Jesus Commands The Storm

[00:00:00] The men marveled, saying, What kind of a man is this, that even the wind and sea obey him? O mighty God, we are in awe of your sovereignty over creation and your unmatched authority over the universe. In the presence of such majesty, we humbly bow our hearts, acknowledging our finitude and your infinite greatness.

[00:00:28] Grant us the humility to recognize our place in your creation and to submit to your will with reverence and to trust in your goodness and power in every aspect of our lives. May our lives be a testament to your glory as we stand in awe of your might and proclaim your greatness.

[00:00:54] Help us to live with a constant awareness of your presence, guided by your wisdom and enveloped in your grace. In Jesus' mighty name, we pray. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. This is The Jesus Podcast. Gospel-inspired stories meant to enliven your imagination and ignite your faith.

[00:01:22] Stay tuned for an epic retelling of Jesus' authority over the storm. Be sure to follow this podcast so you never miss an episode. If these stories have blessed you, share them with a friend. Thanks for spreading the word. Who answers America's call for more energy? Our people do.

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[00:04:04] Save up to 90% with automated rate shopping. That's why over 1 million small businesses trust stamps.com. Go to stamps.com and use code PODCAST to try stamps.com risk-free for 60 days. Jesus regarded the crowd, thousands of them gathered by the shore of the Sea of Galilee. The heavy breeze whistled in from the vast waters as Jesus taught about the kingdom of God.

[00:04:33] By this point, Jesus had taught many things. People had traveled near and far to hear him speak. However, he understood the state of every heart. Some would receive his words, while others would reject them. Looking to the crowd, Jesus began to speak in parables. A sower went out to plant seeds in his field.

[00:04:59] He rose early in the morning, eager for the crop awaiting him. As he spread the seeds, some fell along the road beside the fields.

[00:05:31] Jesus smiled and held up his finger. Yet, there were some seeds who fell by the good soil. It was rich, fertile, and perfect for growth. The seed that fell by that soil produced 30, 60, and 100 fold. Jesus scanned the faces of the people standing on the shore. He knew exactly where the seeds were falling.

[00:05:59] The clouds were beginning to darken, and the sun was hidden by the storm brewing on the horizon. Everyone began to depart back to their homes. They were coastal people, and those who lived on the coast understood a storm such as this could potentially send people flying out of their sandals. Master, we should leave for tonight. A storm like this will not be kind to us. The other disciples nodded.

[00:06:28] Andrew, Peter, James, and John were fishermen and understood the volatile nature of the sea. They respected the wind and feared its power. Jesus looked at the horizon. About five miles out was the other side of the sea. The disciples watched Jesus' gaze closely. They could tell he was up to something.

[00:06:54] Where others saw obstacles, Jesus saw opportunity. With a glint in his eye, Jesus hopped onto the fishing boat. Come, let's go to the other side of the sea. Master, look at the horizon. Those clouds are darker than I do. The disciples shuddered and looked out on the horizon. They didn't see what Jesus saw. Jesus didn't look at the oncoming storm with any concern. He saw what was through the storm.

[00:07:25] The gentle breeze had been replaced with a high-pitched howl, as if warning the disciples not to enter the boat. Nevertheless, despite their fears, they did as they were told and boarded the boat. Andrew hoisted the sail as Peter manned the tiller. James and John set the course and lifted the anchor. They were professionals and sailed the boat like musicians in a symphony.

[00:07:56] For the first mile, the wind was blowing in the right direction for them to stay on course. The boat rocked up and down to the volatile waves, and the rest of the disciples held onto the ship's sides. John looked out over the horizon. On the other side of the sea were jagged mountain ranges. They were dark and foreboding. There had been rumors of a man who lived in the caves there.

[00:08:24] They said he had the strength of a thousand men, and he was able to break chains with his bare hands. The very thought sent shivers down John's spine. The sun had set, and Jesus' eyes were heavy. He had spent much of the day teaching, healing, and ministering to people. He turned to the disciples and yawned. It's been a long day, my friends. I will lay here a while. Even with the glaring storm ahead,

[00:08:53] Jesus moved to the stern of the ship, where there was an underhang to sleep. He laid his head on the cushion, unperturbed by the rocking waves. Peter looked at Jesus and then looked up at the clouds. How could Jesus fall asleep in such conditions? Was he that arrogant of the sea? He's from Nazareth, I suppose. He isn't used to being on this shore as much.

