Jesus Calms the Storm
August 16, 2021
Commentary
Jesus talks about a lamp and how a lamp is not supposed to be covered up or slid under a bed (vv. 16-18). Rather, it is to be put on a stand so that those who come in may see the light. The thrust of this quick story is found in verse 18: “Therefore, consider carefully how you hear (listen).” Understanding this background helps us put this passage in perspective (vv.. 19-21).
Can you imagine how Jesus’ mother and brothers felt when they heard what Jesus said? Jesus shocks them by the statement, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and do it (put it into practice).” Jesus wasn’t being mean; he was communicating a very important truth. One translation says, “Obedience is thicker than blood.” Just because they grew up with Jesus and were related by blood did not assure they were in proper relationship with him spiritually. Many people have embraced that kind of mentality. Some people are convinced that just because they’ve met certain church requirements or they have done what their preachers or parents said to do gives them good standing with God. But if we are not hearing God’s word and putting it into practice we are simply standing outside to see Jesus.
Faith must be tested before it can be trusted. Jesus demonstrates this truth to His disciples through a dangerous circumstance. While He was in a ship with His disciples on the Sea of Galilee, a terrific storm comes up. These experienced fisherman become so frightened that they awaken Jesus, who is sleeping, and beg Him to rescue them (vv. 22-25). Later Jesus rebukes them for having so little faith in Him. Faith and fear cannot dwell together in the same heart. If you are having a difficult time obeying God’s commands, you are actually having difficulty trusting Him. Trust comes through obedience, and obedience brings trust. The opposite of trust is worry and worry is practical atheism.
Application
Just as Jesus calmed the waves, He can calm whatever storms I may face!
Luke 8:16– 25 (NET)
16 “No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in can see the light. 17 For nothing is hidden that will not be revealed, and nothing concealed that will not be made known and brought to light. 18 So listen carefully, for whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.”
19 Now Jesus’ mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not get near him because of the crowd. 20 So he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” 21 But he replied to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”
22 One day Jesus got into a boat with his disciples and said to them, “Let’s go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, 23 and as they sailed he fell asleep. Now a violent windstorm came down on the lake, and the boat started filling up with water, and they were in danger. 24 They came and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are about to die!” So he got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; they died down, and it was calm. 25 Then he said to them, “Where is your faith?” But they were afraid and amazed, saying to one another, “Who then is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him!”