Take Heart: I AM. When Faith Feels Fragile | The Book of Matthew: The King and His Kingdom | Matthew 14:22-33 | Pastor J. M. Lee
Pastor J.M. Lee
The Book of Matthew: The King and His Kingdom • Sermon • Submitted • Presented • 38:16
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Go ahead and grab your Bible and open it Matthew 14:22. When you find it and if you are able to, please stand for the reading of God’s Word.
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 After dismissing the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. Well into the night, he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile, the boat was already some distance from land, battered by the waves, because the wind was against them. 25 Jesus came toward them walking on the sea very early in the morning. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and they cried out in fear. 27 Immediately Jesus spoke to them. “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter answered him, “command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those in the boat worshiped him and said, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
This is the Word of the Lord. Praise be to God.
Let’s pray.
Fear and doubt are intrinsic realities of our fallen human experience. And some fears… well…. they are loud. You know them the moment they hit.
The doctor’s office calls you back and says, “We need to run more tests.” The bill shows up—and there’s not money enough in the account. The door slams shut on a dream you were certain God gave you—and you're left holding a future that now feels uncertain.
And — these kinds of fears don’t creep in quietly. No, they come crashing in like a wave you didn’t see coming. It’s the anxiety before a big decision you can’t avoid. It’s the weight of a diagnosis that leaves you speechless. It’s the pressure of a deadline that feels impossible. It’s the phone call that changes everything.
And these fears … well…they’re are deep seated and emotional. They tighten your chest. They steal your sleep. They paralyze your prayers. They shout, “You’re not in control.” And … they demand your full attention—and they demand it now.
But some fears are quieter. They don’t shout — they whisper. They settle in slowly and silently. They live beneath the surface. They are more subtle — harder to name and even harder to confess.
It’s the quiet fear that maybe…maybe God won’t come through this time. Maybe this is the moment He stays silent and gives up on me.
It’s the fear in a difficult season of marriage that things won’t get better — that the distance growing between you is permanent. That the love you once had is slipping away, and you don’t know how to get it back.
It’s the fear in parenting that you’re not enough— that the mistakes you're making are going to leave scars. And that your child’s struggles are bigger than your wisdom — and that maybe God isn’t answering your prayers for them.
It’s the fear in everyday discipleship— that you’re still wrestling with the same sin you thought would be gone by now. That your obedience doesn’t seem to be producing fruit. That you're following Jesus, but deep down, you feel like you're failing.
Now — these are the fears we don’t always say out loud. But — they still shape how we live. And they show up in how we stay busy—because stillness feels risky. They show up in our small, safe prayers—because hope feels dangerous. And — they show up when we stop asking God for help — because disappointment hurts more when we’ve dared to believe.
And so — we think — “I’ll just keep moving and hold it all together. I shouldn’t expect too much—God’s probably teaching me something. Maybe if I had more faith, I wouldn’t feel like this. Maybe it’s my fault that God feels distant.”
Yes — these fears are quieter—but they’re no less powerful. They don’t shout like a storm, but they erode like waves. They wear down our hope. They weaken our trust. And without even realizing it, we start to carry our faith like a weight— like a burden we’re trying to push up a mountain, instead of the green pastures and still waters we were promised.
And the hardest part? You’re still believing. Still showing up. Still reading your Bible and praying. Still leading your family and serving others. But on the inside, there’s a part of you quietly wondering:
“Does it even matter? Does Jesus still see me?”
And — that’s the tension so many believers live with—often silently.
We believe... but we’re tired.
We trust... but we wonder.
We obey... but we still feel like we’re rowing against the wind.
The truth is — even the most faithful followers of Jesus can face moments of fear and doubt. You can be walking in obedience — close to Jesus — and still feel like you’ve been left alone in the storm. You can love Jesus deeply, and still wonder, “Does He see me? Does He still care?”
But — brothers and sisters — here’s the hope we cling to:
Jesus doesn’t wait for perfect peace to draw near. No! He steps right into the storm. He meets us in right the midst of our fear. And even when our faith gives way … His grace never does. In fact — His hand is already reaching out to save us. And — He calls us to trust — not because the waves aren’t real … but because He is.
And — we’re going to see this truth come to life as we watch our passage unfold like a two-act drama filled with tension, fear, and grace.
Lets begin with the first act …
Act One: When Jesus Sends You Into the Storm vv. 22-27
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.
Now — Act One begins not with failure—but with obedience. The disciples are doing exactly what Jesus told them to do. He made them get in a boat and He sent them across the lake.
And this word “immediately” should grab our attention.