[00:09:19] He looked at Andrew, concerned about their chances of reaching the other side. Then, with almost no notice, the winds shifted. The ship's boom swung violently as the winds changed course. All the disciples ducked for cover. Andrew leaped towards the rope and kept the boom from swinging further. He stopped it right before it hit Matthew's head. Peter could feel the tiller pulling to the left on its own.

[00:09:50] Each of you, grab a bucket and fasten yourself to the mast. He shouted with the commanding voice of a captain. We'll need all of you if we're going to survive this. Peter gripped the tiller, ready to battle the storm on his own. He looked at Jesus again, fast asleep under the small overhang. Who do you say Jesus is? A good teacher? A miracle worker?

[00:10:19] A healer? Or is he someone much greater? How you define Jesus directly feeds into your faith. If you see him as simply a man of great power, you might believe there are situations more powerful than him. If you view him as the Lord of all creation, the one who holds the cosmos in the span of his hand, then you'll know that he has the authority over all things and will never allow anything to overcome you as his follower. Welcome to The Jesus Podcast,

[00:10:48] a year of stories showcasing the depth of Christ's love through storytelling and the glory of God's truth through honest reflection. I'm Zach, your host from Pray.com, and I'm excited to have you here today. Be sure to follow the podcast and stay up to date on these epic stories of Jesus' life and ministry. Our story today can be found in all three of the synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. It's a story filled with terror, wonder, and fear of the Lord. We'll begin with another scene of Jesus teaching the crowds

[00:11:17] before heading out onto the waters of the Sea of Galilee. Before long, a monumental storm quickly sets in and seems to threaten the safety of the disciples. Gripped with fear and wondering how the Lord could be asleep at a time like this, they pressed through the raging weather. Their eyes set on another side of the sea, desperately wondering if they're going to make it to shore. But Jesus was with them, and this storm would not only be used as another opportunity for him to teach his disciples to have faith,

[00:11:45] it would also prove that he is the master of the universe. Two winds blew in from the east and the west, colliding like two titans at war. Lift the jib so I can steer properly! Peter shouted to Andrew. Andrew pulled with all his might, but the wind flew in too many directions. I can't! The wind is too strong!

[00:12:13] I need to keep us on course! Peter shouted with gritted teeth, leaning against the tiller with his body weight. His eyes darted again to Jesus, fast asleep on a pillow. The rain began to beat down like arrows onto the side of the boat. Matthew was terrified. All of a sudden, he missed the safety of the tax booth. He looked up at the sails. The wind was tearing to shreds.

[00:12:43] As he looked up, a wave crashed against the vessel's side, tossing Matthew overboard. Help! Someone help me! James launched himself toward Matthew. His ribs hit the side of the boat, but he was unable to grab Matthew's hand. I got you, Matthew! I've got you! The others ran to James and helped pull Matthew back up. Another wave beat onto the side, sending them back onto the deck. James held his side and chuckled.

[00:13:13] You're far from the tax booth, hey, Matthew! But there was no more time for laughter. The sea was like a beast seeking to devour its prey. Peter's hands were bleeding from gripping the tiller. He couldn't hold on much longer. Get the water out of the boat! Peter screamed, clamping the tiller between his arms and chest to keep it in place. The rest of the disciples used pails to scoop the water out of the boat. All the while, Jesus was sleeping

[00:13:43] under the safety of the stern. Peter clenched his eyes. He was losing hope. He was a man of the sea, but he couldn't see a way out of this. He looked at Jesus. He was angry. Anger that they could be perishing and he could be fast asleep. If he let go of the tiller, the entire boat would spiral out of control into the sea. He held tightly, blood dripping down

[00:14:11] into the pool of water beneath his feet. Master! Master! Jesus didn't answer. Thunder clapped above them, and another wave billowed against the ship. Peter heard the wood crack. He couldn't bear it any longer. He couldn't hold the weight of his companions. We're all going to die, Peter thought to himself. They needed a miracle, but the one who was supposed to perform miracles

[00:14:41] didn't seem to care at all. Weren't there cries enough to wake him? Peter's entire body trembled. He was about to let go. Master! Did you send us on here just so we could drown? Don't you see that we're perishing? Do you even care? Peter yelled with a broken and frightened voice. Jesus rose from his sleep and looked at Peter.

