Walking on Water

Matthew 14:22-33

22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but the boat was already a considerable distance^[a] from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

25During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.

27But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

28"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."

29"Come," he said.

   Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"

31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"

32And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

Is our response to Jesus similar?  Do we have the faith to get out of the boat and walk towards Jesus, the faith to keep going when the wind blows?

We should all have the courage and faith to at least take that first step out of the boat, and in fact, I’d say, many do.  People get caught up with an idea or a goal and run with it at first, but at the first sign of trouble or hardship the energy, the passion, the faith disappears.  I think Jesus is asking us to keep our eyes on him. 

A recurring theme in the Bible is perseverance and clearly Jesus is encouraging this here.  Practically speaking, I think of this in terms of the home group we have.  We are throwing ideas out like crazy and are often very excited about doing them.  When the excitement wears off, what will remain, who will remain.  Perhaps that is why Jesus spent years living with these guys; it may have taken that long for them to get it.

Audio Adrenaline:

"Walk On Water"
Simon Peter won't you put those nets down
follow me I'll lead you out of this town
to a place where no boat has ever been
I will make you a fisher of men

Jesus walked out on the water
said take courage it is me
Peter trusted and he wanted to go farther
so he stepped out on the sea

If I keep my eyes on Jesus I can walk on water
If I keep my eyes on Jesus I can walk on water

Just like peter I want to go farther
tread on the sea and walk on the water
step where he steps and go where he goes
side by side when the sea billows roll
I'll be alright when the wind comes
I'll be alright when the waves come crashing
I'm not afraid for this is my father's world