Fear and Wonder

Luke 8:24-25 English Standard Version

24 And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”

Let us begin by observing that the disciples were afraid of dying. They woke up Jesus who was sleeping peacefully in the boat. What did they expect Jesus to do once He woke up?

This incident happened deep enough into His ministry that these disciples had seen enough to know He had supernatural powers. To what extent they thought Jesus might go to relieve their fears is unknown. It is likely that they believe Jesus is the Christ but they did not address Him as such.

Now Jesus has calmed the wind and seas and we see the reactions of His disciples. “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?” Now what they think of this Jesus they follow comes into question as to what extent His powers are the same as God Almighty.

They were afraid and marveled. They did not praise Him or honor Him. They suddenly have a new awareness of His awesome power. Now they have a dilemma that might have been the reason for being afraid and marveling.

Historically God had chosen men to do things beyond their abilities. Moses, Joshua, Gideon, David all seemed unlikely choices to perform God’s will. Now they followed Christ who might just ask them to do things they were not willing to do. Perhaps they were afraid of what He might ask them to do.

Herein lies our dilemma, are we afraid to ask Jesus what we can do for Him?

We would all love to answer as Isaiah did “Here I am, send me.” I’m in.

Just as long as I don’t suffer.

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