Matthew Bible Study Lesson 27

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Miracles and Signs III

Matthew 8:23—27


Christ calms the storm (verses 23—27)

According to Mark (4:39) it was at evening when Christ told them to get into the boat and go to the other side of the sea (Sea of Galilee). After they sent the crowds away the Disciples followed Jesus into the ship. There were other smaller ships with them. It was probably getting quite dark by this time. Since it was a long day, Jesus went to the back of the ship and fell asleep on a pillow.

As Jesus was sleeping a great storm of wind came upon them and the waves began filling the boat with water to the point of swamping it. The Disciples were terrified and ran back to Jesus pleading with Him to save them. Jesus chided them for not having faith, got up, rebuked the wind and told the sea to be still. The Disciples stood in awe with reverent fear of this Man who could command the weather.

This story not only shows Christ proving to the Disciples who He is but also paints a picture of the Little Flock going through the Tribulation. The darkness, the storm, crying out to Christ and the safe arrival are all pointing to the safe transport of believers through the darkest time ever to be known in human history, just like the man who built his house on the rock (Matthew 7:25). This storm appears to be produced by Satan. These men who grew up on the Sea of Galilee were terrified of this storm even though they most likely have experienced many storms in their fishing careers. Also, Jesus rebukes the storm. Rebuking is always directed toward a being and not an inanimate object. The one exception to this is when Jesus rebukes Peter’s mother-in-law’s fever. I believe this fever was also satanically induced. These details highlight Satan’s power but even more importantly we see his power is no match for God’s immeasurable power. The Psalmist speaks of God’s ability to rescue Israel from calamity.

Psalm 107:6, 13, 19 6 Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. 13 Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.19 Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.


Those going through the Tribulation will be seeking the face of God but He will seem to be absent. God turned away from Israel because they sought after other gods. However, those who earnestly seek God and cry out to Him will be saved and brought safely through the Tribulation. This is how Daniel sought the Lord to get His attention at the end of the 70-year Babylonian captivity and this is how Jesus taught his many disciples in the Sermon on the Mount. Those who seek will be rewarded.

Deuteronomy 31:16—18 18 And I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evils which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods.



