GOSPEL OF MATTHEW - THE BATTLEFIELD OF FAITH

Matthew 8:23-34 - Trusting Jesus’ Authority

Last week we continued our walk through Matthew 8:14-22 and the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law and the differences in disciples that wanted to follow Jesus.  Remember we start the journey by serving like Peter’s m-i-l, we keep going even when the going gets rough and Jesus tells us while His way is simple it is not easy, and don’t delay – don’t God to wait or when I’m ready.

Today we look at the battlefield of faith and trusting Jesus’ authority – Jesus over the storms and strongholds. 

Passage Context:

Matthew 8:23–34 records two powerful scenes: Jesus calming the storm (vv. 23–27) and Jesus casting demons out of two men into a herd of pigs (vv. 28–34). Together, these moments show Christ’s absolute authority over nature and the spiritual realm, and challenge us to trust Him fully.

So as we being let us pray!

Sermon Title:

The Battlefield of Faith: Trusting Jesus’ Authority

Big Idea:

Life is a battlefield of storms and strongholds—but Jesus is the Commander with unmatched authority. Jesus Directs the Storms, Jesus Defeats Enemy Forces, and Jesus Demands a Decision.  Victory comes when we trust Him, not fear the fight.

Matthew 8:23-34 – 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?” And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” Now a herd of many pigs was feeding at some distance from them. And the demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.” And he said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the pigs, and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters. The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, especially what had happened to the demon-possessed men. And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region.

Battlefield Metaphor:

Imagine life as a battlefield: storms are the external assaults, demons are the enemy’s forces, and the choice of the townspeople represents our decision about which side we will stand on. Jesus shows us He is the ultimate Commander who wins every battle.

Point 1 – Jesus Directs the Storms (vv. 23–27)

Battlefield Step: Storms are like sudden artillery fire—loud, terrifying, and out of our control. But Jesus speaks, and the battlefield falls silent.

Illustration: Airline passengers often panic in turbulence, but the pilot remains calm, knowing he has control of the plane. The disciples panicked, but Jesus—the true Pilot—was never out of control.

Like a general who raises his hand and silences a whole army, Jesus rebuked the storm, and it instantly obeyed. 

Key Idea: Faith means trusting Jesus’ command when the battle rages.  When life’s storms rise, faith looks past fear and rests in Christ’s power.

Supporting Scripture: Psalm 46:1–2 – “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;”

Nahum 1:7 – “The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble, And He knows those who take refuge in Him.”

The Lord is good, He is a refuge, safe place in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.

Remember the two disciples that weren’t all in – the 12 were and they followed Him into the boat

Miracles – over

Healthy

Death

Now nature

Jesus sleeps – during the storm – no fear

Disciples – 4 seasoned fishermen – they knew storms – fear, no trust – frantic, panicked

Before the miracle – the rebuke – “Why are you afraid – o you of little faith”

         Why asleep – to teach them/us – where is our trust, where is our faith, teach us patience and humility

Quality of faith is directly proportional to our perception of Jesus

They ask – the world asks – Who is this

         Who is Jesus to you – just a Savior?  Good teacher?  Lord of all?

Open-Ended Questions:

1. What “battles” in your life feel like storms threatening to overwhelm you?

2. How can remembering Jesus’ authority change your perspective in those storms?

3. What practical step could you take to call on Him first in crisis?

4. What storms in your life right now make it difficult to trust God’s power?

5. How do you usually respond when fear rises—panic or prayer?

6. What might it look like for you to rest in Jesus during your next “storm” or “battle”?

Point 2 – Jesus Defeats the Enemy’s Forces (vv. 28–32)

Battlefield Step: The demoniacs were like enemy soldiers—fearsome, uncontrollable, and destructive. But the moment Jesus stepped onto the battlefield, the enemy surrendered.

Illustration: In war, even the fiercest soldiers drop their weapons when the true King arrives. The demons begged Jesus for permission—showing they had no power before Him.

Key Idea: No weapon of darkness can stand against the Commander’s authority.  No power of darkness can stand against the authority of Christ.  A security guard may look intimidating, but only the police officer with true authority can order someone away. Demons were fierce, but they had to bow before the authority of Jesus.

Supporting Scripture: Colossians 2:15 – “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”

1 John 4:4 – “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

2 men had the indwelling of demons – evil spirits – coming out of unclean locations – satan and his demonic army dwell in uncleanliness – try to get us to go there

Even demons recognize Jesus as the Son of God – they are not saved – Jesus requires more of us than simple acknowledgment of who He is – He calls us to be disciple

They know their judgment – God does not change – Jesus was not there to punish them before the anointed time – He does not change His mind – He even grants their wish

Open-Ended Questions:

1. What “enemy strongholds” in your life feel like they’re holding ground?

2. How does this story give you confidence in Christ’s power over evil?

3. Where do you need to invite Jesus to fight on your behalf?

4. Where do you see spiritual strongholds trying to take control in your life or community?

5. What practical steps can you take to stand firm in His authority?

Point 3 – Jesus Demands a Decision (vv. 33–34)

Battlefield Step: When the battle ends, people must decide: will they honor the victorious Commander, or reject Him out of fear and self-interest?

Illustration: When light is turned on in a dark room, some are relieved, while others shield their eyes. Jesus’ authority forces a decision: receive Him or push Him away.  After a war, some cheer the liberating army, while others resent the disruption. The townspeople feared the cost of Jesus’ presence more than they valued His victory. 

Supporting Scripture:

Joshua 24:15 – “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

John 1:11–13 – “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”

Key Idea: The greatest battle is not the storm or the demons—it’s the human heart’s response to Jesus.

When act acts contrary to our beliefs it can cause fear and anger

Went to Gentile region to bring them freedom – again points at the very beginning of Salvation for all

Should have celebrated the freedom of the 2 men – resented the loss of the pigs

Animal life > human life – still today

D.A. Carson said – Pigs & Profit over (>) People

Swine over (>)Savior

Control over (>) Christ

Must recognize a need for a Lord and Savior

Open-Ended Questions:

1. Why do you think the people rejected Jesus instead of rejoicing?

2. How do people today push Jesus away when He disrupts their comfort?

3. What would it look like for you to welcome Jesus as Commander over every part of your life?

Closing Idea:

The battlefield of life is real—storms rage, enemies attack, and decisions must be made. But Jesus is the Commander who commands creation, defeats demons, and calls for loyalty.  Jesus is not just a teacher—He is Lord over storms and demons, over creation and spirits. The question is not whether He has authority, but whether we will trust and welcome Him.

Final Summary:

Matthew 8:23–34 paints the battlefield of faith: a storm silenced, demons defeated, and a town confronted with a decision. Jesus’ authority is unquestionable—over nature, over spirits, over all things. The only question is this: will we follow Him as our Commander, or retreat in fear? Victory belongs to those who trust Him fully.  Additionally, we see the disciples learning that Jesus is Lord over nature, and a town learning He is Lord over demons. His power brings peace to storms and freedom from bondage, but it also demands a decision. Will we, like the disciples, follow Him in faith, or, like the townspeople, ask Him to leave? The call of this passage is clear: trust His authority, embrace His power, and welcome His presence.

Let us Pray!