Who is Jesus? People saw His miracles and wanted to follow Him – but He called them to an obedience that was much more demanding than they expected. He did not let them go home and wait for their parents to die – He demanded absolute and total devotion to Himself. He is not just a rabbi or miracle worker – He is God.
Those who followed Him closely got to see more than the crowds. The crowds saw miracles, exorcisms, and healings. The crowd was fed and taught. But only those who got with Him in the boat – those who had left their families, dropped their nets, left their jobs – only they saw Jesus stand up and tell the winds and the waves to be quiet – as if they were His to command (they are). For those who have faith to take the first steps, Jesus reveals more of Himself to them.
The more I follow Jesus, the more of Him I understand. Faith leads to obedience which grows my faith even more. This is so I can obey Him more and do great things for His Kingdom. This is so I can know Him more and be still in His presence and love. This is my life and nature being changed, my will conforming to His, my heart being renewed, and growing ready for the new creation.
http://nlt.scripturetext.com/matthew/8-18.htm
