We continue the Jesus Said What? series today, with one of my favorite stories. Lets pick up in
Matthew 8:23-27 (ESV)
“And when He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves, but He was asleep. And they went and woke Him, saying, ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing.’ And He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?’ Then He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey Him?'”
Stepping Into the Story
Let’s pause. Close your eyes. Feel the boat swaying under your feet, the sting of salty spray on your skin. The night air is thick, electric, as the storm howls like a wild beast. The waves tower—relentless, merciless. Panic is in the air, thick enough to taste. You’re gripping the side of the boat, your knuckles white. And Jesus? He’s asleep.
This is the moment. This is where faith and fear collide.
Maybe you’ve been here before—staring at the storm, heart pounding, screaming for Jesus to wake up. Maybe you’ve whispered the same desperate words: Save me, Lord, I’m drowning.
So let’s step deeper into this story. Let’s sit in the boat. Let’s wrestle with the storm. These are the three thoughts about this amazing story that I’d like to share with you for your study.
1. The Disciples Followed Jesus… Into the Storm
Wait—Jesus Led Them Here?
Sometimes we think that following Jesus means smooth sailing. But no. The disciples were in the storm precisely because they followed Him. He called them into the boat, knowing full well what was coming.
Read that again: Jesus led them into the storm.
Why? Because the storm was the lesson. The storm was the classroom. The storm was the moment they would come face to face with their faith—or their lack of it.
What About Us?
What storm are you in? And did you ever think—just maybe—God led you into it? Not to punish you, not to abandon you, but to meet you in the middle of the chaos. To show you something about Himself you wouldn’t see otherwise.
We want miracles without storms, faith without fire, testimonies without tests. But that’s not how faith grows. Faith is forged in the fire or in this case the waves.
2. Jesus Slept. On Purpose.
How Could He Sleep?
The storm is raging. The disciples are losing it. And Jesus? Fast asleep.
Can you imagine? The boat is lurching, water sloshing everywhere, and Jesus is just—out cold. It must have driven the disciples crazy. How can you sleep at a time like this? Don’t you care?
Maybe you’ve asked the same thing. Maybe it feels like Jesus is asleep in your storm, silent when you need Him most.
But here’s the thing: Jesus wasn’t sleeping because He didn’t care. He was sleeping because He wasn’t worried.
What Does This Mean for Us?
Jesus was showing them—and us—something powerful. Peace isn’t found in the absence of the storm. It’s found in the presence of God. If Jesus can sleep through the storm, maybe we can too.
Psalm 4:8 says, “In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” That’s the kind of trust Jesus is inviting us into. A trust so deep that even in the middle of the chaos, we can rest.
3. “O You of Little Faith.”
Ouch. That Stings.
Jesus wakes up. He looks at them—these men He’s poured into, who have seen Him heal the sick, cast out demons, perform miracles—and He asks one question: Why are you afraid?
It’s not a scolding. It’s not an eye roll. It’s an invitation. Why are you afraid when I’m right here?
The storm wasn’t the real problem. Their fear was. Their forgetfulness was.
Sound Familiar?
How many times has God come through for us? How many miracles have we seen, how many prayers have been answered? And yet—when the waves rise, we panic. We forget. We question if He’s really with us.
But here’s the truth: Faith isn’t about never feeling fear. It’s about knowing Who to turn to when fear comes. It’s knowing that Jesus speaks and the storm listens
What About Our Storms?
Maybe Jesus hasn’t spoken “Peace, be still” over your storm yet. Maybe the waves are still raging. But know this: His presence is enough.
Whether He calms the storm or calms your heart, either way—He is enough.
Final Thoughts: When The Storm Comes (Because It Will)
Here’s what we know:
- Storms will come. Following Jesus doesn’t mean a life free of trouble. It means we’re never alone in the trouble.
- Jesus is with us in the storm. He’s not distant. He’s not indifferent. He’s in the boat.
- Faith is our anchor. Fear will rise, but faith holds us steady. Faith reminds us that Jesus is still Lord over the wind and waves.
So, what storm are you facing today? What waves are crashing against you?
Know this: Jesus sees you. He has not forgotten you. And He is speaking peace over you—even now.
The storm won’t last forever – and when it’s all over, when the waters are calm again, you’ll know—deep in your soul—that the One who commands the storm is the One who holds you.
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