"Christ The Power Of God"

The disciples were terrified. They were sailing across the Sea of Galilee when a storm suddenly descended upon them. No doubt they had seen storms on this lake before - after all, some of the men were experienced fishermen. (Matthew 4:18, 19) But this was "a great violent windstorm," and it quickly churned the sea into a wet fury. the men worked frantically to steer the vessel, but the storm was overpowering. Surging waves were "dashing into the boat," which began filling with water. Despite the commotion, Jesus was fast asleep in the stern, exhausted after a day of teaching the crowds. Fearing for their lives, the disciples woke him up, pleading: "Lord, save us, we are about to perish." -Mark 4:35-38; Matthew 8:23-25.

Jesus was not afraid. With complete confidence, he rebuked the wind and the sea: "Hush! Be quiet!" Immediately, the wind and the sea obeyed - the tempest ceased, the waves disappeared into stillness, and "a great calm set in." An unusual fear now gripped the disciples. "Who really is this?" They murmured to one another. Indeed, what kind of man could rebuke the wind and the sea as if correcting an unruly child? - Mark 4:39-41; Matthew 8:26, 27.

But Jesus was no ordinary man. Jehovah's power was displayed toward him and through him in extraordinary ways. The inspired apostle Paul could rightly refer to him as "Christ the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:24) In what ways is God's power manifested in Jesus? And what bearing can Jesus' use of power have on our life?

Next time: The Power Of God's Only-Begotten Son

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002