THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Before calming the stormy sea, the Saviour spoke to His disciples with a sharp admonition. The storm, as previously mentioned, was allowed to occur as a lesson for the disciples; it represented the trials that would confront them. Following this event, the Saviour often permitted them to endure intense hardships, ultimately fortifying their spirits. Thus, Paul declared, “For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia, for we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself” (2 Corinthians 1:8). Moreover, he stated, “He delivered us from such a deadly peril” (2 Corinthians 1:10).
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Initially, Jesus chastised His disciples, encouraging them to remain brave even amidst the most violent waves, assuring them that all things are orchestrated for good. Consequently, their initial distress turned into a benefit, as the miracle appeared even more significant, and this event remained etched in their memories for all time.
When God has a marvelous work in mind, He often arranges various circumstances to impress it upon the hearts of people, ensuring that they will not forget the marvel He has created. For instance, Moses initially trembled before the serpent—his fear was profound—and then witnessed the miracle unfolding. Likewise, the disciples first anticipated their doom but subsequently received salvation, learning to appreciate the magnitude of the miracle through the certainty of imminent danger. This explains why the Saviour allowed Himself to fall asleep. Had the storm erupted while He was awake, they likely would not have feared or sought His assistance, nor would they have considered that He might perform such a miracle. By choosing to sleep, He gave them the opportunity to experience genuine fear, heightening their awareness of the situation.
Human perspective differs with regard to events that befall others compared to those that happen to oneself. As the disciples observed others being favored, while they themselves were not—being neither crippled nor afflicted by any illness—they needed to perceive His grace through their own experiences. Thus, the Saviour permitted the tempest to rise, allowing them to feel His favor more profoundly through their deliverance. The Saviour performed the miracle away from the crowd, so as not to subject the disciples to accusations of disbelief. He took them aside and corrected them; before calming the waters, He first quelled the chaos within their hearts, rebuking them with the words, “Why are you so afraid, O you of little faith?” In doing this, He taught them that it is not the presence of temptation but rather a weak spirit that gives rise to fear.
If one argues that the disciples did not awaken Jesus out of fear or doubt, it proves their misunderstanding of Him. They had faith that He could quell the storm once He was awake; however, they doubted His power to do so while asleep. Why, then, should we marvel at their shortcomings when they remained imperfect even after witnessing several miracles? This is why Christ often admonished them, as when He queried, “Are you still without understanding?” (Matthew 15:16). Although Moses performed a similar miracle, the superiority of Christ is showcased here: Moses acted as a servant, while Christ operated as Lord. Unlike Moses, who stretched out his rod, raised his hands to heaven, or prayed, Christ merely commanded the winds and sea with a singular word, and the storm instantly subsided, leaving no sign of its previous tumult. There was a profound stillness. What had been proclaimed of the greatness of the Father was once again evident in His actions. For, as the prophet said, “He spoke, and there arose a stormy wind” (Psalms 106:25). Conversely, here it states, “He said, and there was a great calm.” This is why the people were particularly astonished at Him; if He had acted like Moses, their wonder would have been diminished.