It was another very busy day with huge crowds of people following Jesus. They were noticing that here was a very special man. His words bore authority and power. His deeds brought miracles of complete healing to many – the sick, blind, the demon possessed, lepers, healing from a distance, near death situations. It was totally amazing and unheard of.
The question on their minds was: “Who is this Jesus?”
Wanting to take a break from the great crowds of people endlessly following Him, Jesus got into a boat and gave instructions to His disciples to go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus must have been tired out. He fell asleep as the boat set sail.
What happened after that is narrated in Matthews 8:23-27 (NLT).
“Suddenly” a life-threatening fierce storm arose. Jesus was woken up by His panicked-stricken disciples. He rebuked the winds and waves. “Suddenly” and immediately there was “a great calm”. The disciples were amazed and they declared, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” (v. 27, ESV)
People today still wonder just who Jesus is! No other man on earth has ever been as polarizing a figure as Jesus. He is the only man who declares: “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 NLT)
For many who had encountered Jesus personally, whose lives had been changed completely – whether when Jesus was here on earth or presently – all these people would know the answer to who Jesus is.
The Apostle Paul tells us in Colossians 1:15-18 of Jesus:
“He is the image of the invisible God, the first born of all creation. For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things were created through Him and for Him. … And He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the first born from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent.”
- Jesus is the Son of God, and is truly God Himself.
- He is the Creator God, of all things in the entire universe – whether things seen or unseen or un-seeable.
- He is the Supreme Master, the Head, the One in control of everything. He holds all creation together.
- He is the Beginning. He is Preeminent in everything.
- He is the hope of all mankind.
Jesus Christ is our only hope for salvation, sanctification and satisfaction.
̶ No one will ever see Heaven apart from Him.
̶ No one will ever be holy apart from Him.
̶ No one will ever be truly happy apart from Him.
But those who know Jesus, find that He gives them all three!
The world is in turmoil. There are “storms” everywhere and escalating in intensity. Trade wars, political and economic uncertainties, protests and unrest, the disastrous effects of climate change and global warming, the list goes on.
There are also “storms” in our personal lives – health problems, ageing, relationship and family issues, financial concerns, children’s education and many other stormy winds and waves that beat down on us. Sometimes we are so beset with these problems – that we panic and behave like the disciples: “Lord Jesus, you cannot be “sleeping” in the boat when we are being struck by this fierce storm! We’re going to drown!” “Lord, save us!”
The most important point is this. In spite of our “little faith”, the Lord Jesus is in control of the winds and the waves of this world. He is our hope in this present age and for eternity!
Have you come to put your whole-hearted faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone? Is Jesus your Saviour, Lord, Master and Almighty GOD? Who is Jesus to you?
By Mr Andrew Yap (YCKC Bulletin 1 September 2019)