How Would You like to Walk on Water?
May 16, 2004 - Matthew 14:22-36
Open It
What is the most frightening experience you've ever had?
What is the most worshipful experience you have ever had?
Of all of Christ's miracles, which one would you most like to have witnessed? Why?
Explore It
After feeding the crowd of five thousand people, what instructions did Jesus give His disciples? (14:22)
Where did Jesus go after He dismissed the crowd? Why? (14:23)
What did Jesus do on the mountain? (14:23)
Where were the disciples when evening came? (14:24)
What conditions were the disciples encountering? (14:24)
What miracle did Christ perform? (14:25)
How did the disciples react to what they saw? (14:26)
How did Jesus try to calm the disciples' fears? (14:27)
What did Peter ask Jesus to do? (14:28)
How did Jesus respond to Peter's request? (14:29)
What happened to Peter as he made his way toward Jesus? (14:29-30)
What did Jesus do and say when Peter got in trouble? (14:31)
What was the consensus reaction to this amazing sequence of events? (14:33)
Get It
Why do you think Jesus spent time alone praying?
How is your devotional life right now?
What causes you to doubt and waver in your faith?
What situations cause you the most fear in life?
How would you rate your faith on a scale from one to five (one being weak, five being strong)? Why?
What events or experiences have led you to trust in Jesus?
What does this passage teach you to do?
Apply It
What specific step could you take this week to improve your devotional life?
In what practical way can you demonstrate faith as you go through the coming week?
What step of trust do you need to take today?
What will help you remember to keep your eyes on Jesus and off your fears?
Notes
Matthew 14:23: Seeking solitude was an important priority for Jesus. He made room in his busy schedule to be alone with the Father. Spending time with God in prayer nurtures a vital relationship and equips us to meet life's challenges and struggles.
Matthew 14:28: Peter was not putting Jesus to the test, something we are told not to do (Matthew 4:7). Instead he was the only one in the boat to react in faith. His impulsive request led him to experience a rather unusual demonstration of God's power. Peter started to sink because he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the high waves around him. His faith wavered when he realized what he was doing. We may not walk on water, but we do walk through tough situations. If we focus on the waves of difficult circumstances around us without looking to Jesus for help, we too may despair and sink. To maintain your faith when situations are difficult, keep your eyes on Jesus' power rather than on your inadequacies.
Matthew 14:30-31: Although we start out with good intentions, sometimes our faith falters. This doesn't necessarily mean we have failed. When Peter's faith faltered, he reached out to Christ, the only one who could help. He was afraid, but he still looked to Christ. When you are apprehensive about the troubles around you and doubt Christ's presence or ability to help, you must remember that he may be the only one who can really help.