ALL IN

Matthew 4:18–19 + Matthew 14:22–33

Matthew 4:18–20 NKJV

18 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.

*Peter’s initial response to Jesus’ invitation was to FOLLOW HIM.

-For us in this place, we have chosen to answer the same as Peter to Follow Jesus, Amen?

Let’s look at our next passage verse by verse.

*** Open with me to Matthew 14 v. 22...

Matthew 14:22–24 NKJV

22 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

1. Following Jesus Includes Storms

vv. 22–24

Jesus sent them into the storm. Obedience doesn’t prevent storms—sometimes it leads us straight into them. The presence of a storm does not mean the absence of Jesus.

Life Application

Don’t interpret storms as failure. If you’re following Jesus, storms are part of the journey. Stay faithful. Stay steady. Watch for Jesus in Life’s storms

***

Matthew 14:25–27 NKJV

25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

2. Jesus Reveals Himself in Our Storms

vv. 25–27

The disciples see Jesus more clearly in the storm than they ever did on the shore. Why? EXPERIENCE! Storms can be “Faith Builders” or “Faith Hinderers” based on how we get through it.

Life Application

Know: Jesus is in the storm with you. You are NOT Alone!!!!

Ask: “Jesus, what are You showing me about Yourself right now?” Storms aren’t just obstacles—they’re revelations. Look for Jesus. Listen for Jesus. Expect Jesus.

***

Matthew 14:28 NKJV

28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

3. Peter Embraced the Danger of the Storm With Jesus Over the Security of the Boat Without Him

v. 28

Peter chooses presence over safety. He would rather be in the storm with Jesus than in the boat without Him. That’s what “all in” looks like.

Life Application

Identify your “boat”—the place you feel safe but stuck. Comfort zones kill callings. Choose Jesus over safety. Choose obedience over comfort.

***

Matthew 14:29 NKJV

29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.

4. Jesus Invites Us to Be Where He Is Doing the Impossible

v. 29

Jesus doesn’t just calm storms—He invites us into the impossible. Peter walks where no human has ever walked because he said yes to Jesus’ invitation.

Life Application

Say yes to the next step Jesus is calling you to take. The impossible happens on the other side of obedience. If Jesus says “Come,” don’t hesitate.

***

Matthew 14:30 NKJV

30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

5. Following Jesus Can Be Scary

v. 30

Peter walked on water… and then he panicked. Faith doesn’t eliminate fear—it teaches us how to rely on Jesus through it. Fear is normal; sinking is not failure, when we call out to Jesus.

Life Application

Don’t beat yourself up for feeling afraid. Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s moving toward Jesus even when fear rises. Keep your eyes on Jesus, not the wind.

*Mark Lowry story

***

Matthew 14:31 NKJV

31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

6. Jesus Catches Us When We Call Out to Him

v. 31

Peter sinks, but he doesn’t drown. Jesus doesn’t shame him—He saves him. The hand of Jesus is always closer than the storm feels.

Life Application

When sinking, Call out quickly. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed. Jesus responds to desperate prayers. He catches, restores, and lifts those who cry out to Him. *We must trust Jesus’ timing and way.

***

Matthew 14:32–33 NKJV

32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

7. Our Response to Experiencing Jesus Is Worship

vv. 32–33

When Jesus gets into the boat, the storm stops—and the disciples worship. Storms end in worship when Jesus is at the center.

*Epi and Toby Example of storms ending in worship

Life Application

Let worship of Jesus be your response to every rescue, every revelation, every moment. Worship is how we go “all in” with our hearts.

***

SERMON APPLICATION — “Go All In”

Peter’s story shows us the progression of a disciple who goes all in:

He follows Jesus into storms.

He chooses Jesus over safety.

He steps into the impossible.

He calls out when sinking.

His response to experiencing Jesus is Worship.

This is the journey of every believer who decides to go all in.

Call to Action: Go all in for Jesus. Step out of the boat. Say yes to His invitation. Trust Him in the storm. Call out when you sink. Worship when He rescues.

And watch where He takes you—because the places Jesus leads those who go all in are always miraculous.