On a stormy boat ride with his disciples, Jesus had this to say in Matthew 8:26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?”
And earlier, concerning the centurion in Matthew 8:10, When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.”
It’s curious to me to consider this faith paradox. I ponder the attributes of little and great faith.
The centurion believed and declared that if Jesus said a word it was done. He understood the power of words, both in his own authority as a soldier and with his servants. He fully recognized the authority of Jesus and this knowing elicited Jesus declaration of great faith.
I believe that the disciples had a choice to make in the storm. And this choice applies to me too. They saw Jesus sleeping, in peace and calm, even in the circumstances of the violent storm. They could choose to be with Jesus in calm and peace, steady, unmoved, unwavering, unafraid. This is a peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). Being full of faith and fearless in the storm. This is not mustered up. This is not by effort, but by knowing Jesus so intimately and being so eyes on Him, that nothing, not one thing, shakes my tree. This is being totally and completely grounded in you, Jesus. This is great faith.
And this reminds me of the wise man.
Matthew 7:24-25 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
Instead, the disciples’ choice in the storm reminds me of the foolish man.
Matthew 7:26-27 “But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
And the disciples response displays their fledgling comprehension of Jesus’ authority.
Matthew 7:27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
Remarkably, the centurion fully recognizes Jesus authority over all. The disciples came to this realization in the boat as they began to comprehend that ALL of creation is under his authority, as they watched the wind and waves obey. The paradox of great and little has me pondering my own faith and the importance of recognizing continually the power Jesus has over all. I long to be quick to keep my eyes on Him. This is my best choice always. Great faith.