22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. 23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. 24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25 “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” Luke 8:22-25
Fear. That was how the disciples responded. Not joy; not worship; not faith. Fear. And amazement. But not comfort; not trust; not peace.
It’s a truly amazing scene, and no wonder the disciples are afraid. They are afraid of the sudden storm. They are afraid of the power of the wind and waves. They are afraid of death by drowning.
And then it gets really scary. This Jesus, whom they had grown to know and love—this Jesus, whom they walked next to, slept beside, shared bread and laughter with—this Jesus turns out to be, well, something amazing. Something unspeakable. Something more powerful—and more frightening—than wind, or wave, or even death.
The disciples ask the question because they know, but don’t want to admit, the answer: only Yahweh, God of Heaven, treads the waves and commands the wind. Who is this Jesus? The answer is obvious: Yahweh, the One True God. And that answer is terrifying to sinners.
As we walk toward the cross this Lent, take a moment to consider the magnitude of what is going on. This isn’t merely a wandering teacher: this Jesus is God in the flesh. His presence is powerful but also terrifying. In His presence, sinners face death.
But instead, this God-Man puts Himself on the line. He uses His Godhead—He pours out His life—for the sake of these weak and terrified sinners. The raw power of the Creator of the Universe is used to redeem these weak and lowly, frightened sinners. Like you.
We pray: All Hail, King Jesus, true Man and true God! In Your power, you deserve all my honor and praise! And yet I thank You most of all that You used Your power to rescue me. Be with me in my fear and in my lack of faith, for You live and reign with Father and Spirit, one God, now and forever, amen.