[00:15:09] The wind was piercing and ripping against Jesus' body. Yet he stood to his feet with complete composure. Peter watched as Jesus marched up to the front of the vessel. The wind roared like a challenger to Jesus. The wind whipped at his back, and the rain fell like gravel. Jesus looked at the storm like an adversary. The waves were merciless and smashed against the boat

[00:15:38] to rock Jesus overboard. Yet in the midst of an unrelenting force, God's hero stood firm. He stretched out his hand against the forceful wind and said, Hush! Be still! Jesus' voice rumbled like a lion's, and the power of his word pushed back the waves. The clouds fled like frightened animals. In an instant,

[00:16:08] the wind and waves ceased their onslaught. The clouds vanished, revealing the firmament above adorned with glorious stars. Their twinkling lights danced in the reflection of the glassy sea below. The light from the stars reflected upward, illuminating Jesus' sturdy and heroic frame. All was quiet,

[00:16:36] and Jesus' face was revealed in the dimly lit night. He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply. Jesus turned back to his disciples and said, Where is your faith? Did I not tell you we would reach the other side? Peter loosened his grip on the tiller, blood dripping from his hands. He fell forward onto his knees and sobbed.

[00:17:03] The disciples looked at Jesus standing at the front of the boat. They bowed in awe. It was as if nature itself knew his voice. The wind and the waves bent to his will. They obeyed his voice. Even the seas knew he was the Lord. The night sky leaked resplendent beauty.

[00:17:31] The light trickled down like raindrops on Jesus' face. John propped himself up and sighed a breath of wonder. Who is this man that even the sea and the wind obey his command? Is he a man? Peter whispered under his breath. He must be something more. The night was almost over. The sun was rising over the glassy sea. The other side was within view,

[00:18:00] like a mother placing her child down onto its bed. The vessel was placed carefully onto the shore by the sea. The disciples stumbled out of the boat, praising God they were alive. Matthew leaped out of the ship and puked. All this was far more excitement than counting coins in the safety of his booth. The disciples embraced each other with exhausted laughter.

[00:18:29] Jesus and Peter exchanged glances. Peter was slowly beginning to realize who Jesus truly was. Some said he was a prophet. Others thought he was a revolutionary. But this event proved that Jesus was something far more significant. In the beginning, God created the wind and the sea with his voice.

[00:18:58] The source of that same voice stood on the shore with him. Hey there, it's Wayfair here, where delivery and setup are as easy as a few taps on your phone. You're relaxing in an old hammock, scrolling Wayfair's app, when you spot it, a brand new patio set. Next thing you know, Wayfair delivers it right to your patio and sets it up. Oh, you need a new grill too? Alright, Wayfair's got you covered. With Wayfair's Room of Choice Delivery and fast experts set up on qualifying orders,

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[00:21:16] You have the still and quiet waters, representing the refreshing presence of God's Spirit. Then you have the raging seas, representing the chaos and unpredictability of the world. These chaotic waters were presented in the beginning, before God spoke light and life over the void. Genesis 1, 2-4 says this, The earth was without form, and void, and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, Let there be light. And there was light. And God saw the light, and it was good.

[00:21:45] And God divided the light from the darkness. With a word, chaos and darkness were tamed. Since the very beginning, God has been reminding us that His very word can calm the storm and bring light into darkness. Dark and chaotic are certainly appropriate adjectives for the times we find ourselves in today. And it's the very literal circumstance these disciples found themselves in. Rain beating down like arrows and waves beating against the ship like giants. Chaos. Darkness.

