Get Out of the Boat

Introduction

Have you ever been on a boat? I love getting out on the water and sailing. Ever time I’m a boat, that scene from What About Bob? plays in my head … “I’m sailing! I’m sailing! Dr. Leo Marvin, I’m sailing! I sailed! I’m a sailor!” CLASSIC.

Obviously, sailing is expensive, but if you get the chance you can always pay the $2.75 fair and go sailing with the MTA Ferry down the East River, here in NYC. We’ve done it a lot and I absolutely recommend it.

Well, obviously, we can’t go sailing today. But we can make a paper boat and dream! Join William’s son, Ethan, as he teaches us how to make a paper boat out of that piece of paper you should have grabbed.

[PLAY ETHAN PAPER BOAT VIDEO]

Attention:

That’s pretty impressive Ethan! I didn’t know how to do that until you showed me! Thanks buddy!

Need:

You may not realize it, but boats are very comforting aren’t they? Take Tom Hanks in Cast Away. When he saw that rescue boat, I’m sure he was comforted.

These little boats that we just made serve as a visual representation of our comfort levels. Far too many of us have become comfortable in our lives.

Someone else will take a stand. Someone else will object. My bank accounts good, I don’t need to seek God’s face today. That scares me, I’m not quitting my job and going all in on that start up I’m passionate about. That future student loan debt is way too much, I’m just going to stop my education here.

It’s unfortunate, but many of us allow our comfort zones to control our lives.

Transition:

In Matthew 14, we see this very thing play out in the lives of Jesus’ disciples and we see how one of them refused to allow the comfort of the boat to keep him from following God.

Now, these guys were just normal dudes, working to support their families, trying to get ahead in life, and scratch out their own place in this world. Then, out of nowhere, they each get invited by Jesus to come and follow him. Each one of them take Jesus up on his invitation and begin a journey that will change their lives and the rest of the world.

Throughout their three years of following Jesus around, we can see their faith gradually begin to grow in who Jesus was and claimed to be the Son of God who came to save us from our sins. One such episode in their lives of following Jesus is found in Matthew 14:22-33.

READ Matthew 14:22-33

Matthew 14:22–33 NLT

22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” 28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” 32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.

Scripture Statement: Here we see the disciple’s faith in Jesus grow and that Peter’s faith in Jesus had grown to the point where he was able to GET OUT OF THE BOAT and follow where God was leading him.

Sermon Statement: God wants you to GET OUT OF THE BOAT today.

Transition:

In this episode of Jesus’ life, we see at least three things happening. The first thing that we see happening is that Jesus invites you to get out of the boat.

Point #1: Jesus Invites You to Get Out of the Boat (vv. 22-29)

This is an interesting scene in Jesus’ life. He was looking for a place to rest, recharge, and grieve the death of his cousin – John the Baptist. But crowds of people kept following him around because of the miracles he was doing, the teachings he was giving, and they simply wanted to be around such an electrifying individual. Jesus’ popularity was draining him and he needed a quiet place to grieve and refuel, so he went out into a remote place, but the crowds kept coming.

Instead of turning them away or just letting the disciples deal with them, Jesus had compassion for them and sacrificed his physical and emotional capital and healed them and taught them well into the evening. Because of how late it was and where they were, Jesus didn’t turn them away but instead miraculously fed over 5,000 people using just 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish.

After everyone had eaten, Jesus quickly changed course and dismissed everyone, including his disciples. He sends people home and his disciples out onto the Sea of Galilee and he goes up onto a mountain to pray.

Why would Jesus do that?

He was tired, his disciples were tired, it was late, and he was able to make his own schedule. So, why not camp out for the night, then in the morning they all get into the boat and pass over to the other side? Why the immediacy?

Well, there are several reasons for why Jesus did this:

1. John 6:15 tells us that the crowds and maybe even Jesus’ disciples were thinking about forcing Jesus to become a king, so before they could he sent everyone packing.

