Jesus Allows Us To Go Through Storms--That We May See Him As He Is

"And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away." (Matthew 14:22)

This passage struck out at me when I read it.

Jesus was hurrying His disciples to get into the boat to cross the sea to Gennesaret. Why?

What's also interesting, too, is that the disciples asked Jesus to send away the multitudes.

"15And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals." (Matthew 14:15)

Jesus did not send them away, but put the question to the disciples to provide them food. They had no idea how to do that, but Jesus simply directed the disciples to have the multitudes sit down. He would pray and provide bread for everyone there. 5,000 men were fed, and then there are the many women and children who were not counted. Jesus provided immense resources to these men and women seeking His help.

The disciples still did not see him as Son of God.

For this reason, Jesus sent them into the boat, and then the boat faced an intense storm. Their response to seeing Jesus walking on the storm is quite telling:

"24But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." (Matthew 14: 24-27)

Notice that this time, they saw Jesus as a spirit first, then recognized Him when He said "I am".

Peter then called out to Jesus, that He would summon him to walk on the water to Him. Jesus called Peter, and he indeed walked on the water, and Jesus saved Peter when he stopped looking at Jesus as looked at the storm.

Notice that in this entire account, Jesus walks calmly through the storm. He assures His disciples not to be afraid, He welcomes Peter to walk on the water, too. He even rescues Peter when he fails and stops looking at the Savior.

Notice how the disciples respond to Jesus after they safely cross through the storm:

"32And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God." (Matthew 14: 32-33)

Notice that the storm ceased as soon as Jesus and Peter came into the boat. In the midst of the intense trial surrounding and pressuring the disciples in the ship, Jesus appeared, demonstrated his power over all nature. He also showed that He would extend the same power to His disciples, and that He would save them even when they failed.

How did they respond? "Surely you are the Son of God!"

Their faith increased! They saw Jesus as more than some Master or teacher. They saw Him as He truly is--Savior!

Whatever storm you are going through, Jesus wants you to see Him more fully, to see Him as He is--as Savior!