Matthew 14
December 12, 2022
“‘Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.” (v28-31a)
Peter learned two lessons in this water-walking adventure:
When Jesus calls us to something impossible (walking on the water), He will empower us to do it if we’ll trust Him. Peter experienced the thrill of doing the miraculous when he stepped out in faith in response to Jesus.
When our faith falters, and we start to sink, we can call out to Jesus, and He will “reach out His hand” (v31) and catch us. Peter experienced the grace of Jesus when he blew it.
Lord Jesus, I thank You for the times I’ve experienced Your power to do what I didn’t believe was possible - because You beckoned me to come. I thank You, too, for the grace You’ve shown me when I’ve taken my eyes off You and focused in on the waves. Even my faltering faith has been an opportunity to experience Your grace. Help me today to keep my eyes on You amidst the waves and storms of life.
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