2. Jesus was inviting his followers to focus on him in the midst of the storm.

a. Jesus knew a storm was coming.

i. “The Sea of Galilee is noted for its sudden and violent storms caused by cold air sweeping down from the vast naked plateaus of [the surrounding mountain tops] through the ravines and gorges and converging at the head of the [Sea of Galilee] where it meets warm air.” (Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Douglas, 502)

ii. Matthew says that “‘the wind was against them’ … [which] refers to a strong wind from the west – a regular feature during the rainy season (Mark’s ‘green grass’ [6:39] confirms the season.).” (EBC, #343-44)

b. Jesus intentionally sent them out into the storm.

i. This is because “there are two kinds of storms: storms of correction, when God disciplines us; and storms of perfection, when God helps us to grow.

ii. The disciples were in a storm because they obeyed Christ and had to be perfected.

Many Christians have the mistaken idea that obedience to God’s will produces “smooth sailing.” But this is not true.

READ John 16:33

John 16:33 NLT

33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Jesus invites you to get out of the boat, even though storms will come our way. Honestly, storms are going to come your way, so you might as well be ALL IN for Jesus because you are safer in his will than outside of it. This world offers us tons of security, but they are all false because they can never truly meet your needs or conquer your fears. Only Jesus, the one who walks on the water, can fully set you free and help you live the life you were made to live.

You can get out of your comfort zone because Jesus sacrificed his comfort for you by allowing himself to be murdered on a cross so that you could have ever lasting, abundant life in him.

Security and living your life to the fullest are NOT found inside the boat. Living an abundant, adventurous life that is worth more than anything this world can offer you is only found outside of your comfort zone and out on the waves with the one who controls the waves!

Application: Vision of my comfort zone - Guided Prayer

I’ve seen this in my life.

Transition: We’ve see that Jesus invites you to get out of your boat today. The second thing that we see from this episode of Jesus’ life is that getting out of your boat is based on FAITH.

Point #2: Getting Out of the Boat is based on FAITH (vv. 28-33)

It wasn’t until Peter got out of the boat that his view of Jesus began to change and his faith in Jesus started to become personal.

1. Peter shows us that we can get out of our boat by placing our faith in Jesus, our Savior, and not in the severity and strength of the storm.

a. It only takes one person getting out of the boat until it changes everyone inside the boat!

b. It only takes one person to have an active faith in Jesus until it changes the whole environment around them.

c. It only takes one person to getting out of their boat for a chain reaction to start around them to where it changes a whole city.

d. Peter got out of the boat and it sparked a chain reaction throughout the entire group of Jesus followers that stayed in the boat.

e. Peter’s active faith in Jesus affected the rest of the group so much so that they took another step in their faith and worshipped Jesus for who he truly is: the Son of God.

2. This miracle magnifies the kingship of Jesus Christ. In fact, when Matthew wrote Peter’s request, “Bid me to come,” he used a Greek word that means “the command of a king.” Peter knew that Jesus Christ was King over all nature, including the wind and the waves. His word is law and the elements must obey.[5]

4. Peter started to sink because he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the high waves around him. His faith was strong enough to trust that he could walk on the water. But when he realized that he was in a terrifying storm, his faith wavered. Although we start out with good intentions, sometimes our faith is weak. In Peter’s faltering faith we can see the path of discipleship. We have to exercise faith to have the power, but often we stumble and fail to grasp it fully. When Peter’s faith faltered, he reached out to Christ, the only one who could help. When you are apprehensive about the troubles around you and doubt Christ’s presence or ability to help, remember to put your eyes on Jesus.[8]

8. This experience was difficult for Peter, but it helped him to grow in his knowledge of himself and of the Lord. The storms of life are not easy, but they are necessary. They teach us to trust Jesus Christ alone and to obey His Word no matter what the circumstances may be. It has well been said,

“Faith is not believing in spite of evidence, but obeying in spite of consequence.”[10]

Application:

How is your faith today?

It’s been a tough year, really a tough couple of years. We all have been battered by wave after wave.

Waves of uncertainty. Waves of COVID and its variants. Waves of economic downturn. Waves of job losses. Waves of pain and grief over the loss of loved ones. Waves of isolation and depression.

Friend, I want you to know that there is a God who stands on top of the waves, who is there to guide you and provide for you. Who calls you into the storm in order to perfect you and grow you!

