Knowing The Word in Luke 8:22-25, Jesus Calms a Storm

The lake of Galilee is 700’ below sea level and set in a mountainous region. Cold air from the heights can quickly sweep downhill from the east and whip up the water. So much so here that the waves were filling the disciples’ boat with water. Wearied from a day full of teaching, Jesus displays his total humanity in his need for sleep. After alerting Jesus to the danger, he rebukes the wind, implying an evil force behind it. However, the point of the story is that Jesus is master over nature. Jesus questions the disciples’ faith, meaning they should have trusted him. Their reply is “who is this?” Who do you think Jesus is and how are you doing trusting him?

22 One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, 23 and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. 24 And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”

Prayer:

Eternal God and Father, help us to entrust the past to your mercy, the present to your love, and the future to your wisdom, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who is the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.

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