And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.

Matthew 14:32 – 36

Jesus went about healing the sick and preaching about the Kingdom of God.  But to think that Jesus might have power over wind and wave, cosmic powers, was a bit much for the disciples who welcome Peter back on board their ship, along with Jesus himself.

What a harrowing experience!  As the disciples tried to absorb what just happened, they simply melted.  Unbelievable! Their Jesus could not only heal individuals who were ill, he could direct the weather of the sea for his purposes!  Can he really do that?  It was not a question of “could” because the disciples just experienced it.  They must surely have asked, “Who is this Jesus?”

Matthew notes their amazement as Jesus revealed more of his power than they had ever seen, power over nature itself!  Their response rings through the ages, “Truly you are the Son of God.”  Not “a son” but “the Son of God.”  The one and only.

On to the other side, Gennesaret, where, when they landed, they met crowds of people who brought their sick to be healed by this miracle-worker, Jesus Christ.  He healed them with great compassion.

As I reflect, Jesus is concentrating his energy on healing the sick, not setting up an opposition to Rome, what one would have expected of the Messiah.  Even John the Baptist was confused. The kingdom that Jesus is building is made up of people who need him desperately.   This mystified the theologians who concentrated on Biblical promises that the Messiah would restore Israel, the nation.  Jesus does not seem to be interested in that.  He heals the sick and stills cosmic winds.  Mmm.