Quote: “I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.”

Jesus is the Rock of Ages who is calling you to get out of your boat today and follow him into the abundant life he has in store for you.

Transition: In this episode, we see that Jesus invites us to get out of our boats and that it takes faith in him to do this. Lastly, we see that getting our out our boats looks like following God.

Point #3: Getting Out of Your Boat looks like Following God

Getting out of your boat looks like following Jesus even when he intentionally sends you out into a storm that he knows is coming, so that he could walk on the water and show you that the very thing you fear is only a staircase for Him to come closer to you.

We just celebrated Christmas. Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, wise man, the star, and of course little 8 lb. 4 oz. baby Jesus. That little baby grew up and is pictured, according to some artists, as a gentle, mind, meek, and weak individual who loves to hang out with white fluffy sheep.

[PICTURE SLIDE]

Some pictures show him as being completely divine, holy, and totally separate from those around him, and unapproachable. Just like this picture shows.

[PICTURE SLIDE]

Friends, that is not the real Jesus. The real Jesus comes along side of you in the storm and is strong enough to calm the waves around you and within you. The real Jesus is fierce enough to overcome demonic and natural forces in order to hammer out a path for which we can cross over into a relationship with God our Father. The real Jesus aggressively pursues each and every one of us. The real Jesus challenges us to discover who he really is, while helping to develop us into the men and women he created us to be. The real Jesus calls us to dive deep into our relationship with him and disciple others from a heart that is overflowing with love, grace, and truth.

Getting Out of Your Boat is a lot easier when you actually see Jesus for who he truly is, your Savior, your guide, and your friend.

So, how do you get out of your boat?

Getting out of your boat looks like dying to yourself.

READ Luke 9:23-24

Luke 9:23–24 NIV

23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.

Getting out of your boat looks like obeying the Holy Spirit:

READ: Galatians 5:22-23

Galatians 5:22–23 NIV

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

I love how the message translation puts it:

Galatians 5:22–24 The Message

22 But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, 23 not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. 24 Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.

Application - Recent Outreach Events

Goodie Giveaway - 400+ candy bags filled with invite cards and scripture cards

Thanksgiving Food Pantry - Fed over 60 families

Holiday Market - Gave away and gift wrapped over 400 gifts for families less fortunate than we are

Transition: So, in this brief episode of Jesus’ life, we see that Jesus invites us to GET OUT OF THE BOAT, exercise our FAITH in him, and follow God and trust him with the results.

Conclusion: Burn the Boats

“On February 19, 1519, the Spanish explorer Hernán Cortés set sail for Mexico with an entourage of 11 ships, 13 horses, 110 sailors, and 553 soldiers. The indigenous population upon his arrival was approximately five million. From a purely mathematical standpoint, the odds were stacked against him by a ratio of 7,541 to 1. Two previous expeditions had failed to even establish a settlement in the New World, yet Cortés conquered much of the South American continent.

What Cortés is reported to have done after landing is an epic tale of mythic proportions. He issued an order that turned his mission into an all-or-nothing proposition: Burn the ships!” [11]

Right now, we get an opportunity to declare whether we are ALL IN or not.

If you want to be ALL IN on what God has in store for you, then you have to get out of the boat. You may feel unprepared, under equipped, and overwhelmed, but none of that matters because the very same one who walks on the waves and calms the seas is the same one who is fighting for you today.

You can go ALL IN today because Jesus went ALL IN for you.

_____________________

[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 51.

[2] Bruce Barton et al., Life Application New Testament Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 2001), 69.

[3] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 52.

[4] Robert H. Stein, “Differences in the Gospels,” in CSB Study Bible: Notes, ed. Edwin A. Blum and Trevin Wax (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017), 1525.

[5] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 52.

[6] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 52.

[7] D. A. Carson, “Matthew,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 8 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984), 344.

[8] Bruce Barton et al., Life Application New Testament Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 2001), 69.

[9] D. A. Carson, “Matthew,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 8 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984), 344.

[10] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 52.

[10] Mark Batterson, Burn the Ships, https://www.markbatterson.com/burn-the-ships/