Untitled Sermon (2)

Matthew 14:22–32 LEB

And immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent away the crowds. And after he sent away the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. So when evening came, he was there alone. But the boat was already many stadia distant from the land, being beaten by the waves, because the wind was against it. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But the disciples, when they saw him walking on the sea, were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Have courage, I am he! Do not be afraid!” And Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water!” So he said, “Come!” And getting out of the boat, Peter walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind, he was afraid. And beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus extended his hand and caught him and said to him, “You of little faith! Why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind abated.

vs. 22

And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship,

Constrained- to be forced to do something.

and to go before him unto the other side, While he sent the multitudes away.

The Lord needed for them to get to the other side. However, he wanted them to go before he did.

Jesus already knew what he was going to do.

He knew what he was going to do for their faith

I believe a lot of times God allows us to be in different situations so that he can give us a faith check!!!

I want you to know that he is aware of the level of faith we have.

Vs. 23

And when he had sent the multitude away, he went up into a mountain to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

Vs. 24

But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: For the Wind was Contrary.

The ship was now in the middle of the sea.

Tossed- (thrown)

The disciples where being thrown by the waves.

Because the wind was contrary( opposite).

Many of us know what that looks like to have a plan to be heading in one place only to have resistance because your being thrown by the waves and the winds in your life are contrary.

What’s interesting to me is that in the account Mark 6:48 gives.

Its awesome to me that although Jesus was praying he was aware of what they were going through.

Many of you may feel that while your going through what your going through that God is not aware.

I would like to believe that he is not only aware of where we are and what we are experiencing but also that he is rooting for us and praying for us as he did Peter in Luke 22:32 .

Vs. 25

And in the fourth watch of the night or between the hours of (3 am-6 am) Jesus went unto them, walking on the Sea.

Whats awesome about this is that although Job 9:8 states that God treadeth upon the waves of the sea, God was going to offer all those in the boat the opportunity to check their faith.

How many times are we in situations in life where God has given us the opportunity to check our faith?

We will talk more about that later.

Vs. 26

And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

It is hard to understand how the disciples had just seen Jesus feed a multitude of people with 5 loaves and two fish and now they are afraid.

How many times have we seen God perform acts in our life and we still have to have a faith check. Where perhaps God has to ask us why are you doubting me. You’ve already seen my hand. You know what I’m capable of.

Vs. 27

But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

It seems almost Ironic that in the middle of the storm they were in God would would say be of good cheer or to have courage.

How many times have God reassured us of his presence in our lives?

But, we say, God I know your here because your word says you will never leave me or forsake

But God, The winds and the waves are beating against me.

Vs. 28

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

Vs. 29 

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

Vs. 30

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

Vs. 31 

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

Vs. 32

 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

Vs. 33 

Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”