How does Matthew 8:25 demonstrate the disciples' faith during the storm? Setting the Scene Matthew 8:24–25 records a sudden, violent storm on the Sea of Galilee: “Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was engulfed by the waves. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke Him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We are perishing!’ ” Evidence of Faith in Their Actions • They went to Jesus first. • They addressed Him as “Lord,” acknowledging His authority. • They believed He had power to intervene, or waking Him would have been pointless. Three Facets of Their Faith 1. Recognition of His Sovereignty • Calling Him “Lord” parallels Peter’s later confession (Matthew 16:16). • They believed Psalm 107:28–29—only God can still the storm. 2. Dependence, Not Self-Reliance • Several disciples were seasoned fishermen (Matthew 4:18–22). They understood storms yet cried for help, reflecting Proverbs 3:5–6. 3. Urgent, Expectant Plea • “Save us!” mirrors Romans 10:13: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” • Their cry echoes Jonah 1:14, showing that calling on God in crisis is an act of trust, not doubt. Faith Clarified by Jesus’ Response • In Matthew 8:26 Jesus asks, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Their faith was real but immature—present, yet needing growth. • He immediately calms the storm, affirming that even small faith rightly placed in Him is effective (cf. Matthew 17:20). Parallel Accounts Deepen the Picture • Mark 4:38 adds the disciples’ words, “Teacher, don’t You care…?” showing honest but believing desperation. • Luke 8:24 records, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Multiple titles—Lord, Teacher, Master—underscore their conviction that He alone could rescue them. Key Takeaways for Today • Faith is demonstrated by where we run in crisis. • Even fledgling faith, directed toward the living Lord, moves His hand. • Growth comes as we see Him answer, just as the disciples moved from “little faith” in Matthew 8 to bold proclamation in Acts 2. |
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