Courageous Disciples, Week 2, Day 4

Read

Matthew 8:23-27

Jesus, can we have a little chat? When you said to the original disciples, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?”

That statement couldn’t have helped bolster their faith, could it? In a moment of crisis, you’re asking them why they’re afraid? Ouch.

You’re telling them they have little faith? Double ouch.

Think about that for a second. And let me offer another perspective.

What if Jesus was demonstrating courage? Could it be that his statement was needed to jolt the disciples out of an emotional, dramatic downward spiral? Or maybe, Jesus needed to get the attention of the disciples. I wonder too, what might have happened if Jesus never named the reality of the situation with clarity and direction. What if Jesus never called the disciples to be courageous?

Without courage, the message of Jesus cannot be shared. There are times it will feel uncomfortable and uncertain. But, it’s in that very moment you’re invited to remember that Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us.

After all, you wouldn’t be participating in a church if others hadn’t moved past the uncertainty of stepping out in faith.

I am certain there were moments when the original twelve disciples were uncomfortable in Jesus’ presence. He challenged them. He called forth the best in them. And he loved them. All of those things and many more can make us feel uncomfortable…dare I say, vulnerable.

If you’ve ever been on a boat in a storm, you know exactly what the disciples were feeling. You may have even said, “Lord save us.”

None of us like feeling that way. But we can’t engineer the uncertainty, risk, and discomfort out of practicing vulnerability. Why? Because it’s the very definition of vulnerability. And, you guessed it, rumbling with vulnerability is the foundational skill of practicing courage.

Don’t miss the end of this passage of scripture. By the end, while emotions swirled all over the place, the disciples had an encounter with Jesus that left them wondering out loud about his identity and power.

Could it be when we step out in courage we just might encounter Jesus in a new way? Maybe you’ll claim that same courage today.

Reflect

Consider a time in your life you tried to engineer the uncertainty out of a situation for yourself, a child, or another loved one. We have all done it. What would you do differently if you had an opportunity for a “do over”?

Respond

Today, consider your call to courage and notice if you’re trying to engineer the uncertainty or discomfort out of rumbling with vulnerability.

Pray

Lord Jesus, thank you for reminding me of your courage. Through your bold acts, I am reminded that living as a person of faith is sometimes challenging. Continue to empower me to step out in faith and share your love with others. Amen.