Matthew 8:18-34
Monday, 10 May 2021
“...What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” -Matthew 8:27
The Gospel of Matthew brings forth many events that prove the supreme authority of Jesus Christ. Let’s ponder over the events of today’s scripture and see how the Word speaks to us.
Jesus calms the storm [Matt 8:23- 27]
Jesus and His disciples were travelling on a boat when an unexpected storm took them unawares! The disciples panicked, feared, woke Jesus up and cried to him saying “Lord, save us! We are going to drown!” Jesus replied to them saying: “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” and rebuked the wind and the waves which calmed down. Jesus first rebuked the disciples (instead of the seas), because it’s the lack of faith that causes fear! And it is this fear that causes them to panic. Remember, many of the disciples were skilled fishermen, and this was probably not the first time they experienced turbulences and in spite of knowing Jesus was with them they feared.
How many of us stand strong without fear when troubles strike? Small problems at times make us vulnerable, surrendering to the fear brought in by Satan. We might be skilled in many areas of lives and though we know Jesus is right beside us, we tend to panic and fear. All it takes is your faith in Him to believe the unseen victory. Do not be afraid; just believe! (Mark 5:36)
Secondly Jesus rebuked the winds and waves, showing His authority over everything! The disciples were amazed and said “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” All nature is subject to Him.
In Matthew 28:18 Jesus says "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” Such great is His power!
Jesus casts out demons [Matt 8:28-34]
When Jesus arrived at Gadarenes two demon possessed men came running from the tombs. And they yelled out: “What do you want with us, Son of God?” and they begged to be driven into the herd of pigs. V. 28 says – No one would pass that way because there were violent. In the account given in Mark, the demon-possessed man fell on his knees before Jesus (Mark 5:6). Here too we can see the supremacy of Jesus over the powers of darkness which can be manifested in many forms in people’s lives- violent behaviour, spirit of anger, spirit of fear, etc. But know that the name of Jesus is above every other name! Colossians 2: 15 speaks of Jesus thus: “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” He has proven His victory assuring you of victory in His name. Your belief and submission to Him is what matters.
Dear friend, Jesus died on the cross to set you free! If you are going through a phase of trouble or struggling with sin or evil in your life that is binding you, would you believe that Christ Jesus has the power to help you and set you free? His power over everything is indisputable! As James 4:17 reminds us: “Submit therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” On your part, have faith in Christ and the victory that He will surely bring in your life when you submit to His authority! Would you trust Him as how a child holds on to the hand of his/her father? Quote for the Day: “Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (1 John 5:5)