Matthew 8-9 Jesus Has All Authority

Why is it that I assume that when the crowds are large, that's a good thing, and when a storm comes, that's a bad thing? Jesus did not have that view.

When Jesus saw how large the crowds were growing, so He instructed His disciples to leave the area (8:18). Logic would say that a growing, popular ministry is just now cresting, and that God's blessings are evident by the increasing numbers. But Jesus never gave Himself to any man, and He was not blinded by the approval of the fickle crowds. He was Lord over mankind, but seeking to increase His popularity with them.

So, they got into a boat and started across the lake. Suddenly, a storm arose, and Jesus was already asleep in the boat (8:23-25). The disciples were afraid they were going to drown (along with their Master, I assume). They assumed that a storm was a bad thing. Jesus rebuked the wind and waves, and all was calm. Jesus was not afraid of the storm, because He was Lord over the earth and sea, and He knew that He need not be afraid of natural disasters.

The reason I think Jesus had this upside-down perspective that crowds are bad and storms are good is that He had authority over heaven and earth. That is borne out in chapter 9. He says to the paralytic, "Your sins are forgiven."(9:2) He then healed the man so that doubters would know that He had AUTHORITY to forgive sins. (9:6) Later in the chapter, He drives out a demon that caused a man to be mute. (9:33-34) When the man could speak, evertyone could see that He had AUTHORITY to drive out demons. Some wrongly assumed that the authority must have come from the prince of demons, in fact.

If I believe that Jesus has authority over heaven and earth, then I can trust His values, His words and His actions on my behalf. Fear is gone, trust takes over, and I rest in the Lord.

LORD, teach me to see life from Your point of view. I will love You more than crowds, and trust You in spite of the storm. Nothing can snatch me from Your hand, and I will rest in Your promise to me.
ker