Seismos

SEISMOS
Matthew 8:23-27

V. 27: “The men were amazed and asked, ‘What kind of a man is this? Even the winds and waves obey Him!”

Peter and Andrew dipped and pulled the oars getting Jesus and the disciples across the Sea of Galilee. No stars lit up the dark night. “Can you tell the waves are picking up, Andrew?” Peter asked.

“Yeah, but keep rowing.”

The wind blew Andrew’s hair straight back, and he gripped his oar tighter.

Peter squinted his eyes to view those in the boat. Jesus was asleep on a cushion in the front (Mark 4:38), the disciples behind. “Hang on folks, it’s getting rough” he warned.

A wave splashed inside the boat, drenching Philip. “Ohhhh-COLD!”

The disciples sat up, grabbling something to hang onto. The wind howled, changing directions. Their hair, first blowing east, blew south. More waves crashed inside the boat, soaking everyone. The boat heaved one way, then pitched the other way, juggling the load. Water continued splashing inside the boat, as the wind shrieked. The disciples’ wide eyes saw only shadows, their hands clinging onto something for dear life. “Wake Jesus!” Peter ordered.

James cried, “Seismos!” (SIZE-mos is a Greek word meaning large disorder—like seismic activity).

James shook Jesus’ shoulder. “Master, there’s a problem.”

Peter’s scream, “Lord, save us—we’re going to drown!” was barely heard against the wind.

Jesus looked at James wrinkling His brow. Shaking His head to wake up, He stood up in the lurching boat, then chuckled. Raising His arms, He said, “Quiet! Be still.” (Mark 4:39). Immediately, the wind and waves stopped being rowdy. The sea became still as glass. Jesus asked James, “There’s a problem?”

“Master, many of us are seamen, and yet have never weathered a storm like this! It appeared so suddenly, and grew violent—without warning. We were sure we were going to die!” Peter babbled. Standing up, he threw down his oar. “And You just stand up and order nature to stop? Cut me a break, Jesus! Who could do such a thing?

“You of little faith” Jesus said, looking around. “Why were you so afraid? Are we to Gadarenes yet?” (Matthew 8:28).

Take Home Nugget

Right. Who could do such a thing? Who calms the wind and water with one sentence? Who calms you and me with His peace, sympathizes with our weaknesses, negotiates with the Father on our behalf? Philippians 4:7, Hebrews 7:15, and verse 25 answer: Jesus.

Only one Man, the One Who’s divine can do these things. Jesus: Creator, Lord over the universe has all power and authority to do such things (Matthew 28:18). This is the big picture behind all the Biblical stories about Him. ... Pretty awesome, huh?

Depending on Jesus brings us strength in our weakness.

J.D. Griffith

Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Seismos

A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.