Matthew"s first group of miracles ( Matthew 8:1-17) demonstrated that Jesus possessed the messianic power (authority) to heal physical ailments. His second group ( Matthew 8:23 to Matthew 9:8) shows even greater powers over the fallen creation, namely, over nature, demons, and sin. All the beneficiaries of these miracles needed peace, and Jesus met their need. [source][source][source]
"The miracles Jesus performs in Matthew"s story divide themselves rather neatly into two groups: (a) therapeutic miracles (miracles of healing), in which the sick are returned to health or the possessed are freed of demons (cf. esp. chaps8-9); and (b) nontherapeutic miracles, which have to do with exercising power over the forces of nature.... [source][source][source]
"The nontherapeutic miracles are less uniform in structure and differ in thematic [1]. Here the focus is on Jesus and the disciples, and the characteristic feature is that Jesus reveals, in the midst of situations in which the disciples exhibit "little faith," his awesome authority.... The reason Jesus gives the disciples these startling revelations is to bring them to realize that such authority as he exercises he makes available to them through the avenue of faith. In the later situation of their worldwide mission, failure on the part of the disciples to avail themselves of the authority Jesus would impart to them will be to run the risk of failing at their tasks ( Matthew 28:18-20; chaps24-25)." [2][source]
Context Summary
Matthew 8:18-27 - Leader Of Men And Ruler Of Nature
Christ winnows men. Before any enter upon His service, He places before them the inevitable trials which they must meet, among which loneliness and homelessness bulk large. See that in your heart Christ has a home. Where, however, there is lethargy, the Savior stirs the soul to follow Him. Do not mourn about the grave of the past; leave it and enter the life of resurrection and ascension.
Storms must sweep over all our lives. The Master's sleep indicates the peace and security of His nature. What a contrast between our impatience and His infinite serenity! Our Lord was sure that the Father was with Him, John 8:29. Near though the enemy may be, the Father is nearer. The everlasting arms are beneath you. You are beset behind and before, but no boat can sink when Christ is on board. [source]
Chapter Summary: Matthew 8
1Jesus cleanses the leper; 5heals the centurion's servant, 14Peter's mother in law, 16and many others; 18shows the cost of following him; 23stills the storm on the sea; 28drives the demons out of two men possessed; 31and tells them to go into the pigs
What do the individual words in Matthew 8:23 mean?
Andhaving enteredHeintotheboatfollowedHimthedisciplesof Him