Jesus always comes in the storm. It had been a great relief to escape from the pressure of the crowd to His place of prayer, on heights swept by the evening breeze and lighted by the holy stars. But He tore Himself away because His friends needed Him. He is watching you also in the storm and will certainly come to your help.
He uses the element we dread as the path for His approach. The waves were endangering the boat, but Jesus walked on them. In our lives are people and circumstances we dread, but it is through these that the greatest blessing of our lives will come, if we look through them to Christ.
His coming is sometimes delayed. The gray dawn was already beginning to spread over the scene. The disciples' strength was spent. He was not too late to be of service, but just in time to save them from despair. Be of good cheer, and if Jesus bids you come to Him on the water, always believe that His commands are enabling. Keep looking to Him, not at the storm. [source]
Chapter Summary: Matthew 14
1Herod's opinion of Jesus 3Wherefore John Baptist was beheaded 13Jesus departs into a solitary place, 15where he feeds five thousand men with five loves and two fishes 22He walks on the sea to his disciples; 34and landing at Gennesaret, 35heals the sick who touch of the hem of his garment
Greek Commentary for Matthew 14:32
Ceased [εκοπασεν] From κοπος kopos toil. The wind grew weary or tired, exhausted itself in the presence of its Master (cf. Mark 4:39). Not a mere coincidence that the wind ceased now. [source]
Ceased [ἐκόπασεν] A beautiful word. Lit., grew weary; sank away like one who is weary. [source]
What do the individual words in Matthew 14:32 mean?
Greek Commentary for Matthew 14:32
From κοπος kopos toil. The wind grew weary or tired, exhausted itself in the presence of its Master (cf. Mark 4:39). Not a mere coincidence that the wind ceased now. [source]
A beautiful word. Lit., grew weary; sank away like one who is weary. [source]