What kind of storm did Jesus calm (Matthew 8:23; Mark 4:35; Luke 8:22)?
Jesus and His disciples were on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. To escape the crowds for a brief respite, Jesus wanted to go to the eastern shore, which had no large cities and therefore fewer people. Wind occurs commonly on that lake, which is about 690 feet below sea level and surrounded by hills. The Greek word for storm can also mean “whirlwind.” In this case, it was a storm so severe that it took on the properties of a hurricane.
What was the disciples’ reaction to the storm—and to Jesus’ ability to calm the storm?
The disciples themselves, who were used to being on the lake in the wind, thought this storm would drown them. Yet Jesus was so exhausted from a full day of healing and preaching that even this storm could not wake Him up. Storms normally subside gradually, but when the Creator gave the order, the natural elements of this storm ceased immediately. Jesus’ calming the storm demonstrates His unlimited power over the natural world. At that point, then, the disciples felt not a fear of being harmed by the storm, but a reverence for the supernatural power Jesus had just displayed. The only thing more terrifying than having a storm outside the boat was having God in the boat!