Definition: And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 8:24. It's a really important and dramatic moment in Jesus’ ministry! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, Jesus was facing a huge storm at sea. “And, behold…” – This is a way of saying “and then” or “and suddenly.” It's a bit formal and emphasizes the unexpectedness. “…there arose a great tempest…” - "Tempest" means a violent, stormy wind and waves. This was a really powerful storm, bigger than anything they’d expected. “in the sea…” – The storm was happening in the ocean. “insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves…” - This is where it gets interesting. The ship was being tossed around by the huge waves. It sounded like it was completely overwhelmed. But here's the key part: Jesus was asleep! – This is the surprising and significant part of the story. He wasn’t fighting the storm, he wasn’t trying to control it. He was simply sleeping while the storm raged around him. What does this tell us about Jesus? It shows: He's powerful: Jesus isn't just passively watching things happen; he's actively involved in a challenging situation. He’s vulnerable: Being asleep puts him at risk. It highlights the importance of being attentive and watchful. He's capable of great things: Despite being asleep, Jesus could still do what he needed to do – calm the storm! It’s a classic story about faith and trust. Jesus is showing us that even when we're feeling scared or helpless, we can be strong and effective if we trust in God. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the meaning of this specific passage in more detail?