The disciples’ exclamation that Jesus was truly the Son of God after He calmed the storm (Matthew 14:33) is a significant moment in the gospels. This miraculous sign revealed Jesus’ divine identity and authority over creation. The disciples had already seen Jesus perform many miracles, but calming the raging sea left them astonished and convinced of His divine nature. Let’s explore this passage to understand the significance of their declaration.
The Context of the Miracle
In Matthew 14:22-33, Jesus had just finished feeding the five thousand miraculously with five loaves and two fish. After dismissing the crowds, Jesus went up on a mountainside to pray alone. Down by the Sea of Galilee, the disciples began sailing across the sea at night to meet Jesus on the other side. But a fierce storm arose, with strong winds and waves battering the boat (Matthew 14:24). The disciples were terrified, while Jesus remained on the mountain praying.
In the fourth watch of the night, between 3 and 6 am, Jesus went out to the disciples walking on the sea. Seeing Him, they were frightened, thinking He was a ghost. But Jesus identified Himself and told them not to be afraid. Impulsive Peter asked Jesus to call him out onto the waves too. Jesus agreed, and Peter began walking toward Him until fear caused his faith to falter, and he started sinking. “Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him” (Matthew 14:31). When they climbed into the boat, the wind died down completely.
This was no ordinary storm. The Greek words used indicate hurricane-force winds and dangerous waves, causing experienced fishermen like the disciples to panic. But at Jesus’ word, the tempest became “completely calm” (Matthew 14:32). This miraculous demonstration of power over the forces of nature astonished the disciples.
The Significance of the Disciples’ Response
After Jesus and Peter got into the boat, the wind ceased instantly. The disciples’ terror turned to amazement. Matthew 14:33 records their response: “And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’”
The disciples had seen Jesus heal the sick, drive out demons, and feed the multitudes. But calming the raging storm revealed Jesus’ divine authority over creation itself. Only God has power over wind and waves. The Old Testament associated this might solely with the Lord who alone “stills the roaring of the seas” (Psalm 65:7; cf. Psalm 89:9; Psalm 107:29).
By effortlessly calming the storm, Jesus displayed His supreme authority over nature. The disciples had recently witnessed His unlimited power to create food. Now they saw His unlimited power over the destructive forces of wind and waves. Together these signs convinced the disciples that Jesus was no ordinary man – He was the divine Son of God.
Other Storms Jesus Calmed
Jesus calmed another storm on the Sea of Galilee, recorded in Mark 4:35-41 and Luke 8:22-25. The disciples were with Him this time when the great windstorm arose. Again, the disciples feared for their lives, while Jesus kept sleeping. They woke Him and asked if He cared they were perishing. Jesus simply said, “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39), and the wind ceased. This miracle again amazed the disciples, who asked each other, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:41).
These parallel accounts reveal Jesus’ supreme authority over the dangerous forces of nature. The disciples were learning that God’s power was personally present with them in Jesus. He who effortlessly created the seas and established their boundaries (Psalm 104:9) could just as easily calm them with a word. Recognizing Jesus’ true identity was foundational for their coming ministry.
Old Testament Parallels
In addition, Jesus’ miracles often purposefully reflected the Lord’s mighty deeds in the Old Testament. God alone has power over the storm and waves of the sea. Psalm 107 celebrates how “he made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed” (Psalm 107:29). When Jesus instantly calmed the wind and waves, He was revealing Himself as Yahweh who commands the sea.
In addition, the Lord alone can tread upon the sea as if walking on dry land. Job declared that God “alone stretched out the heavens and trampled the waves of the sea” (Job 9:8). And God asked Job if he could tread on the depths of the sea as the Lord does (Job 38:16). When the disciples saw Jesus walking on water, He demonstrated that same divine authority over the sea. Recognizing Jesus’ true identity was key for the disciples.
Significance for the Disciples
The disciples’ confession of Jesus as the Son of God in Matthew 14:33 was a major turning point. After witnessing Jesus’ authority over both creation and provision, they recognized His divine identity and worshiped Him openly. This confession set the stage for Peter’s later, more extensive confession of Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Peter expressed what the Twelve were coming to realize.
In calming the storm and walking on water, Jesus powerfully revealed His divine authority as the very Son of God. His astonished disciples responded in worship, even as they still had much to learn. But their confession marked a pivotal moment as Jesus prepared them for greater ministry still to come.
Later, following His resurrection, the risen Christ commissioned His followers to make disciples, baptizing and teaching them obedience to all He commanded (Matthew 28:19-20). The disciples’ foundational realization of Jesus’ true identity equipped them to carry out this great work. As they preached the gospel, they emphasized Christ’s divine authority as the Son of God who conquered sin and death (Acts 5:29-32; Romans 1:4).
Conclusion
The disciples’ declaration that Jesus was truly the Son of God after He calmed the storm (Matthew 14:33) marked a critical turning point. This astonishing miracle convinced them of Christ’s divine power and authority over all creation. They worshiped Him, confessing His true identity despite their incomplete understanding. As the foundation for greater revelations to come, this miracle and confession prepared the disciples to carry the gospel to the world.