In Matthew 14:22-36 Jesus walked on water...so did Peter. This is an incredible story, but what is the point? Immediately after the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus sends His disciples off and having sent the multitudes home headed Himself to a place of solitude to pray. Late in the night (the fourth watch is probably 3am) Jesus appears having walked on the water.
The disciples first terrified not sure it was Jesus are emboldened. Peter says, "Lord, command me to come to you..." Without hesitation Peter steps out of the boat and begins to walk on water just like Jesus.
It was recognition of the waves and the wind, which caused Peter to sink. His cry to Jesus, the Lord's outstretched hand and a rebuke for their lack of faith.
Notice after He entered the boat the wind died down. It says they worshipped Him as God because they saw how even the winds obey Him. So what does that mean?
1. What is the significance of the wind and the waves remaining violent until after Jesus got in the boat? How was Peter able to look past the wind and the waves and trust God could give him the supernatural ability to walk on water? What changed?
2. Peter, recognizing the approaching figure was Jesus, seemed to have all kinds of faith. Why is he, along with the other disciples, rebuke for lacking faith?
3. Is there any connection between Jesus feeding the five thousand and this miracle? What might it be?
4. What is Jesus teaching His disciples about in this story? Does Jesus need to by physically, visibly present for Him to be God? To be worthy of Worship? Does Jesus need to be physically visibly present for us to trust He will take care of us? Ponder this idea for a while.
How Shall We Pray...
Lord, forgive our lack of faith. You have done plenty to demonstrate your trustworthiness. Forgive our failure to believe you will take care of us. You are powerfulness enough to save Lord. You are loving enough to save. We worship you God. Amen.
The Bux-Mont & Telford Campuses of the Penn Valley Church Multi-site Network are participating in the e100 Challenge, a 100-day Bible reading program. True revival comes from prayer and knowing the Word of God. We can only live the life God intended if we know what He says about it. Join us as we read through this plan and grow deeper in our knowledge of God's Word.
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