Remember what just happened. Jesus had just miraculously fed about 15,000 people. And as you can imagine — the disciples and the crowds .. they were amazed!! And — as a result — they began plotting.
John — in his account — he tells us that the crowd wanted to take Jesus by force and make Him king. They saw His power, they ate His bread, and they thought, “This is the kind of leader we need—we need someone who can both — fill our bellies and overthrow Rome.”
And the disciples? Well — they would have loved that idea. In fact — this was the dream they signed up for — power, momentum, a king who could perform miracles and overthrow their oppressors.
But — Jesus had no intention of being made that kind of king. So — He immediately sends His disciples away — He removes them from the crowd and He removes Himself from the temptation to chase after a lesser vision of His kingdom.
Now — understand — this wasn’t just crowd control. Rather — Jesus is intentionally discipling these men. In other words — Jesus wasn’t just sending these guys away. NO! As we’ll see in just a moment — Jesus is intentionally sending His disciples into a storm — on purpose.
Why? Because it’s in the storm—not in the miracle— that the disciples will come face to face with who Jesus truly is.
So — Jesus makes them get into the boat and sends them on their way westward— to the region of Gennesaret — which was about 4 to 5 miles across the northern part of the Sea of Galilee.
And Jesus? He stays behind
Look at verse 23
23 After dismissing the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. Well into the night, he was there alone.
Now — it’s important that we don’t rush past this. Jesus staying behind to pray wasn’t just a quiet break from ministry. No! This was intentional—and deeply significant.
Think about it. Jesus had just walked away from a crowd that wanted to make Him king. And the disciples probably didn’t understand why He didn’t lean into that momentum. I mean — it seemed like the perfect opportunity!
But Jesus knew — He knew that the path to the throne would go through the cross. And so He withdrew. He removed Himself from the noise, the temptation, and the distraction — and He prayed.
And while we’re not told exactly what He prayed, we know His heart.
And — we know from other passages—like John 17 and Luke 22—that Jesus regularly prayed for His disciples. He prayed for their faith. He prayed that they would endure. So it’s likely that Jesus was praying for the very disciples He had just sent into a storm.
Look at verse 24
24 Meanwhile, the boat was already some distance from land, battered by the waves, because the wind was against them.
Picture the scene. The disciples likely began their journey before dark. Conditions were calm. These were seasoned fishermen—most of them knew these waters well. They would’ve hoisted the sails and expected a peaceful night crossing.
But as they had experienced before — the weather on this lake could change quickly. And a couple miles into their journey — it did just that —like a switch flipped — a sudden storm arose — the kind of storm the Sea of Galilee was known for.
At that point — the sails were useless. So they began rowing in distress, battling the elements. The boat was being battered by the wind and the waves and the elements were so strong that they weren’t making any progress.
It probably felt hopeless.
And while they were struggling at sea— Jesus was nowhere to be seen. Remember — He was up on the mountain, praying for them
They couldn’t see Him, especially not through the wind and waves — but He could see them. And while they may have felt alone, confused, maybe even forgotten — they weren’t.
And I cant help but think — maybe that’s exactly where you are right now too. Maybe you’re in a season where you feel like the disciples. Rowing hard against something you don’t understand. Tired. Battered. Wondering where Jesus is.
The storm you’re in is real.
The waves are loud.
And Jesus… may feel far away.
But, dear friend—don’t confuse His silence for His absence.
He sees you.
He is praying for you.
And soon—He is coming to you.
Let’s look now at verse 25.
25 Jesus came toward them walking on the sea very early in the morning.
Now—remember—it was evening when the disciples began their journey. And Matthew tells us that Jesus didn’t go out to them until very early in the morning.
The other Gospel writers tell us even more specifically—it was during the fourth watch of the night, which means sometime between 3 and 6 a.m. Many scholars believe that it was closer to 6 am.
That means the disciples had been rowing against the storm for at least nine hours. Nine hours! And in that time, they’d made it only about three miles. In other words—they weren’t doing so well.
But — understand— it wasn’t for lack of effort. It wasn’t because they gave up or got lazy. No! These guys were tough. They were experienced fishermen. They were gritty, determined, and doing everything they could. But by this point—they were spent. And then—Jesus came.
After hours of exhaustion, after straining against the wind, Jesus came to them— and He did so —walking on the water.
Now — let that sink in for a moment and take note that this wasn’t Jesus making a dramatic entrance — this wasn’t even a dramatic rescue mission — rather — Jesus was making a divine revelation.
Understand — all throughout Scripture — the sea is a symbol of chaos and danger. It’s unpredictable. Untamable. Uncontrollable. And yet here comes Jesus—walking on it like it’s a sidewalk.
And friends — this speaks to the truth that this was more than a miracle. It was a claim to deity.