[00:22:14] And the question the disciples have for Jesus is an interesting one. One that shakes me to the core. Teacher, do you not even care that we're perishing? There's a question that we may think matters to people when it comes to God. Questions that require a case on the seven-day creation, the ontological reasoning for the existence of God, or other self-gratifying apologetic questions. But in the midst of the chaos and darkness, people aren't asking, Does God exist? They're asking,

[00:22:44] Does God care about me? I'm perishing. Does Jesus even care? I think with the way my mind works, and the direction I have been seeing my generation go, I am tempted to argue against the ideas of people who are really at their core, just plain terrified, reeling, caught up in the wind and waves. You see, some people might present themselves as if they're against God, but in reality, they're just wondering if God cares. And here's Jesus, speaking with the same voice that spoke light over the chaotic void,

[00:23:14] saying, Be still. You and I get to testify to this voice with confidence. It's the only voice that can truly calm the storms in people's life. In the next chapter, we see a man who is caught not in a literal storm, but an inner storm. On the other side of this sea lies a man who is possessed by a legion of demons. We're going to get to that story in a later season, but to give you a recap, this man comes and attacks Jesus on the shore, but immediately bows down to him.

[00:23:44] Jesus casts a legion of demons out of him, and the man who is tormented for so many years is at peace. Gosh, if this isn't an image of our culture, I don't know what is. Tormented to the point of self-harm, restless, alone, and bound by ideology or crippling anxiety. And we see Jesus do the same thing to that man. He spoke to the storm that raged within him, declaring peace. You see,

[00:24:12] there are inner storms and outer storms in our life. The inner storms are the turmoil we feel within. Depression, crippling anxiety, relational strife. These are storms that rage within us, and they cripple and hinder our reach towards God because we feel overwhelmed. But then there's the outer storms, circumstances that seem outside of our control, a layoff, a death of loved ones, things that we can't control and need desperately strength for.

[00:24:41] Jesus is the master of the inner and the outer storms, the storms that rage in and around people, and you and I are ambassadors of peace in a chaotic world, getting to declare Jesus is the master. And just as God's spirit hovered over the dark waters, he is primed and ready to bring peace to those who have been caught up in a cultural, emotional, or spiritual tempest. Ephesians 2.17 says this, And he came and preached peace to you who are far off

[00:25:10] and those who are near. This peace is a hard thing to receive at times because the storm makes me angry, the cultural distress, the ideological warfare, the political division. And if I'm not careful, I can find myself just punching at the wind and yelling at the waves, expecting them to cease. Sometimes we can think the louder we yell, the quieter the storm will get. As if with our own power, we can make these circumstances, these ideologies, and these oppressors go away. And in our yelling,

[00:25:40] we can accomplish the opposite of what God is wanting to do in us. We aren't supposed to rage against the storm, but be ambassadors of the peace that's in it. Ultimately pointing towards the captain of the tempest, Jesus. Matthew 5.9 says, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Mark 4.40-41 says, But he said to them, Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, Who can this be that even the wind

[00:26:10] and the sea obey him? My friends, our battle is not against the storm. That's for Jesus. Our battle is in keeping the faith, and our eyes fix on Jesus in the midst of the storm. I have heard sermons preached many times on this passage, and the sermon goes a little something like this. Jesus said that they would cross over to the other side. Why didn't the disciples have faith? Why didn't the disciples have faith that they were going to get through the storm? Jesus told them that they would.

[00:26:38] Why didn't they take Jesus at his word? And I think this interpretation is sound in certain ways. But can I pose something else? Our hope should never be that the storm will end. Our faith cannot be rooted in a false promise that storms will always cease. Because can I tell you something, friends? Sometimes the cancer doesn't heal. Sometimes the loved one leaves. Sometimes you pray for the storm to end,

[00:27:07] and it only rages and thrashes even harder. Is your faith in some dream that life will no longer be difficult, that life will no longer be challenging? My friends, wake up. That's not the dream. That is not the prayer that we should be praying. No. Our prayer and our faith is this. Even if the boat sinks, it doesn't matter. It's where I want to be. Tie me to the mast and let me sink to the bottom if it means I get to be with Jesus.

[00:27:37] If Jesus is in the boat with me, I can sink to the very depths, and it's okay. I do not have some profound point for us to close, but a simple encouragement. Be strengthened. Be strengthened that you share a boat with the captain of the storm. Have faith in the chaos and do not succumb to fear that you may proclaim the words of our Lord to a generation lost in chaos. These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer.

[00:28:07] I have overcome the world. John 16, 33. And let this be, and let us be proclaimers of peace in the midst of chaos, refusing to stir up more division. Let us remind those that are lost within an outer or inner storm that there is hope, comfort, and peace available to them, whether the rains subside and the winds cease or not. Cool, who says that? Stiftung Warentest,

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