Untitled Sermon

Introduction

For the first year and a half of Jesus’ ministry He gained extreme popularity. Hundreds and thousands of people followed Him, were healed of their ailments, and listened to His teaching. One of the more familiar passages where we see this is in Matthew 14.

Jesus just got news that His cousin, John the Baptist, had been beheaded. So, He set off with His disciples to a lonely place, but the crowds followed them. When Jesus saw the multitude He had compassion on them, healing their sick, and teaching them about the kingdom of God. Once evening came they were all hungry, so, Jesus performed a famous miracle from 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish: He fed 5,000 men plus women and children. He took care of the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of people before Himself.

Finally, after all the needs had been met, Jesus dismissed the crowds and His disciples (v. 22-23). Jesus got His alone time with God to mourn and be comforted after the loss of His cousin. What He needed was a moment alone to breathe, pray, and think. It was a victorious and successful day of ministry, but the weight of life was on Jesus’ shoulders. He needed to take a moment to reset.

We are at the end of 2024. A lot of life has happened for each of us; some good and some not so good. As a church we have been through highs and lows this year. Before we embark on another annual transition, we need to take a moment to breathe, reflect, pray, and reset so we can be all God needs us to be for the coming year.

I. Calling Peter out of the Boat (v. 24-36)

A. The boat was already 3 or 4 miles off shore when Jesus finished praying (v. 24-26)

1. One stadion is about 600 ft. and John 6:19 tells us how far they had rowed (Matthew was using Jewish measurements)

a. A powerful storm had arisen: battering waves and an unstable wind beating against the boat. Surely, it was a sleepless night for the disciples

b. It’s in the midst of that storm that Jesus came walking to them during the fourth watch of the night (between 3-6 am, so, it’s still dark)

c. When they saw this dark, shadowy figure they assumed it was a ghost or spirit and were terrified. The storm compounded with this figure must have equaled certain doom for them

2. But Jesus seeks to comfort them in the midst of the storm (v. 27)

a. Jesus did not avoid the storm, but showed His strength in the middle of it

b. His very presence (calling Himself the name of God, “I Am” [it is I]) was not meant to intimidate believers but be a source of comfort

B. Peter, seeking clarification, asks to be commanded to walk on the water (v. 28-33)

-oh the comfort and help when we are beckoned to the side of Jesus during a trial of life

1. Jesus called for Peter to come and come he did, walking on the water as Jesus did

a. Of course we know the story, Peter took his focus off of Jesus and became fearful, so he started to sink. Thus, he cried out for the Lord to save him

b. Notice a couple of things:

1. Peter was the only one with enough faith to step out of the boat to go to Jesus

2. You are consumed with whatever you focus on

3. The opposite of faith is fear and your focus determines which is strongest

4. When you are drowning in fear then have the right cry: “Save me Lord!” Always return to Jesus, for He is faithful to pick us back up

2. Jesus gently rebukes Peter for his doubts (v. 31)

a. Peter was at Jesus’ side when he lost sight of the Lord and let fear fester and grow

b. Do not fear when you are in the presence of the Lord. Trust His strength and authority when things seem bleak

3. As soon as Jesus stepped into the boat the storm ceased (v. 32-33)

a. Everything that has been building up over the last 24 hours culminates in this moment

b. The disciples are more convinced than ever that Jesus is truly God’s Son and they worshiped Him as such

c. When Jesus brings us out of our storms we need to take time to worship Him for all He has done. The only way through is to be in His presence

C. Ministry continued as soon as they reached land (v. 34-36)

1. We know from the other gospels that the crowds searched for Jesus and others recognized Him, so they came in droves

2. Jesus’ power was emanating off of Him. The people brought many that were sick and they sought to touch the fringe of His garment. All who did were healed

3. Jesus taking the time to regroup and strengthen His disciples by His presence and power ended up resulting in a powerful ministry that impacted people’s lives

II. Calling Christians out of the Church

-Jesus comes to us in the midst of our storm. He doesn’t avoid it completely, He approaches through it. If He can make it to us safely then He can lead us out safely.