Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 8:25

"And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Save, Lord; we perish." — Matthew 8:25 (ASV)

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And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them: Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?

The disciples might have answered, "Lord, how can you ask us why we are fearful? The ship is covered with waves, the sea threatens to swallow it and all of us up." Still, they might have thought, "If Christ be on board the ship, will he allow it to sink? Can he be drowned? We carry Christ and all his fortunes, is not our vessel thus insured beyond all risk? He may well say to us, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?"

He was not flustered. His trust in His great Father was so firm that, rocked in the cradle of the deep, He slept peacefully. Winds howled and waters dashed over Him, but He slept on. His disciples caused Him more disturbance than the storm. They “awoke him” with their cries. They were mistrustful and ready to reproach Him for indifference.

Little faith prayed, “Save us.” Much fear cried, “We perish.” Men in a storm cannot be very selective in their language, but they learn to be very earnest and eager. The appeal of these disciples may suit many. Here was reverence for Jesus—“Lord,” an intelligent supplication—“save us,” and an overwhelming argument—“we perish.”