“This is the One We Remember”

Series: The Gospel Truth

Text: Mt 14:22-36

Introduction: (What?)

Memories! Some are good and some are bad. Some we love to relive time after time, others we wish we could forget. Most of us have favorite memories of loved ones and friends. Reunions are rife with shared memories. Jesus said to His disciples at the first Lord’s Supper, “As often as you do this, do it in remembrance of Me.” Most of us think that this reference is to His death, and it is. But I think it is far more than that. I think when we partake of the LORD’S Supper, we should remember the good things as well.

Examination: (Why?)

1. Remember the time Jesus walked on water? (vv22-32)

Mt 14:22-32 “Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After dismissing the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. Well into the night, he was there alone. Meanwhile, the boat was already some distance from land, battered by the waves, because the wind was against them. Jesus came toward them walking on the sea very early in the morning. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and they cried out in fear. Immediately Jesus spoke to them. “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter answered him, “command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt.”

In my imagination I can see the disciples sitting around a room and reminiscing on their time with Jesus during His earthly ministry. Perhaps one of them said, “Hey Peter. Remember that time when Jesus sent us off in the boat and a great storm came up?” I can see the others nodding their heads as the memory became clear. I’m not sure that Peter wanted to remember all of what happened, because his faith was revealed to be faulty. However, remembering gave each of the disciples joy and comfort. I believe that we are prone to forget what Jesus has done in our lives because we don’t sit around and reminisce on what He has done for us. I think that is what makes Sunday School classes and small groups so important. In these groups we are free to share with one another what jesus has done for us. Teachers, you should always give opportunity for input from those in your class. Learn to ask questions that require more than “yes-no” answers.

Here are some questions I’d like for you to think about for a moment, and then tell the person next to you your answer. For those of you watching from home, if someone is watching with you, talk about these memories. If you are alone, just take a moment and speak your memory out loud.

Remember the time that you first felt that you needed to surrender to Jesus.

Remember a time when you knew without doubt that Jesus had answered a specific prayer that you prayed.

If you have no memories of either of these, perhaps now is the time to make a memory. If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus, you can do that right now. Just say to Him, “Jesus, I give you my life.”

Positive memories can reinforce our faith. Take time to remember

2. Remember when people were healed by touching His robe? (vv 34-36)

Mt 14:34-36 “When they had crossed over, they came to shore at Gennesaret. When the men of that place recognized him, they alerted the whole vicinity and brought to him all who were sick. They begged him that they might only touch the end of his robe, and as many as touched it were healed.”

Again in my imagination I can hear a disciple speak to the others and say, “Do you remember that after Jesus got in the boat and the storm died down and we landed at Gennesaret? People came from everywhere and brought those who were sick and lame. Even those who only touched the end of His robe were healed!”

That had to be a “wow!” moment as they recalled that experience. Have you had some “wow!” moments with Jesus? Take a moment to think about it, and then tell someone what came to your memory.

3. Remember that special supper? Mt 26:26-29 “As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. But I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

Again in my imagination I can see the disciples when they observed their first passover after Jesus had ascended to heaven. I can hear one of them say, “Hey guys, remember our last Passover with Jesus? Remember how He broke the bread and passed it out to us and told us to eat it because it was His body? Remember how, after the supper, He took the cup or wine and told us to drink from it because it was His blood of the covenant? Then He told us to do this and to remember Him.”

Application: (Participate in Communion)

Today we join with the disciples in recalling that Last Supper which became the First LORD’s Supper. Take the wafer of bread and hold it a moment. Think about what Jesus went through during His trials, His scourging and His crucifixion. Remember, He did that for YOU. Let’s pray; “LORD Jesus, thank You for paying the penalty for my sin. I remember now as I eat this bread.”

Now open and hold the juice and think about the blood that flowed down Jesus’s head from the crown of thorns. Think about the blood that flowed from His back during the scourging. Think of the blood that flowed from His hands, feet and side as He was crucified. Remember that it is the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all sin. Pray with me, “LORD Jesus, thank You that Your blood has cleansed me from all sin. I drink this today as a reminder of Your suffering so that I might live forgiven forever.”

If today you have surrendered to Jesus for the first time, please come down here and tell me.

If today you have renewed your surrender to Jesus, please tell someone near you, or come and tell me or one of our deacons.

If today God has called you to become a part of this local Body of Believers, come now so that we can welcome you into the family.