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"Who Can This Be?" (Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41)

  1. Introduction: Facing the Storms of Life
  • The account of Jesus calming the storm is found in both Matthew 8:23-27 and Mark 4:35-41.
  • This passage teaches us about faith, fear, and the authority of Christ.
  • Everyone faces storms—life’s disruptions that shake our confidence.
  • The key question: "Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?" (Matthew 8:27)
  1. The Setting: Jesus and His Disciples on the Sea of Galilee
  • Jesus has been teaching and ministering all day and is physically exhausted.
  • The disciples are seasoned fishermen, familiar with the sea and its conditions.
  • They follow Jesus into the boat, expecting a normal journey.
  • Lesson: Storms often come when we least expect them.
  1. The Storm Arises: Fear Begins to Take Hold
  • The storm begins mildly, but quickly intensifies into a life-threatening situation.
  • The disciples attempt to handle it on their own:
    • Adjusting sails
    • Tightening ropes
    • Steering the boat
  • At first, they think they can manage, but soon fear overtakes their confidence.
  • Human tendency: "We got this!" → Yet, we are never truly in control.
  • The storm grows:
    • Thunder roars, lightning flashes, waves crash, water fills the boat.
    • Their strength and experience fail them.
  • Lesson: Storms expose our dependence on God.
  1. Jesus is Asleep: The Disciples Cry Out in Panic
  • While the disciples struggle in fear, Jesus is asleep in the back of the boat.
  • They misinterpret His calmness as indifference.
  • Their desperate cries:
    • “Master, do You not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38)
    • “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” (Matthew 8:25)
  • Lesson: We often assume God is silent or unconcerned in our struggles.
  1. Jesus Awakens: The Power of His Word
  • Jesus rises at their call—not because of the storm, but because His children cry out.
  • He rebukes the storm: “Peace, be still!” (Mark 4:39)
  • Instantly, the wind and waves obey—total calm returns.
  • Lesson: When we call on Jesus, He moves in power.
  1. The Rebuke: "Where is Your Faith?"
  • Instead of praising their faith, Jesus chastises it:
    • "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" (Mark 4:40)
    • "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" (Matthew 8:26)
  • Why does Jesus rebuke them?
    • They had already seen His power—miracles, healings, authority over demons.
    • They should have trusted in His presence rather than their circumstances.
  • Lesson: Fear is the enemy of faith. When we panic, we forget God’s promises.
  1. The Revelation: "Who Can This Be?"
  • The disciples are now in awe and reverence:
    • “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” (Matthew 8:27)
  • The storm that terrified them revealed the power and identity of Jesus.
  • Lesson: Storms strip away our illusions of control and reveal who Jesus truly is.
  1. Application: Responding to Life’s Storms
  1. Recognize that storms are inevitable
    • Jesus did not promise a storm-free life, but He promised His presence. (John 16:33)
  2. Trust in God’s sovereignty
    • The storm had to go through God’s hand before it reached them.
    • God is never surprised by our struggles.
  3. Call upon Jesus in faith, not fear
    • The disciples panicked in fear instead of praying in faith.
    • Lesson: Call on God before fear overtakes you.
  4. Rest in God’s presence, even in the storm
    • Jesus was at peace in the storm because He knew the outcome.
    • Do we trust God’s plan, or are we controlled by our circumstances?
  1. Conclusion: Who is Jesus to You?
  • The disciples asked, "Who can this be?"
  • We know the answer:
    • He is the Creator of all things (Colossians 1:16)
    • He is the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 22:13)
    • He is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11)
    • He is the Lord of the storm and the calmer of the waves
  • Whatever storm you face today, speak in faith, not fear.
  • Declare: "Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world." (1 John 4:4)
  • Give praise to the Lord, for He is in control of the storm!

Scripture References

  1. Matthew 8:23-27 – Jesus calms the storm
  2. Mark 4:35-41 – Parallel account of the storm
  3. John 16:33 – "In this world, you will have trouble, but take heart—I have overcome the world."
  4. Colossians 1:16 – Jesus, the Creator of all things
  5. Revelation 22:13 – "I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End."
  6. John 10:11 – "I am the Good Shepherd."
  7. 1 John 4:4 – "Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world."
  8. Hebrews 4:2 – "The gospel was not profitable because it was not mixed with faith."