What does Jesus' question in Luke 8:25 reveal about the disciples' faith? Setting the Scene • Luke 8:22-25 records Jesus and the disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee. • A fierce windstorm threatens to swamp the boat, while Jesus sleeps. • The disciples, seasoned fishermen, panic: “Master, Master, we are perishing!” (v. 24). • Jesus rebukes the wind and waves; immediate calm follows. • Then comes the piercing question: “Where is your faith?” (v. 25). Jesus’ Question: “Where is your faith?” • It is not a request for information; Jesus knows their hearts (John 2:24-25). • It is a loving but direct rebuke, exposing the gap between what they had witnessed and how they reacted. • The wording suggests faith was expected to be present and operative—yet in that moment it was displaced by fear. What the Question Reveals About the Disciples’ Faith 1. Faith existed, but it was mislocated • They had seen healings, exorcisms, and even resurrection (Luke 7:14-16), yet their trust evaporated when circumstances turned deadly. • Their focus shifted from the Person in the boat to the peril outside it. 2. Faith was immature and easily overwhelmed • Parallel accounts underscore Jesus’ assessment: “You of little faith” (Matthew 8:26); “Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). • Fear eclipsed belief, showing a faith not yet anchored in His full authority. 3. Faith had not yet connected Jesus’ identity with His power • Their amazement—“Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water” (v. 25)—reveals uncertainty about His divine nature. • Psalm 107:29 describes the LORD calming storms; Jesus’ identical act should have confirmed His deity, yet they were still processing. 4. Faith had room—and need—for growth • Jesus’ question invites reflection, repentance, and deeper trust. • Subsequent events (Luke 9:1-6; 10:17-20) show their faith did grow as they experienced more of His power. Lessons for Believers Today • Faith must be centered on Christ’s character, not circumstances (Hebrews 11:1; 2 Corinthians 5:7). • Trials expose whether belief is theoretical or practiced (James 1:2-4). • Remembering previous works of God fuels present confidence (Joshua 4:6-7; Psalm 77:11-12). • The One who “upholds all things by His powerful word” (Hebrews 1:3) remains Lord of every storm, inviting steadfast faith rather than panic. The question “Where is your faith?” still calls every disciple to locate belief firmly in Jesus—trusting His presence, power, and promises, no matter how fierce the winds. |
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