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Matthew 8:18-34 – A Living Analogy of Discipleship
Disciples follow by first by being with and learning, and finally by imitating. Following Jesus is an important aspect of the story of Jesus calming the storm (Mt 8.23-27). Matthew places stories together that help to interpret each other, one setting up the other, using a literary technique called a “catchword” to tie these themes together. A catchword is where the same term is repeated in successive verses in order to connect those verses together thematically.
Note the use of “follow” (8.19, 22, 23); and “disciple” (8:21, 23) in the two stories of Matthew. Then connect the stories of Matthew 8.18-22 and 8.23-27. Matthew’s account (8.23-27) of stilling the storm is a living allegory about discipleship. Jesus rebukes the disciples with “oh you of little faith” and then rebukes the wind (Mt 8.26). According to Vine, “Oh you of little faith” is a “gentle rebuke.” If so, Jesus rebukes nature and the nature of men which is fear. And then there is “a great calm” (Mt 8.26). May I suggest that is what should happen to us if we apply the rebuke, “oh me of little faith?” A renewed trust in God should calm us so we can follow Jesus and be His disciple.
Following this story is one seemingly disconnected, involving two demon-possessed men (Mt 8.28-33). But with both there is a sea (8.24,32), violence (8.24,28), and the power of Jesus (8.26,32). The difference is the end: “The whole town went out to meet Jesus. When they saw Him, they begged Him to leave their region” (Mt 8.34). They did not follow. At the end of the stilling of the sea, “The men were amazed and asked, ‘What kind of man is this?’ Even the winds and the sea obey Him!’” Are we spending time with Jesus, learning and imitating? Are we following disciples?
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