When Storms Come

From Ray Vanderlaan faith lesson volume 4, lesson 1

Mark 6:45-52 - Jesus walks on water

Matthew 14:22-33 - Jesus and Peter walk on water

Mark 4:35-41 - Jesus calms the sea

Matthew 8:23-27 - Jesus calms the sea

Matthew 8:10 - Jesus amazed at the faith of the centurion

Water in Bible times symbolized many things. It was lifegiving there in a desert climate. En Gedi symbolized living waters. Even Jesus compared Himself to living water. But water also had negative connotations. The sea was sometimes viewed as a place of death. Greek mythology taught that the sea was an entrance to the underworld. It was believed that demons lived in the sea.

The disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee. Jesus sent them on ahead so that He could pray. A storm arose and threatened to sink their little boat! They were working hard to keep the boat going, when they saw a figure walking on the water. They thought it was a ghost! But then learned that it was Jesus. Interestingly, Scripture notes that they were out there a long time rowing. And it says that Jesus "was about to pass them by." Why? Why did He let them struggle so long? Why was He about to just continue to let them do that? Maybe the same reason He allows us to struggle sometimes.

When Jesus came near, Peter said, "Let me come out to you." He did and started to walk on the water, but then started to sink. Jesus said, "Oh you of little faith..." Often Jesus mentioned how little faith they had. Makes me wonder what kind of faith God wants us to have? What does true faith look like? Maybe Matthew 8:10 would give some insight

APPLICATION POINTS

1. God has power over evil.

2. Peter had courage to want to be like Christ

3. Just like casting a net for fish took practice, it may take us a while to learn to fish for men. Just like a fisherman might not catch a fish every time, we may not win souls to Christ every time we try. But keep casting the net.