Jesus and His disciples were in a boat traveling on the Sea of Galilee, when a severe storm broke. During this time Jesus was asleep. His disciples became terrified as the boat was being swamped by the waves. So they awoke Him, asking Him, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith.” Jesus then got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and the storm immediately ceased. (Matthew 8:23-27).
No doubt, the disciples had to be greatly relieved that their Lord and Master was not only present the with them, but also He was able to quell the storm to eliminate their fears. The disciples marveled at the fact that Jesus was able to speak the word, and there was a “great calm.” Also, the disciples seemed very excited as they exclaimed among themselves, “What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” (Matthew 8:27). There’s much in these words to consider.
What manner of man is this. He is the incomparable Jesus Christ who is the only one who could speak with such power and authority “that even the sea and waves obeyed him” (Matthew 8:27). There will be times when we experience a “storm” in our lives because of uncertainty, discouragements, setbacks, or disappointments. Jesus is the only one we can turn to for relief. He says, “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30). Peter also writes, “Cast your anxieties on Him for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Jesus knows all about our struggles and only He has the answers, and willing to help.
What manner of man is this. This man is none other than the “only begotten Son” of God. The Bible says, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). He is also the only way to God. He declared of Himself, “I am the way, the truth, the life no one comes unto the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6). Note, Jesus said “I am the way.” Not “I am a way.” There is only one way to God and one way to heaven, unlike what so many think they can get to heave by some other means. Jesus also said. “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture” (John 10:9).
What manner of man is this. The writer of Psalm 91:1,2 said this about Jesus Christ, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in Him will I trust.” William MacDonald aptly wrote, “There was never a life like His. He lived in absolute, unbroken fellowship with God, His Father. He never acted in self-will, but did only those things that the Father directed. He was perfect God. He was also perfect man” (Believer’s Bible Commentary, Thomas Nelson Publishers p. 690). These verses highlight the unparalleled and matchless qualities our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “Oh, give thanks to the Lord” (Psalm 107:1).
What manner of man is this. At His birth, Jesus was so named, meaning “He shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The Apostle Peter also stated, “Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Salvation is available only through Jesus Christ – no other way, and by no other means. Jesus died on the cross to give us eternal life. This is the purpose for which He came into the world. Hence, He stated, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). The life that Jesus offers to those who put their faith and trust in Him is eternal life – a life that is purposeful and meaningful, which begins the moment a person accepts Him as their personal Savior.