December 20th – Matthew 8:23-34
Spend some time meditating on Jesus’ authority over all things. Then, come back and read the commentary, my verse, and my response to God.
- Request God’s help.
- Read Matthew 8:23-34
- Record a verse that stands out to you.
- Respond to God.
Come back and read the commentary when you’re done…
Storms constantly pulse in our environment, but when we follow close to Jesus, they don’t fill us with fear, even when we are being “swamped by the waves.” Yet, the disciples did not believe they were safe in His presence, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing” (Matthew 8:25). Jesus’ response to them is truthful and loving. “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?”
Even though Jesus has and does work according to the faith of those who ask, He also responds to our desperate cries for help. The faith of a mustard seed led them to wake Jesus, but their fear caused them to believe they were perishing. Oh, how I love Jesus! His response is always loving, always powerful, and always best.
I’ve often wondered if the previously mentioned storm was meant to keep Jesus away from the tombs where the devil had a stronghold. When the boat arrived on the other side, they were met by two demon-possessed men (soon to be free). The demons knew Jesus was the Son of God and that it wasn’t their time to be tormented. Then, they asked for permission to be cast out into the herd of pigs. How astonishing! Jesus has authority. Even the demons know this truth.
How has Jesus saved you in times of trouble?
My Verse: Matthew 8:33-34 “The herdsmen ran away, and went to the city and reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw Him, they implored Him to leave their region.”
My Response: Really? It’s hard to imagine what motivated the city’s inhabitants to ask Jesus to leave their region after hearing all that had happened. Some scholars believe it was a financial decision because they lost a lot of pigs that day. Nevertheless, the impetus to reject Jesus is always spiritual darkness. The storm did not keep Jesus from saving the former demoniacs from bondage, but fear of financial loss kept the townspeople from receiving the same gift. Perhaps that’s why Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” (NLT).
Father, keep me close to you, in the boat, and full of faith that You are the Son of God. Give me the same steadfastness You had when You determined to cross over to the other side and offer the gift of salvation to anyone who would receive it. Thank You for showing Yourself to be the Sovereign One who goes to great lengths to rescue the lost and helpless. May I surrender to Your Spirit and allow the Love of Christ to control me, especially in the storms of life.
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Matthew 8:34 “Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged him to go away and leave them alone.”
Even after seeing two men restored to their senses, these villagers wanted You gone, Lord! How sad. Not everyone wants to bow before You and Your authority … You are in charge, and to be with You is to acknowledge Your glory and power and to be in awe of You. There’s no place I’d rather be.