Matthew 14:32
Friday, 5 December 2025
And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Matthew 14:32
“And they, having gone into the boat, it ceased – the wind” (CG).
In the previous verse, Jesus stretched out His hand to retrieve Peter from sinking. At the same time, He told him his faith was little and asked why he doubted. The narrative continues with astonishing words, “And they, having gone into the boat, it ceased – the wind.”
A new word is seen, kopazó, to tire. Figuratively, it then means to relax and thus to cease. All three of its uses will be in relation to the wind dying down. One can see that the wind and waves were for the instruction of the disciples. If Jesus wanted to, He could have ceased the winds earlier.
Likewise, He could have let the storm wear itself out and then started across the sea. But He departed from the area of the feeding of the five thousand while it was still stormy, at a point when the men had been straining to cross for a long time.
Peter, despite his bravado, would have been tired from the long day and then the long, difficult night. His ability to focus and keep up a faithful spirit would have been diminished. All such things came into play as he croaked out to Jesus to rescue him on the water.
Once Peter’s faith and ability to focus on the Object of his desire were shown to be weak, the storm was no longer needed. The winds that had distracted him gave way to calmness.
Life application: This account conveys a truth that we should all be aware of and prepared for. When our minds and bodies are tired, we can get more irritable, misdirected, prone to making mistakes, and even prone to sin, each depending on the surrounding circumstances.
When we are in such a state, we should remind ourselves to act carefully, respond to circumstances or to others circumspectly, and ask the Lord to guide us in whatever is set before us.
The main thing to remember is to be determined to fix our eyes on the Lord Jesus. The storms around us and the weariness that results from them will weaken our resolve. If we are not in a condition to go forward, we should have the wisdom to tell ourselves this or to let those we are in the battle with know that we they are not capable of handling the challenge.
This, rather than barging ahead and relying on our own strength, is a display of wisdom. As Clint Eastwood said in one of his movies, “A man’s got to know his limitations.” When we fail to know our limitations and work within them, only disaster will result.
“When the Philistines were at war again with Israel, David and his servants with him went down and fought against the Philistines; and David grew faint. 16 Then Ishbi-Benob, who was one of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose bronze spear was three hundred shekels, who was bearing a new sword, thought he could kill David. 17 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his aid, and struck the Philistine and killed him. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, ‘You shall go out no more with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.’” 2 Samuel 21:15-17
David’s son, Solomon, wrote that there is a time for everything under the sun. It is ok to understand that there are times to act and times to refrain from acting if we are incapable of doing so. If we fail in this, we may damage our testimony or bring harm to ourselves or others.
Lord God, give us wisdom to walk in this world in tune with who we are and with our eyes fixed steadily on Jesus. When we cannot be effective in what we plan to do, give us the wisdom to see this. If You will strengthen us for the task, we can proceed. But if it is time to step back from it, help us to know this as well. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.
