Introduction and Prayer
Pray
Read Matthew 14:22-23
“Jesus Walks on Water
22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.
What miracle had just taken place before this passage?
Jesus stays by himself to pray in the hills. What aspects of this spiritual discipline Jesus models for us should we be practicing?
Thinking about Jesus in the hills and alone at night, compare and contrast Jesus’ response in this passage to when we may be isolated and feeling alone?
What can we hope to gain from being with the Father in times of isolation?
Read Matthew 14:24-26
24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning[b] Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”
Describe the scene?
What is the response of the disciples?
What are some of the characteristics of the storms that arise in our lives?
What is our initial response to a storm?
How do we deal with storms that prevail?
What potential significance is there about about the time Jesus appears?
Though the disciples started the night before on their journey, they were caught by the storm while Jesus had stopped to pray. Even in this stop of time, Jesus is able to catch them on the lake. What does communicate to us about having a time of prayer during our busy schedule and lives?
What is the response of the disciples seeing Jesus on the water?
Why do you think they were surprised and didn't initially recognize him?
When do you think Jesus may be showing up in our situations, but perhaps we don’t recognize Him?
Read Matthew 14:27-30
27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here![c]”
28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said.
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong[d] wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
What storms are you facing at this moment?
How should Jesus’ word to the disciples be just as calming and encouraging to us today?
It’s important to note that Jesus speaks the word to them before showing any actions of calming the sea. What Word is Jesus speaking over your life or situation right now that demands a response of obedience from you?
Why do you think Peter is the only one to express desire in coming to Jesus?
What happens as the result of Peter’s request?
What does this teach us about the relationship between our desires for God and God’s response to those desires in our situation?
We know that Peter shifts his eyes onto the storm from Christ and then begins to sink, but we often overlook the fact he actually walked on the water. What are some practical ways we can begin to shift our focus to Christ rather than on the wind and waves of our situations?
As we look to Jesus the impossible can be turned to an opportunity to experience the miraculous power of Christ in and through our lives. What are you looking to Jesus for right now?
Read Matthew 14:31-34
31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
34 After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret.35 When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. 36 They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.
How does this passage give us hope as we see Jesus rescue Peter?
Why does Jesus rebuke Peter?
What is the response of the people to seeing a miracle of Christ?
How are we responding to the Savior right now? What is He asking, speaking or encouraging us to do or not do?
Word spreads when the power of Jesus is evident in someone’s life. When is the last time you shared about Christ working in your life?
How can people around us know that God has rescued us, and redeemed us?
What can we do this week to realign our focus back to Jesus?
How can we practically share something miraculous God has done in our lives with someone who may need to hear that story this week?
Think on This…
What does God want to allow us to accomplish through His power as our focus and attention and faith are in Him? What are three practical steps you can commit to beginning to realign that focus this week?