Is Jesus awake or asleep on your boat?

Recently, I came across a fresh perspective on a well-known Bible story that really struck a chord with me. It’s a story many of us know, but this new angle made me think deeply, and I wanted to share it with you.

The story is about Jesus being asleep on a boat during a storm. We’ve all heard the typical teachings: If Jesus can rest during a storm, so can we. And if Jesus can calm the storm for His disciples, He can calm the storms in our lives too.

These lessons are powerful and true, but there’s another angle I’ve recently learned that really challenges me in a good way!

Let’s revisit the story together, and explore both the familiar teachings and this fresh perspective.

The Story:

And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”? - Matthew 8:23-27

1. If Jesus Can Rest, So Can We

Many of us live life at full throttle, constantly on the move. Whether we’re in meetings, catching up on work, or squeezing in a podcast during a walk, we rarely slow down. Even in moments of downtime, we often feel guilty—like when you’re trying to enjoy a book but the yard needs mowing, or you want to take a nap but emails are piling up.

One of the common teachings from this story is that if Jesus can rest, then so can we. Think about it—Jesus wasn’t short on things to do. His days were filled with healing, teaching, and ultimately, preparing for His crucifixion. If anyone had an excuse to skip rest, it was Him. But Jesus understood the importance of rest in fulfilling His mission. If Jesus, with the most important mission in history, could take time to rest, then we can and should make rest a priority in our lives too.

2. Jesus Can Calm the Storms in Our Lives

Another well-known teaching from this story is that Jesus can calm the storms in our lives, just as He calmed the physical storm on the sea. We all face storms—family crises, work challenges, financial struggles. The metaphor is clear: when we invite Jesus into these situations, He has the power to bring peace.

Sometimes, Jesus removes the storm entirely. The cancer is cured, the toxic colleague leaves, the debt is paid off. Other times, the storm doesn’t fully disappear, but Jesus gives us peace in the midst of it. We find grace to deal with difficult people, discipline to manage our finances, and strength to face challenges with calmness and clarity. Whatever storm you’re facing, invite Jesus into it—He has the power to bring calm, whether by changing the situation or changing your heart.

3. Is Jesus Awake or Asleep on Your Boat?

Here’s the new perspective that’s been challenging me: Is Jesus awake or asleep on your boat?

If you had the chance to have Jesus on your boat, would you let Him sleep? Or would you be constantly asking Him questions—about your purpose, your struggles, your everyday decisions? Would you be so busy talking that you wouldn’t even let Him rest?

I have to admit, there are times when Jesus is probably asleep on my boat. Sure, there are moments when I’m praying, reading scripture, or engaging in worship, and I feel like He’s right there with me, fully awake. But more often than I’d like to admit, I get caught up in the busyness of life, and I don’t talk to Him enough. In those times, Jesus could easily take a long nap—maybe even a multi-day nap in the busiest, most distracted seasons of my life!

What about you? Is Jesus awake or asleep on your boat?

This week, let’s make an effort to invite Jesus into every part of our lives—into our decisions, our work, and our downtime. Let’s strive to keep Jesus awake on our boats, fully engaged in every moment with us.

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