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Explanation for:
Matthew
8
:
26
And Jesus saith to them: Why are you fearful, O ye of little faith? Then rising up he commanded the winds, and the sea, and there came a great calm.
14
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"From this understanding, we come to recognize that all creation senses the presence of the Creator. This is true for both those who are prohibited and those who are instructed; both experience the one who gives commands. This awareness is not due to a belief that all things possess life, as heretics mistakenly claim, but rather stems from the majesty of the Creator, which allows even the inanimate to demonstrate awareness of Him."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"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). 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.\\n\\nWhen 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.\\n\\nHuman 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.\\n\\nIf 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."},{"author-name":"Ambrose of Milan","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88871ceef8c96e0998cd0_Ambrose%20of%20Milan.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"St. Matthew emphasizes the eternal sovereignty of Christ by illustrating His power over nature. You have heard the words of the Jews; He commands the spirits (Luke 4:36). This ability is not a merely human achievement but rather reflects His divine majesty. When the tumultuous sea is calmed, the forces of nature respond to His divine command, revealing the essence of His heavenly authority. There is harmony in the act of subduing worldly chaos and silencing the unclean spirit at Christ's word, with both actions affirming one another. The miracle within creation serves as a testament to these profound realities."},{"author-name":"Ambrose of Milan","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88871ceef8c96e0998cd0_Ambrose%20of%20Milan.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"We face the onslaught of malevolent spirits, but like watchful sailors, let us rouse the Navigator. Though we too find ourselves often in peril, whom should we seek for guidance? Without a doubt, the One who commands the tempest and does not yield to it, as it is written: And He stood up and forbade the wind (Luke 8:24). What does it signify that He \\"arose\\"? While His body rested, He was still fully alert in the depths of His divine essence. Where Wisdom dwells, and where the Word exists, all unfolds with purpose and clarity. \\n\\nHave you noticed how He spent the night in prayer? How could He sleep in the midst of the storm? In doing so, Christ demonstrated His trust in His divine power. While all were overwhelmed with fear, He slept with calm assurance. Christ, not being of our fallen nature, remained untouched by our trepidations. Though His physical form slumbered, His divine essence stayed vigilant; faith was awake within Him. He questioned: \\"O ye of little faith, why have ye doubted?” (Matthew 8:26; Matthew 14:31). He rightly admonished those who felt fear in His presence—one who clings to Him cannot be lost.\\n\\nHe bolstered their faith, restored tranquility, and commanded the wind to be still—not just the north wind or the southwestern gales. Rather, it was the very wind to which the archangel Michael declared, \\"Let the Lord rebuke you\\" (Jude 1:9). Thus, St. Matthew records: He has rebuked the wind and the sea (Matthew 8:26). May the Lord also quiet these stormy tempers within us, so that the peace He brings can shield us from the dread of destruction! Even though He no longer sleeps in bodily form, we must be cautious that we do not allow ourselves to drift away into slumber, forgetting His watchful presence."},{"author-name":"Cyrill of Alexandria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a8ea5c988a4fc073480_Cyrill%20of%20Alexandria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"The term \\"save\\" represents an admirable aspect of faith, while \\"perish\\" highlights the lack of belief among those who acknowledge peril, even when accompanied by Christ. Those who lacked bravery in times of trouble, despite Christ’s presence, were not entirely faithless but exhibited a faith that was weak."},{"author-name":"Peter Chrysologus","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896c8505740d15218d3ed_Peter%20Chrysologus.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":5,"exegesis-text":"The Evangelist notes that He got into the boat (Matthew 8:23). Christ consistently boards the vessel of His Church, soothing the tumultuous waves of this world to guide those who place their faith in Him towards the celestial homeland, ensuring a tranquil journey, and to make those already united with His divine nature citizens of His kingdom. Therefore, it is not Christ who requires a vessel; rather, it is the vessel that exists in Christ, for in the absence of a divine Captain, the ship of the Church cannot safely navigate the treacherous waters of life and reach its eternal destination."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The Lord refers to them not as unfaithful but as having small faith because their plea, ‘Lord, save us,’ demonstrated belief, while the idea of 'perishing' reflects a lack of faith. They should not have been afraid with the Lord accompanying them. By admonishing them for their cowardice, the Lord reveals that fear can lead to peril. Thus, He first brought peace to their troubled spirits and then calmed the raging sea."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"He begins by addressing the anxiety of their spirits, demonstrating that the frailty of the soul often leads to fear. However, He admonishes them for their insufficient faith, as they believed in His ability to save but only under the condition that He was alert and not slumbering; thus, they roused Him. Instead of simply commanding, He instructed the sea, saying, \\"Be still, be quiet\\" (Mark 4:39)."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"\\"Why are you so afraid, you of little faith?\\" It's essential to remember that the Son of God is present with you, possessing the ability to protect you; with Him, you find security in all places. Simultaneously, it is highlighted that “it is not the invasion of temptation, but the frailty of spirit that gives rise to fear” (Chrysostom). He does not label them as unfaithful, but rather as having little faith, for when they exclaimed, “Lord, save us,” they demonstrated faith in that plea, yet the term “perish” indicated a lack of faith (Theophil.). \\"Forbade the winds and the sea\\": He commanded the wind to be still; the sea calmed, resulting in a profound silence, contrasting sharply with the previous chaos."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Lord awakened from His slumber. With a loving correction, He soothed the turmoil within their hearts, asking, \\"WHY ARE YOU SO AFRAID, O YOU OF LITTLE FAITH? WHERE IS YOUR FAITH?