Matthew 8:27

What kind of man is this?: To receive salvation, people must recognize who Jesus is and put their trust in him. At this point, his disciples still did not understand.

This story continues the theme of true discipleship. In the storm, the disciples had to trust Jesus with their very lives for safety and rescue. Jesus showed that he even has authority over dangerous weather and the sea (see Job 38:8–11; Psalms 29; 65:1–13; 89:9; 107:23–32).

Here, the kingdom of God appears with supernatural power (see Matthew 4:23–25; 11:2–6). It reaches people who were previously excluded from God's blessings. This included:

• non-Jewish people,

• lepers,

• blind people,

• sick women,

• people possessed by demons,

• tax collectors,

• those with long-term bleeding, and

• the dead.

Jesus showed compassion to people in need. But the religious leaders reacted with anger and opposition. Jesus called his followers to respond with faith and to walk in discipleship (living as his learners and followers).