Read Matthew 13-16
As you read Matthew 14:1-33, try to imagine how much is happening in just one day. John the Baptist, whom Jesus said; “Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater…” (Matthew 11:11), had been beheaded in prison. As Jesus heard this, His grief must have been intense. Then, just as He withdrew, seeking a solitary place, Jesus saw a large crowd. Instead of prioritizing His own need to grieve, He immediately placed the needs of the people first and had compassion on them, healing the sick and then miraculously feeding them. Immediately after, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake (staying behind for that time alone with His Father).
The disciples had much to think about that evening as their boat traveled a considerable distance from land, now buffeted, perhaps even pelted and jolted by a violent storm. Shaken up by the storm, they forgot about all the people they’d seen healed, the dead they’d seen raised, and even the food multiplied. They were focused on their own fear. Then they became terrified when they thought they were seeing a ghost walking on the lake as Jesus came toward them.
Jesus saw them in the middle of their fear and immediately said “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Peter, always quick to act, was inspired to respond, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” When Jesus said “Come,” Peter, in complete faith and obedience, got out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. He was actually walking on water! Then, as the raging wind around him draws his attention from Jesus, he begins to sink. Peter’s short prayer was long enough: “Lord, save me!” Jesus caught Peter and asked him a question that has reverberated through the ages: “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Imagine now that you are one of those disciples. Stop and think about all that Jesus showed you in just this day, and how you seemed to forget so easily. Why do you think He would send you out on water that He knew would turn violent?
What does it mean that Jesus came to the disciples in the middle of their fear and doubting? What did it mean for Peter to get out of the boat? What would it mean for you to “get out of the boat”? Why would you doubt? What will help you keep your focus on Jesus as your faith is tested?
- Bob Kaess is the Connections Coordinator at Adventure Church.