In fact — the Old Testament tells us that only God can do this.
Consider Job 9:8 which says
8 He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea.
Consider also Exodus 14, and how it was God who split the Red Sea and led His people through it.
Also, in Jonah 1, it was God who summoned the storm and bent it to His purposes and then later— stilled and calmed the storm.
And all of these verses and stories speak to the truth that the sea belongs to the Lord. The wind and the mighty waves answer to Him — for He is their Creator. And now— the Creator — He’s walking toward His disciples, one step at a time on His creation.
But they don’t see it yet.
In fact — Verse 26 says
26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and they cried out in fear.
Of course they were afraid. They were exhausted. It was dark. They had been rowing for hours. And now—out in the distance—they see someone walking on the waves. And — It doesn’t make any sense. They don’t know what they’re seeing.
So—like all of us do when fear and fatigue take over—they assume the worst.
“It’s a ghost!”
And they cried out—not just in confusion, but in terror.
They couldn’t see clearly—but Jesus could.
They didn’t know what was happening—but Jesus did.
They were afraid—but Jesus was already near.
And in verse 27 — Jesus immediately calmed their nerves and spoke to them.
27…“Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Now — this is where the original language teaches us something profound.
Jesus says, “Have courage!” — and these two words are translated from one Greek word, tharseite. And it means “take heart,” “be brave,” “don’t give up.” And get this — Jesus only ever uses that word when He Himself is the reason for courage. Not circumstances. Not an outcome. Just Him. His presence. His power. His name.
Then He says, “It is I.” But in Greek, He says: ἐγώ εἰμι (ego eimi) — which literally means — “I AM.”
In other words — Jesus isn’t just saying, “It’s me.” Rather — He’s using the very name God used for Himself when He spoke to Moses at the burning bush:
14 And God spoke to Moses, saying, “I am the One who exists.”
That name — I AM — is God’s covenant name. It means eternal, self-existent, unchanging, ever-present. So when Jesus says, “Take courage… I AM… do not be afraid,” He’s doing more than calming their fears — rather — He’s revealing to His disciples who He truly is.
And it gets even richer. Throughout the Old Testament, that phrase — “Fear not, for I am with you” — is used again and again by God to comfort His people.
In Isaiah 43:1–3 God says:
1 …“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and the rivers will not overwhelm you, When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched and the flame will not burn you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, and your Savior…
Do you hear the echo?
Jesus is standing on the sea, speaking those same words. And yes — the disciples are terrified — but what does Jesus do?
Well — He doesn’t explain the storm. He doesn’t promise it’s almost over. He simply says:
“I AM. Don’t be afraid.”
And this moment — this declaration, “I AM” — sits right at the center of the story. Literally. In the original language, it’s the middle line of the whole narrative.
You see —this entire passage revolves around this revelation for this is the exact moment where everything pivots.
In other words — Jesus is saying:
“The waves may still crash. The wind may still blow. But take heart — because I AM is here. The God who created the waves is right here with you in the midst of the storm.”
And friends — that changes everything.
And this leads us to the narrative’s second Act.
Act Two: When Jesus Meets You in the Storm vv. 28-33
The words of Jesus cut through the chaos.
And in that moment, the astounding reality broke through —
their own Lord and Master was walking toward them, ruling the very waves that threatened to drown them.
The fear that had gripped their hearts started to crack.
Because the voice they heard — it was familiar.
It wasn’t a ghost.
It wasn’t a dream.
It was Jesus.
The One they loved.
The One they had left everything to follow.
And even though the storm still raged around them, something shifted inside of them.
Faith began to rise — small, yes. Shaky, absolutely.
But it was real. And it was enough to move one man.
And now we see something remarkable happen:
One disciple — bold, impulsive Peter — does what few of us would dare to do.
He speaks up — and he steps out.
28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter answered him, “command me to come to you on the water.”
Now — commentators have debated Peter’s request for centuries.
Some argue that Peter was too bold here — that he rushed ahead, acted impulsively, and stepped outside of what God intended. They point to Peter’s eventual sinking and say, "Let this be a warning: don’t run beyond the bounds God has set."
John Calvin put it like this:
“Learn from the mournful result what it is to overleap the bounds which the Lord has prescribed.” - Calvin
In other words — Peter’s zeal may have outrun his wisdom. He was running before he was ready to walk.
But — not everyone sees it that way. Other commentators suggest Peter’s response was actually faith on display — a bold, courageous trust in Jesus.
They point out that Peter moved from superstitious terror to daring belief —
believing that if Jesus calls, then even the impossible can be made possible.
And honestly? Matthew doesn’t tell us exactly how to read it.
