What does Matthew 8:24 mean?

Jesus and His hand-picked disciples are on a boat on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 8:18). Jesus is sleeping soundly when a sudden storm comes up. These types of intense squalls are common on this body of water, which sits 600 feet below sea level and is surrounded by steep hills. Violent winds and choppy waves can quickly threaten an unprepared watercraft.

Matthew was likely there that day and describes the boat being swamped by the waves. Boats are "swamped" when water begins to pour over the sides. Larger sailing ships have covered decks that can shed this water—small open boats do not. If the waves crash water into the boat faster than the men can scoop it out, the craft will sink.

That Jesus was able to sleep through all of this is fascinating on its own. The fact that He was sleeping also contributed to the disciple's panic. They may have wondered if Jesus even knew what was happening. Some of them were experienced fisherman who had spent many years on that lake. All of them were apparently worried about being killed in the storm.