Hello, friends. What a gift and joy it is to be alive today. Today’s passage can be so pertinent to our shared experience with this time of physical separation. It shows us of how Jesus has great intentionality placed on time alone with the Spirit. We see that Jesus meets us in our literal storms and that we are not alone. He brings peace and stillness in the heaviest of times, and he lifts us out of the water when we begin to sink. We also see Jesus is our literal healer. I hope you are met with stillness, peace, and rest as you spend some time in the Word today, and that the Holy Spirit overfills your soul. Praise King Jesus.
Matthew 14:22-36
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.” 34 And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick 36 and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.”
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ Based on verse 22 and 23, what do we see Jesus valuing above everything else that was happening?
+ Based on verse 24-27, what do we learn about Jesus' character?
+ Why does Jesus meet the disciples on the sea?
+ Read verses 28-33: what is it that Peter doubted?
+ Why did Jesus immediately “reach out his hand and take hold of him”?
+ Verses 34-36: how can we see Jesus' love displayed?
+ What does it take for someone to be healed by Jesus?
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ How can you become a better apprentice of Jesus by following what we see in this passage?
+ When was the last time you went up onto your mountain to pray by yourself? How can we be challenged to intentionally seek this time of wilderness prayer this week?
+ How do we trust God fully and walk on the water in the midst of a raging storm without sinking?
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?