Scripture
Jesus Walks on Water
22Immediately 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. 23After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.
24Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25About three o’clock in the morning[1] Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”
27But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here![2]”
28Then 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. 30But when he saw the strong[3] wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
31Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
32When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
34After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. 35When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. 36They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.
Translation notes (3)
- 14:25 Greek In the fourth watch of the night.
- 14:27 Or The ‘I Am’ is here; Greek reads I am. See Exod 3:14.
- 14:30 Some manuscripts do not include strong.
But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” Matthew 14:30-31
“Eyes on the prize!” You have likely heard this command a number of times in your life. Perhaps you have given the command a time or two as well. While this command may be so over-used so that it loses its significance, it is profoundly true. You will always move in the direction we are looking towards. As a result, it stands to reason that we need to focus on where we want to go. We need to focus on our goals. This is particularly true when we think about our faith. Scripture teaches that we must focus on Christ as we seek to live lives that honor and glorify Him.
Matthew 14 tells a story of when Peter, Jesus’ disciple who was foundational in starting the early church, had to learn to keep his eyes on Jesus. He and the other disciples were on a boat when they saw Jesus, who was walking on water when the wind had created big waves. As the disciples watched Jesus in amazement, Peter made a bold request. Peter said, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on water” (verse 28). Jesus answered his request and said, “Yes, come” (verse 29). Peter obeyed Jesus’ invitation. Miraculously, Peter started walking on water, directly towards Jesus. Then, as he walked and “saw the strong wind and the waves” around him, he became scared and started sinking. He pleaded with Jesus to save him. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed Peter. “’ You have so little faith,’ Jesus said. Why did you doubt me?’” (verse 31). Peter took his eyes off of Jesus for several moments and focused on the wind and waves around him instead.
Peter’s story in Matthew 14 resonates with all of us. We want to follow Jesus and live for Him, but we become distracted and take our eyes off of Him. Whether we walk through a storm that distracts us, or we become distracted by other things, people, or our busy schedules, when we take our focus off of Him, we become distracted and start to sink. This is not good news. However, there is hope. You see, just like He was there for Peter, Jesus is there to save us and help us stay focused on Him and His calling for our lives. You see, His plan is always best. He wants to do big, walking on water, type of things through our lives if we will stay focused on Him.
Do you find yourself wanting to follow Jesus and be used by Him, but you have become distracted? It is time to call out to Jesus, just like Peter did, for help. He is there, ready to catch you and set your feet back on the right course. Keep your eyes focused on Him!
Moving toward action
Commit today to focus your eyes on Jesus. In what ways do you particularly connect with God? Is it going on a walk, reading your Bible, listening to worship music, listening to a sermon, or something else? Whatever way you feel connected to God, connect with Him now. Focus your mind and heart on Him. As you focus, commit to walking with God in the direction that He is leading you towards. The best way is to take time every weekend to worship together! We hope to see you this weekend online or in person.
Going deeper
Read Matthew 14:22-36 (NLT)
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