There’s no commentary here. No editor’s note saying, “Peter blew it,” or “Peter nailed it.” Matthew just gives us the moment. And the only clue we get comes from Jesus Himself — in His simple response to Peter’s request.
Look now at verse 29:
29 He said, “Come.”…
Jesus’ one-word response — “Come” — says everything we need to understand this moment.
How amazing and kind is our Savior!?!? He doesn’t rebuke Peter for being too bold. He doesn’t accuse Peter of trying to show off. He simply invites him to come closer.
And why?
Well — because Peter’s request wasn’t about making a spectacle.
It was about love.
Peter loved Jesus. He just wanted to be near Him. He believed it was safer to be out on the waves with Jesus than to stay in the boat without Him.
And even though Peter’s faith was imperfect… Even though he didn’t fully grasp what he was stepping into… Jesus still honored the faith he had.
And what does that teach us? Well — it teaches us that Weak faith is still real faith — and Jesus meets our weakness with His grace.
And so — Peter steps out of the boat. Look back at verse 29—
29 … climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus.
If Jesus could master the storm, then Peter believed he could trust Jesus to hold him up too. And for a moment — he does. For a few miraculous, glorious, breathtaking steps, Peter defied the laws of nature and walked on what should have sunk him.
He defied everything that should have pulled him under —and — not because he was strong, but because his eyes were locked on Jesus. And — as long as his eyes were fixed on Jesus, he stood ….the waves had no power over him!
But then — something shifted
30 But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
But then — something shifted.
Peter saw the strength of the wind.
He felt the power of the waves crashing around him.
The danger that had been there all along suddenly became louder in his mind than the voice of his Savior.
Fear took over. He began to panic! And Peter began to sink.
Can you imagine it?
One moment — standing on the impossible.
The next — slipping beneath the surface.
The cold, the panic, the helplessness.
Peter does the only thing he can do:
He cries out, "Lord, save me!"
And Jesus did. Look at verse 31
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand, caught hold of him…
Peter cries out, "Lord, save me!"
And Jesus does.
Immediately—without hesitation, without frustration— Jesus stretches out His hand and catches him.
And here’s what we need to see:
The point of this story is NOT Peter’s failure or even Peter’s lack of faith. Friends — we shouldn’t read this story and think, “Peter should’ve kept his eyes on Jesus.”
No! The main point of this moment is not Peter's failure, but Jesus’ faithfulness. Brothers and sisters the deeper… better news is this —
Peter’s failure didn’t undo Jesus’ faithfulness.
Peter’s fear didn’t cancel Jesus’ love.
Peter’s sinking didn’t stop Jesus from saving.
Yes— Peter took his eyes off of Jesus — but the good news is that Jesus never took His eyes off Peter. Not for a second. Not when the waves crashed. Not when fear gripped Peter’s heart. And — not even when Peter began to go under! NO!! Jesus reached out and caught him — and His rescue was strong, certain, and sure.
And then — it was only after Peter was safe in His grip that Jesus asked a gentle, searching question:
31 … “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Notice — Jesus isn’t harsh. Jesus doesn’t rebuke Peter or lecture him. He doesn’t shame him. He just reminds him, “Peter, you had no reason to doubt the One who called you out of the boat in the first place.”
And friends — Jesus’ reminder to Peter is also a reminder for us — that what Jesus commands — He also sustains! And this is true even when we are weak, even when our faith is trembling — this is true whether we keep our eyes on Jesus or not!
Brothers and sisters — hear and rest in the truth that when you cry out to Jesus in your weakness — you will always be met with the strong, saving hand of Christ.
Friend — if your faith feels small today…listen to me — It’s not the size of your faith that saves you — it’s the strength of your Savior. It’s not your ability to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus — it’s His ability to keep His eyes fixed on you. Its not your ability to keep on going — it’s the fact that Jesus is mighty to save and mighty to sustain!
Yes — Peter faltered ….and the truth is — so do we! But Jesus was faithful then. And He is still faithful today!
And here’s the beautiful part:
Jesus didn’t just pull Peter out of the water and leave him there, clinging for life.
No — Jesus walked Peter all the way back to the boat.
Step by step.
Grace upon grace.
And as soon as they stepped into the boat — something incredible happened.
Look with me at verse 32.
32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
At the very moment Jesus stepped into the boat, the storm stopped.
No command.
No rebuke of the wind.
No dramatic display.
Just His presence — and the sea bowed in submission.
The same voice that spoke creation into existence —
the same hands that molded the mountains —
the same power that tread upon the waves —
simply stepped into the boat,
and all creation recognized its Master.
And immediately — everything changed.
