Who Is Jesus?
August 16, 2023
Who Is Jesus?
By Brooke Holt
"And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God.'" Matthew 14:32-33
Since my oldest son could talk, he has been asking questions. His toddler days often left me exhausted as I answered one question after another or used my famous line: “Ask your father when he gets home!” Chase was and is a curious guy. He loves to get to the bottom of things, to truly understand, and then to form his opinions. Matthew, the Gospel writer, must share that insatiable curiosity, too. All throughout his Gospel, he puts forth the question, “Who is Jesus?” Like my son, Matthew then goes on to investigate, understand, and draw conclusions.
“Who is Jesus?” – Matthew answers this question through the genealogy of Jesus, by showing Jesus to be the perfect fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, through recounting Jesus overcoming Satan and his temptations in the desert, and through sharing Jesus’ ministry of teaching, preaching, healing, and driving out demons. Matthew demonstrated Jesus was the rightful King of Israel, and the promised Messiah.
After Jesus came to the disciples in the storm, he calmed the wind and the waves. Granted, the disciples had experienced at least one other storm with Jesus. Back in Matthew 8, the disciples and Jesus found themselves on the boat during another storm. Jesus was sleeping while water swamped the boat. Terrified, the disciples woke Jesus, and Jesus quieted the storm leaving the disciples to question, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” (Matthew 8:27).
Of all people, these men knew what sort of man Jesus was. They were eyewitnesses to all his miracles, heard all his teachings and sermons, and they saw people delivered from oppressive spirits. Having seen and experienced all of that, they still asked who Jesus was. That night on the boat, they got it. Jesus was not just a great teacher or prophet; he was the Son of God.
This storm was part of Jesus’ training. In learning about the kingdom of heaven, they were to see Jesus reveal his power and authority. Another part of disciple training was facing challenges and learning to overcome through the presence and power of Jesus. These lessons would continue to impact their faith, lives, and ministries.
Today, Jesus invites you to disciple training. You will experience great lessons, sermons, and demonstrations of his power while you will also experience storms. All of it can work together to build your faith. Just as Jesus revealed himself to the disciples that night on the stormy sea, so he longs to reveal himself to you. Join my son, Matthew, and Peter -- ask the big questions then expect him to answer. He may just invite you to get out of your boat and walk with him on the water!
Who is Jesus? He is your Savior, the Son of God, the promised Messiah, and your hope in every storm!
Reflection:
How is Jesus building your faith right now? Are you being transformed through your storms because Jesus is with you or are you doubting and falling away? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Recommended Resource:
Our honest prayer before God is evidence that we understand the ways He loves, cherishes, sees, and hears us. Through prayer, we can acknowledge with Hagar, “You are the living One who sees me” (Genesis 16:14). When we pray, we are affirming the same. Why do we often hide from this privilege? Why do we avoid God, the One who sees us as we are and stands ready to provide and answer us in his holy, timely way? In this 8-week study on the prayers of Job, Ruth, Hannah, and David, grow your prayer life by facing your honest need and bringing your whole self before God. Acknowledging God as the One who guides your path can change your heart. It can take you past fear and into faith, strength, and hope. Learn more about Honest Prayer.
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