2.15.2026

Lessons from the Lake - Matthew 14:22-36

Today 14:22-25, *25

When does God come? God came to people WHEN they did not expect him to come.

Why does God come? God came to people for reasons they did not expect.

How does God come? God came to people in ways they did not expect for him to come.

1 Kings 19:7-18

Jonah 1

Luke 15:11-32

Matthew 14:22-25

Proof text :25

God came to them

WHEN They did not expect it

God comes at times when we do not expect

I Kings 19:7-18 - when Elijah felt defeated and ready to die

Jonah - when Jonah ran and expected to be punished

Luke - when  the Prodigal repented but dared not hope for grace

Matthew 14:22-25 when the disciples felt lost, alone, abandoned, hopeless – God’s son came to them.

WHY did he come to them?

Elijah felt like it was the end of his rope. God loved him

Jonah felt like a failure. God loved him

Prodigal felt ashamed. His father loved him

The disciples were alone, sinking, losing hope, yet God always loved them, never abandoned, never gave up.

WHY

because they were GREAT - fishermen, Zealot, tax collector

because they always understood Jesus – Jesus, “do you not understand? How long have you been with me?”

because they were all of one mind - how many times did they argue among each other?

because they were always bold - after crucifixion hiding in the upper room.

Jesus came to them because of HIM not them.

because he loved them -

God so loved, Prepared, Will return

HOW did he come to them?

In a form they would know - they recognized Jesus, they knew Jesus. He did not hide himself.

In a way they would not know - had they ever see him bend the laws of nature? How many can walk on water?

He came on water, spectacular, unnatural, unscientific manner.

In a way they did not expect - some expected an earthly realm, (Herod), Zealots,

Some expected a return of great Israel, Pharisees and his own disciples.

Would they expect in the middle of a storm, walking on water?

In a moment that seemed hopeless -

Others felt hopeless before Jesus came to them - paralyzed, lepers, blind

HE came in a moment the disciples could not control - wind, water, waves, all against them.

They rowed – no luck.

They sailed – no luck.

He came when they were not in control

2026

Jesus came to them

When it was the right time

When they were without hope or control

Because he loved them

Because they needed him

Because they were doomed without him

In a way they knew him, recognized him

In a fashion that seemed unreal

In a place they could not have imagined

In a place where they had given up hope

Jesus came to them.

What about us today

Will he come in a storm,

in calm,

in plenty,

in famine,

in sickness,

in health,

Will he come when all things out of your control.

Will we relinquish control, give up our ability to manipulate and surrender.

Will he come when we seem to have everything IN control - will you surrender to him then.

Will we accept that he comes BECAUSE we need him not because we offer something to him?

He will come - in a way that you expect or, in a way that you do not expect.

Maybe in a way that will not make you feel comfortable.

God came to them

He will come to you

He is coming to you

Will you come to him