. Instead of speaking to calm the storm he spoke to calm his disciples. Instead of calming the waves, he enabled Peter to walk on them.

Whether he calms the waves in front of us or our heart within us, we can be certain that he is for us, will never leave us, and he has the authority and power to see us through.

LIFE APPLICATION

Thank God for being with me in the storm. Trust his authority and his love for me.

God, thank you for loving me! Thank you for using your authority already to change my life. To free me from my sin, from sicknesses, from demonic attacks. Once again, I ask you to come invade the areas in my life and those in our church family. In your great love for us, silence our storms and our fears. Amen.

-Pastor Levi Thompson