The wind died.
The waters calmed.
The struggle ended.
But the biggest miracle wasn’t the calm sea —
it was the worship rising from the disciples’ hearts.
Look at verse 33:
33 Then those in the boat worshiped him and said, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Don’t miss this: Just a few hours earlier, the disciples were terrified of the storm.
Then they were terrified of what they didn’t understand — a figure walking on the water.
But — now — they are rightly overwhelmed — but this time it’s not by fear — but by faith.
And — for the first time in Matthew’s Gospel, the disciples worship Jesus and they confess Him for who He truly is — The Son of God
Now — think back — remember the last time Jesus calmed a storm (in Matthew 8), and it was in that moment that these same disciples …in their amazement…they asked
27 …. “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey him!”
But now — after seeing Christ’s power, His grace, and His saving hand — they know exactly who Jesus is.
They know — This is no ordinary teacher. No mere prophet. This is God’s Son.
He is the the One who commands the waves. The One who walks on the water. The One who catches sinking sinners. The One who deserves not just amazement — but worship!
And friends — this is the right response to every glimpse of Jesus’ glory: Worship.
Not simply amazement at what He does — but awe at who He is.
Friends — this story doesn’t end with Jesus calming the storm. It ends with the disciples bowing before their Creator in worship.
You see — the whole point is nit that our storms would be calmed — but that our hearts would be softened and our lives would be lived in humble submission to Jesus our Lord, our King, our Savior who will never leave us. And this truth should change our the posture of our hearts and and our lives to that of worship and adoration.
Now —maybe today you’re walking through your own storm. Maybe you feel like Peter — worn out, barely holding on, sinking under the weight of fear or failure.
Listen to me — Jesus is not waiting for you to be strong enough. He is not waiting for you to walk on the water by yourself. He is not waiting for you to pick yourself up. No! Jesus comes to you — in your fear, in your weakness, in your little faith.
And — He comes to you — not just to calm the storm around you — but to call your heart to worship.
Mission Church — Jesus is the great "I AM." He is till the One who saves. He is still the Son of God who holds you fast. And the only right response —is to fall at His feet in wonder, in trust, and in worship.
So wherever you are today — Take heart. Lift your eyes. Cry out if you must. But do not be afraid…because Jesus has not, and will not, take His eyes off you.
Let’s pray
Communion Talk
Communion Talk
As we come to the Lord’s Table today, we come not as those who have walked perfectly on the water… but as those who have faltered — and been caught by grace.
The bread reminds us that Jesus didn’t just walk on waves — He walked the road to the cross for us.
The cup reminds us that He didn’t just calm a storm — He calmed the righteous storm of God's wrath by offering Himself in our place.
So — when you take the bread and the cup, remember this:
You are not holding symbols of your own strength, your perfect faith, or your spiritual performance. You are holding reminders that Jesus caught you.
That His body was broken and His blood was poured out … so that …you would never drown in the storm of sin and death.
Brothers and sisters — When you were sinking, Jesus saved you. When you were lost, Jesus found you. When you were dead, Jesus gave you His life.
So come to the Table — not because you are strong, but because He is strong for you.
Come remembering this: It’s not the size of your faith that saves you — it’s the strength of your Savior.
But we also want to come rightly. Friends — this is a sacred meal — not just a symbol, but a sign of our union with Christ and our communion with His body, the Church.
So if you are here today and you are a baptized believer in Jesus, this meal is for you. Whether your faith is strong or weak, whether you're full of joy or full of need — you are invited to come.
But — if you are not yet a follower of Jesus — if you have not repented, trusted in Christ, and been baptized — we ask that you not take the bread and the cup today.
Not to exclude you — but because we want something far greater for you.
Don’t take the symbol — Take Christ!
He is full of mercy.
He is mighty to save.
Turn to Him in faith.
Be baptized.
And then come to this table — not as a guest, but as part of the family.
And for all of us who are in Christ — this meal is not only a reminder of grace,
but also a declaration of unity.
One Lord.
One faith.
One baptism.
One body.
So we come with reverence,
we come with gratitude,
and we come with hope —
because this meal points us forward to the day when we will feast with Christ forever, in a kingdom where every storm is stilled, and every tear is wiped away.
Let’s pray together.
Father,
thank You for this Table —
a place where the weak are welcomed,
where the broken are made whole,
and where sinners are reminded that we are no longer condemned,
because Christ was broken and poured out in our place.
Would You now bless this bread and this cup,
set them apart as sacred signs that point us to Jesus —
our Redeemer, our Sustainer, and our coming King.
Help us to taste grace again as we eat,
and to rejoice in the unity we share through His blood.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
