Matthew 14:22-32
22 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.
27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! it is I; do not be afraid.” 28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
THE CONTEXT:
After feeding 5000 men, (the Bible tells us, without counting the women and children), Jesus sent his disciples away on sea, whilst He went to pray. But a storm started when they were in the boat. Let’s note that they were where Jesus told them to be when the storm arose.
As the disciples wondered what to do, afraid, they saw someone walking towards them and they were even more frightened.
In Biblical literature, the sea is often represented as the abode of demonic forces hostile to God. The Bible talks about God making a way through the water for the Israelites Isaiah 43:16: Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea and a path through the mighty water. He is also our God and will make a way for us too during our personal storms.
Matthew chapter 1, verse 23 identified Jesus as Emmanuel—God with us and this story reinforces Jesus being with us, no matter what we might be going through.
The story of the disciples on the sea, holds the promise of Jesus coming to Christians in the midst of the storm. the storm will not have the upper hand over us, that Christ is present with us in the storm and will save us from the storm.
When the disciples saw Jesus, they were afraid. The storm was wild as the waves of the sea were turbulent. They thought they were seeing a ghost when they saw Jesus walking towards them. They did not recognise Him in the storm. They had never seen Jesus walk in the middle of the sea and fear gripped them because we are told ‘they cried out in fear.‘
Jesus responded with a threefold statement: “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.” This response from Jesus must have soothed their souls. By walking on water, Jesus demonstrated his Godly identity.
These were words of encouragement that they had heard Jesus speak in this Gospel to hearten a paralytic (chapter 9:2 “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.”). And a woman with a hemorrhage (chapter 9:22 22 But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour). The disciples recognised his words and knew it was Jesus.
Irrespective of what you might be going through today, Jesus is telling you ‘Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.’ The second phrase, “It is I” is “I am”) and we know this is God’s name (Exodus chapter 3:14 And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, ‘Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’). The words, “I am” are close to the centre both of this story and it deals with the central issue of this Gospel—the identity of Jesus. He is the Son of God.
In Matthew chapter 8:29 And suddenly they cried out, saying, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?” When Jesus steps into our storms, the enemy is tormented because they know who He is.
And in Matthew chapter 26:63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!” Again we have hear the priest wanting Jesus to confirm his title of being ‘Christ, the Son of God.’
This story reassures us all as Christians, even in the midst of persecution, we need not fear—Jesus is present with us, in times of illness, death, persecution, or other troubles. This passage prepares us for times when things are going badly and we are going through a storm.
Adversity is not a sign of God’s displeasure or prosperity a sign of God’s pleasure. Wealth does not equate to God’s favour or poverty to his displeasure. Illness is not a sign of inadequate faith or health a sign of great faith. Jesus says in Matthew 5:45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
Remarkably, the storms of life can be a means of blessing. When things are going not going well, our hearts are more receptive to Jesus. A broken heart is often a door through which Christ can find entry. He still comes to us in the midst of our troubles, saying, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.
THE APPLICATION OF GOD’S WORD
Lots of situations are too big or too scary for us to handle, but nothing is too big for Jesus! Don’t focus on the situation you are in. Focus on the One who has power over every situation! What a blessing we have in Jesus. Focus on the truth of God’s Word, in Hebrews 13: 5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” His promises give us peace. That truth should give us the confidence to step out of our individual boats and do what it is He wants us to do without fear.
No one’s faith is perfect. If you do stumble, if you ever have a doubt, talk to Jesus about it. Ask Him to help your unbelief, in Mark 9:24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Jesus never changes. He is close to us, and He will help us.
The disciples were already in the boat when the storm started. Jesus had told them where to go. The disciples were not in a place where they were not supposed to be but they were in a place where Jesus told them to be and by faith, they obeyed Jesus. Jesus intercedes for us and knows our situations. He will come to you, care for you and lead you to His peace.
The Creator of the universe, who has power over all things, is for us and not against us; be encouraged, in Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
PRAYER POINTS:
Father God, help my unbelief regarding this situation in the name of Jesus.
Lord Jesus I need your help regarding this situation in the name of Jesus.
May all the glory be yours and the blessing be mine in Jesus name.
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