Apr 22, 2026

JESUS CALMS THE STORM

Passage: Matthew 8:23-34

Key verse: 26

NIV

chapter 8

23. Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.

24. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.

25. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!"

26. He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

27. The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!"

28. When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way.

29. "What do you want with us, Son of God?" they shouted. "Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?"

30. Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding.

31. The demons begged Jesus, "If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs."

32. He said to them, "Go!" So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water.

33. Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men.

34. Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The disciples woke Jesus as a furious storm struck their boat. They said, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Their words reveal both their faith in Jesus and their fear. In their faith, they went to Jesus for help, but in their doubt, they panicked. In the same way, we sometimes come to Jesus for help through prayer, while at the same time wondering if he will really help us. Jesus addressed the disciples’ fear, rebuked the winds and waves, and there was great calm. This miracle reveals who Jesus is: the Creator God, who commands creation and is obeyed instantly. Today, Jesus dwells in us through his Spirit. Our security is not found in the absence of troubles, but in the presence of Jesus.
As they landed, two violent demon-possessed men confronted Jesus. The demons had robbed them of sanity and self-control filling them with violence and death. Yet even the demons recognized Jesus’ divinity and authority, and they begged him to send them into a herd of pigs. Jesus permitted it, and the pigs rushed into the lake and drowned. The men were set free from possession and violence. Jesus is stronger than the darkest bondage and demonic oppression, and he can set us free with just his word. But the townspeople rejected Jesus not because they doubted his power, but because they feared his presence will cost too much.

Prayer: Lord, help me trust in your presence and overcome the storms and the bondage of life.

One Word: Jesus is in our presence

See more on HQ