Text: Matthew 8:18-27
Prayer Pointers:
For travelers
For teachers of the Word
For boldness to follow the Master
These encounters “on the road” follow on the conversation Jesus has with the centurion and the act of healing that arises from it. We looked at the centurion yesterday for his relationship to authority but notice that all of the things that follow begin because the centurion seeks Jesus out; he does not send another, he does not ask Jesus to come to him, but goes to Jesus directly.
In each of these road encounters, as people seek Jesus out, the clear implication is that to be with Jesus is to accept that he is sufficient, and more so, for every challenge of life. The scribe is told that his desire to be with Jesus will mean that there will be no security other than what is found in Jesus himself. The disciple who wishes to leave and bury his father is told that even sensible, reasonable acts must be reevaluated in light of who Jesus is.
The storm is another example; the disciples, even the experienced boatmen, are afraid, sure that the furious storm will drown them all. Jesus, Lord of all things, commands the wind and the rain and there is calm.
It is for this reason that Luther could issue his famous (if misunderstood) aphorism: sin boldly but believe more boldly still. Seek Jesus! Go where he is! Trust his wisdom, his power, his love, for he is more powerful than even your sinning. If your decisions glorify him and serve your neighbor, then trust him for the results, and no storm will shake you. Always cling to Jesus, our Rock and our Salvation.
Easter joy ~ Pr. Dave Brooks