Following Jesus Into the Storm

In Matthew 8:18-27, Jesus responds awkwardly, if not insensitively, to two eager disciples. Rather than praise the first for his declarations of loyalty or permit the second to "care for his family", Jesus tempers enthusiasm and raises the bar. Then, to cap it off Matthew shares the stormy nap situation in which Jesus is woken up, not by waves and water, but by terrified disciples certain of their doom. He does not thank them for bringing danger to his attention, rather he chastises them and questions their fear. The episode ends with Jesus demonstrating the proof of his words by showing He's even in control of nature. We explore what this says about our following of Jesus and reminds us that proximity to him is the goal and joy of our discipleship.