Miracles
The Get Out
Matthew 14:22-33 - Jesus has just fed the 5000 and Matthew says, “Immediately” Jesus gets his disciples out of there. John’s Gospel tells us why so quickly: “the people wanted to grab him and make him king.” Jesus puts the disciples on a boat to consider all that they had just seen and heard. Jesus, knowing the crowd didn’t get who He was and that his disciples were still slow to understand His identity – He goes to spend time with His Father.
So the disciples are in trouble… wind and waves… Jesus just stomps all over the thing causing the disciples to tremble (literally walking on the water and waves). Jesus had just shattered their view of him with the feeding of the 5000 and he was doing the same by coming to them on the water. The disciples are terrified (right response), so Jesus tells them that they don’t have to be afraid (the natural response) because He is there (I AM here). Matthew is totally making that connection. The “I AM” is here so do not be afraid.
People give Peter a hard time about sinking in the waves, but Peter spoke up! Rather than stay in the boat, he wanted to be with Jesus – that would take walking on water! William Carey said, “Expect great things of God, and attempt great things for God.” Peter did just this. Walking on ANY water, calm or rough, is a supernatural event. Eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, matters ALL THE TIME… not just when we can see the swells and crests around us.
In Peter’s terror, even though he’s a strong swimmer and a fisherman, he still knew where to turn. “Save me, Lord!” is the shortest prayer in the Bible – but it communicates the point. Peter, often full of words, was very TO THE POINT in this moment. Jesus saves him then asks about his faith and why he doubted… surely a reference to all that Peter has seen Jesus do prior to this moment (feeding 5000, etc).
Again, we see this miracle causing the people (the disciples in this story) to ask, “Who is this guy?” They are coming clearer and clearer to an answer as they worship and declare Jesus is the Son of God.
Jesus revealed His power over nature.
Jesus revealed His willingness to save.
Jesus wants the disciples to see His power, to raise their understanding of who He is, and bring a depth to them.
Response:
Our fears are calmed in Jesus’ presence
When we know the power of God, we’ll expect bigger things from God
How many of us started our walk with Christ, eyes on Him, but in the midst have taken our eyes off of Christ? Can we say, “Save me, Lord” without giving excuses or long drawn out explanations?
Do we respond to Christ’s presence with us with worship?
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