\\" (Luke 8:25). How could they doubt that He who performed numerous wonders before them could meet destruction? If He cannot perish, then there is no cause for alarm. The Son of God accompanies you, and with Him, you are secure in every situation. He does not label them as faithless but rather of little faith, for when they cried, \\"Lord, save us,\\" they demonstrated some belief; however, the mention of \\"perish\\" indicated a lapse in faith. Such faint faith brings peril, and fear can overshadow even the most chosen ones. What then shall we say about our frail faith? Does not this gentle reprimand apply to us sinners in particular? We navigate the tumultuous ocean of existence, beset by the waves of temptation and various adversities; we often do not foresee from where our troubles will arise. Why is this so? It is because the faith of Jesus lies dormant in our hearts. When faith is stirred within us, even in the midst of life’s tempests, the waters will not overwhelm our vessel; our faith can command the winds and waves, and the peril will dissipate (Blessed Augustine). The Lord has assured us of His presence with believers until the end of time; He remains alongside us and close at hand. If this is the case, what is there to fear? He will not permit temptations that exceed our endurance; why do we forget this fundamental truth? Do we assume that He slumbers, neglects, or abandons us? Ah, how feeble our faith in Him truly is! Do you not heed His voice, \\"Why are you so fearful, you of little faith?\\" Behold, I am with you. Let us cry out to Him from the depths of our souls, and He will listen, just as He did for the apostles, speaking His commanding word, bringing profound peace to the troubled heart. Then, as St. Matthew recounts, \\"He arose,\\" and with a single, mighty command, \\"Be silent, cease!\\"—He silenced the winds and brought calm to the sea, which, in its struggle, could not find peace on its own. To the astonishment of the apostles and all witnesses to this miracle, great calm ensued. \\"Moses performed a similar miracle,\\" St. Chrysostom notes, \\"but while Moses acted as a servant, Jesus Christ performed miracles as Lord. He did not extend a rod like Moses, nor raise His hands heavenward, and prayer was unnecessary; as the Creator addressing His creation, with just one command, He subdued and quelled the sea, leaving no trace of chaos behind. The grandeur of His Father was evident in His deeds. The prophet spoke of the Father, saying, 'He spake, and the stormy wind arose' (Psalms 106:25); here, it is recorded, 'He spoke,' and there was great silence. Hence, the astonishment of the onlookers stemmed from His authority, which would not have been as remarkable if He had acted in the manner of Moses.\\""},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Upon hearing their concerns, Jesus asked, \\"Why are you so afraid, you who have little faith? Isn't John’s testimony and the many miracles I have performed enough for you to recognize who I am? Do you really think you can be lost amidst your own tumultuous sea? You whom I have chosen to spread my message to all nations? O you of little faith!\\" He then approached the back of the boat, commanding the stormy winds and turbulent sea with authority, saying, \\"Peace, be still.\\" Instantly, the wind died down and there was profound calm. He then turned to His disciples and, with a heavy heart, questioned, \\"Where is your faith?\\" (Luke 8:25). You are navigating the waters of this life, as Augustine mentions, and as the winds rise, you find yourselves facing tempests and trials. What could be the root of this turmoil, if not the slumber of Jesus within you? If He were fully awake in you, you would experience deep inner peace. What does it signify when Christ lies asleep within you, except that the faith of Christ is dormant in your heart? What must you do for your rescue? You must awaken Him and cry out, \\"Master, we are perishing!\\" He will rouse, meaning your faith will be restored and remain in you. When Christ is awakened, even amidst fierce storms, your vessel will not be overwhelmed; your faith will command the winds and waves, and the peril will dissipate."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"As the waves started to inundate the boat, it began to take on water and sink. The disciples, filled with despair and fear, urgently called out to Him: ‘Lord! Master! Master! - Save us, we are perishing!’ Their cries of distress mingled with the ferocity of the storm and the thunderous crashing of the waves reached His partially awakened senses. In such dire moments, when faced with sudden and perilous danger, the true character of a person is revealed: it reveals not just bravery but the profound integrity and purity of one's essence. The tempest, which shattered the resolute courage of the experienced fishermen and rendered their skills futile, did not perturb the profound inner tranquility of the Son of Man for even an instant. With perfect composure and without any sign of fear, Jesus rose from the drenched stern of the struggling, nearly submerged vessel and with a serene command addressed their troubled hearts: ‘Why are you so fearful, you of little faith?’ Then, standing fully awake and exhibiting the majesty of His serene presence, He faced the raging storm that whipped His garments and tousled His hair, and amidst the cacophony of the furious elements, His voice resounded: ‘Be silent, cease!’"},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Upon awakening, he immediately pointed out to them that their fear stemmed from a deficiency in faith; they should not have been frightened with him aboard the vessel. He questioned, ‘Why are you afraid, you of little faith?’ Then he rose and rebuked the wind and the roaring waves, commanding, ‘Be still, be calm!’ The tempest ceased, the waters became still, and a profound peace descended."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Mark provides additional details that enhance the richness of his narrative and depict the event more vividly. He uniquely notes that after sending the crowd away, the disciples took Jesus in the boat just as He was, indicating their immediate departure without preparations for the night at sea, and mentions that other boats accompanied them (36). He is the only one to describe how Jesus was asleep, resting in the stern on a cushion (38), and he specifically records the very words Jesus used to command the winds and the sea (39). In this account, Matthew and Luke appear more aligned with one another, yet they differ in their sequence of events. According to Matthew, as Jesus reclined, He first chastised the disciples for their lack of faith, and then stood to command the sea and the winds (26). In contrast, Mark and Luke depict Jesus rising to calm the sea first before addressing the disciples with a rebuke for their little faith (Mk. 4:39-40; Lk. 8:24-25)."}]}
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