Posted by Debbie Schwab

MATTHEW 14.22-33

[22] Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. [23] And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, [24] but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. [25] And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. [26] But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. [27] But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

[28] And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” [29] He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. [30] But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” [31] Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” [32] And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. [33] And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Just after Jesus feeds 5000 people with a few fish and handful or bread loaves, He seeks to get away and heads up to the mountains to pray. His disciples take the boat across the sea. When Jesus comes out to meet them they are terrified, but He reassures them. Peter steps out on the water to greet Jesus, and after succeeding a few steps begins to sink into the water; Jesus reaches and out and rescues him. In both of these instances we see the absolute inability of the disciples to overcome their fear. They have witnessed what Jesus can do, they have heard Him teach, and yet even with this proof, they are unable to have a faith that rids them of doubt. Jesus is a patient Savior: He encourages them, He comforts them, and He rescues them.

KEY VERSE
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid. 27
QUESTIONS
1.  What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Where were you most encouraged, intrigued, challenged?
2.  Why does Jesus need to pray?
3.  What prevented the disciples from being able to trust Jesus? How does this help us to understand the nature of our own faith?
4.  Read Hebrews 2.17-18. What does Jesus experience as a human mean for His mercy toward us? How does Jesus understand humanity better than we do?
5.  What parts of your life seem more powerful than God? How do these things rob joy from you? What can you do to overcome these fears?