Walking on Water

Matthew 14:13–33 NKJV

13 When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. 14 And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. 15 When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.” 16 But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” 17 And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” 18 He said, “Bring them here to Me.” 19 Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. 20 So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. 21 Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children. 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. 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.” 28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 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.”

The Calm Before the Storm

Peter was about to find himself in a terrible storm— but it had been such a calm day

Feeding of the five thousand (vv. 19–22)

They had just taken part in such a spectacular miracle---

They had just heard great teaching - watched Jesus heal the sick — and they got to feed the multitude ---

Jesus wants to include you in the works He is doing

Sending the disciples away in a ship (v. 22)

after all the needs were met - Jesus still needed the time alone in prayer

As busy as we are - we must have that time alone with God

Jesus did not use that as an excuse to ignore the needs - or to lack compassion — but set the example of faith

The Savior praying on the mountain (v. 23)

The Storm

Reminds us of the storms of life that come to us all

So often these storms come suddenly - unexpected

The disciples struggled with high winds and waves (v. 24)

Tossed by waves- the wind was contrary

waves - people

wind - spirit

there are contrary spirits --- we wrestle not against flesh and blood ---

the weapons of our warfare are not carnal

Jesus came walking on the sea encouraging them

Jesus is ready to show up in the middle of your storm

if only more people were looking for Him there

Peter’s Challenge: “If It Be Thou, Bid Me to Come …” (v. 28)

If it be --- test the spirits

wait for the call —

so many of us have trouble waiting for the call - and many quit too soon becasue of this

Body

The Invitation to Faith

“Come!” A word of invitation

There are more than 1900 invitations in the Bible

Consider some of the invitations of Christ

“Come unto me … and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28)

Jesus inviting children to come (let the little children come and do not forbid them …)(Matt. 19:14)

Jesus inviting the thirsty to come and drink (John 7:37)

All who come will be received (all that the Father has given me will come…and those that come I will in no wise cast out) (John 6:37)

Come to Jesus and trust Him as Savior

this invitation is for you

for you who have never known Him --- Come

For you who have known Him and have drifted away — Come back

For you who do know Him and Love Him — Come closer

If you are hungry, if you are thirsty- if you are tired - If you love Him —

The Adventure of Faith

Imagine Peter coming down out of the ship

Peter had knowledge of the sea as a fisherman

He knew the treachery of the sea

But He wanted to Come -

Everyone else was content to stay in the boat and wait for Jesus — But not Peter

There is something within us that loves adventure

Going over falls in a barrel

Mountain climbing, sky diving, car racing, space travel

Amusement parks and rides at the fair

We love adventure and excitement —

there is nothing more exciting than living by faith!!!!

Peter walked on the water and learned that Christ is Lord of all

The adventure of stepping out on God’s promises

In trusting God instead of man

In giving and not knowing how God will provide

In going forward and trusting the Lord to lead the way

The Adversaries of Faith

The wind was boisterous: your present circumstances

Even after Peter made the decision to step out of the boat — there was still a boisterous wind---

just becasue you are trusting Jesus and have faith does not mean you will not be tested —

does not mean the storm won’t come

sometimes Jesus calms the storm first - and other times He walks through the storm with us first

These storms represent the circumstances of life — the ones you may find yourself in right now ---

Have you had a troubled week?

Are you struggling with temptation? Fear? Grief?

Peter’s fears were adversaries of his faith

Fear and faith are opposites

A famous General once said “Never take counsel of your fears”

As faith increases, fear decreases

not that fear does not exist — but it fades into the shadow of great faith -

The Resource of Faith

Peter called out to Jesus when all looked hopeless

It was a short, intense prayer

A prayer that recognized the power of Christ to answer

Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and saved Peter

With Jesus, it is safe to be weak and needy

Will You Respond to God’s Invitation to the Life of Faith?

He Will Receive You and Care for You Through Life’s Storms

It will be the greatest adventure you can ever imagine

And you will get to the other side!