The Power of One: Jesus

Objective

Intro

You’ve heard that there is strength in numbers. You will, if you have not yet.

I remember when I was younger and when I’d go out with places with friends, sometimes we were quite a large crowd. There is a certain confidence when you’re walking around with your crew. Whether it was on the basketball courts, camp meeting, or just out at different streets, the one thing missing was fear.

Its not just us, animals are stronger, more protected in groups as well.

Penguins are also great examples of animals that stick together. They huddle for warmth during the icy winters and travel in groups to find food! Just like the way the disciples traveled with Jesus, they found strength and safety in numbers. Next time you see a penguin, remember how important it is to stick together with our friends and family just like the disciples did!

Massive Groups: Huddles can include thousands of penguins packed shoulder-to-shoulder. [1]

Extreme Heat: The center of a huddle can reach a cozy 37°C (98.6°F), even when outside temperatures drop below −50°C (−58°F).

Constant Rotation: Penguins on the freezing outer edge slowly shift inward, while birds from the warm center rotate outward so everyone shares the burden and the warmth. [1, 2]

Moving Waves: Small, coordinated steps by individuals create slow ripples that keep the entire dense pack moving without leaving anyone out in the cold. [1] —Google AI Overview

Did you know that wolves are amazing pack animals? They travel and hunt together, relying on one another for success. Just like the disciples who followed Jesus, wolves rely on teamwork and build strong bonds within their packs. Imagine the disciples as a pack of wolves—working together, sharing experiences, and supporting each other on their journey with Jesus!

Other animals include:

ants

fish

elephants

Text

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Matthew 14:22–33 LSB

22 Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. 23 And after He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. 24 But the boat was already many stadia away from the land, being battered by the waves; for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. 26 Now when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” 28 And Peter answered and said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 And He said, “Come!” And getting out of the boat, Peter walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are truly God’s Son!”

Points

Alone VS Among Many

Among Many

The stuffed animals they are collecting

Some of them may be community creatures, traveling in packs.

What are some examples of animals that travel in packs?

Wolves

Penguins

School of fish

Ants

Elephants

These all rely on each other for defense and or success. There is strength in numbers

The Disciples

But the disciples did not seem to be able to get away from the storm

they had numbers

they had experience! They knew how to steer a boat, they were fishermen!

But they were going nowhere

and then, they were afraid

For a moment, Peter was able to with his eyes fixed on Jesus, do something impossible. Walk on water!

But then he fixed his sight on the wind instead of on Jesus and he was afraid again and began to sink

don’t pay attention to the scary things in life

pay attention to Jesus who can help you up the same way he helped Peter up!

Alone

Power

Jesus had sent everyone away but not just to send them away

He took that time to pray (verse 23)

Want power? Set time aside to pray!

Jesus caught up to the disciples who were many not by taking another boat, but by walking on the water (verse 25)

Jesus was not afraid of the storm

Jesus was not afraid of being alone

Jesus was able to walk on water

Jesus was able to save Peter from drowning while He Himself was in the middle of a storm

The ultimate power of One (with a capital O)

Love

in verse 27 He encouraged them to not be afraid

He invited Peter to come toward Him, caring enough for Peter so to keep him safe even with the storm going on around them

even though Peter lost his focus on Jesus, instead of not caring and letting Peter drown He reached down and pulled Peter up

Response

in verse 33 they saw for themselves that Jesus was no ordinary man, and they worshiped Him

Summary

Invitation

I’d like to invite you to stand if:

you would like to make more time to pray. This way, in God’s time, according to His will, you will get to see His power in your life

Like Peter, you would like to focus your attention more, set your sight, on Jesus