It has always been a matter of interest to me that the disciples understanding of what Jesus was about was so scant. It is both comforting and concerning to know that, even with Jesus himself as a teacher, those closest to Him had little grasp of what was really happening. Comforting because that’s how I often feel (what is Jesus doing?), and worrying to me as a bible teacher because if Jesus is teaching, and behind the scenes explanations didn’t immediately convince the disciples, then what chance have I got?
The first surprising event in the lives of the disciples I’d like to consider is what the ESV heads Jesus Calms a Storm. The story is very familiar - Jesus takes the disciples on a boat trip, being very tied he’s sleeping. A storm rises and threatens to swamp the boat. The terrified disciples wake Jesus with ‘we’re going to die!’ What is surprising is that Jesus didn’t respond with a comforting sermon on the Fathers ability to preserve their lives even in difficult situations. In His response it is almost if Jesus didn’t understand their anxiety.
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.
Matthew 8 v26
So why was Jesus reaction harsh rather than comforting?
The disciples were on a faith learning exercise. The previous verses and chapters show that Jesus was demonstrating the power he had over sickness and circumstance. In v5-13 a non-Jew exercised incredible faith as his servant was healed without Jesus seeing or touching him. Following this Jesus healed and delivered crowds from sickness and demonic influence.
Now comes a personal lesson for the disciples - they are personally challenged. The storm is threatening them. Jesus is looking for faith! He’s still looking for faith. We can see those around us exercising faith for healing, finance and the future and be personally immune.
Jesus said that a tiny amount of faith is sufficient to achieve the impossible. Faith is action, James reminds us. So garrison your faith, however small and faltering, look to Jesus and speak to the storm. Act as if Jesus was very powerful and personally with you - because He is!
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