[Walking on the Water – Extraordinary Steps of Faith]
Slide Graphic – Jesus looking at Peter, who is wearing an inner-tube with a duck head
{Note - drop me an email if you would like any or all of the original graphics. Go to the box at the top of this page and click on "Contact"}
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.”
[Jesus is Apart From his Disciples]
Slide Graphic – Jesus walking away from shore while the Disciples row off
Slide Text – Matthew 14:22-24
31Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” 32So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. 33But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
(John 6:31-34)
Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist, had just been beheaded at the whim of a spoiled girl. Jesus knew he was the next to die. He had gone up into the mountains to be alone, but had been followed by a large crowd. After a long day of teaching them, he had fed them from the five loaves and two fishes. After they had all eaten, they wanted to crown him King. Instead, he sent them away, and went into the mountains to pray. He even sent the disciples away.
When people want you to do something you know is wrong, usually the best thing to do is leave.
Jesus sent the disciples out in the boat. They were being obedient. Did he know what would happen to them?
Being obedient sometimes means being sent into trouble. The huge kind of trouble only Christ can handle. Whatever other reasons there might be, this is usually an opportunity to grow stronger in faith.
The disciples had been busy all day and must have been very tired. Now Jesus asked them to row across the lake - a trip of a little over six miles. With 12 disciples in the boat, it should have taken less than two hours to get there. We know they left before nightfall, because Jesus was “alone” when evening came, which, in Gallilee in early spring, would have been about 7PM. Mark 6:47 says that when evening came, the disciples were already in the middle of the lake.
Some people have commented that I tend to draw Jesus pretty “buff.” Think about most pictures of Jesus, other than those portraying Him on the cross. Most often He is depicted as a pale, scrawny guy – perhaps holding a lamb or child in His lap, as if He wasn’t strong enough to pick them up in His arms. I don’t know where that came from – it is not Biblical. Jesus was raised as a Carpenter. As Don told us on the retreat, Jewish men usually entered their careers full time around fifteen. Jesus’ ministry did not start until he was about thirty. Until this time, he cut down trees, hauled them into town, split them into planks, planed and sawed them into boards, and built things, all with the strength of his hands. He was almost certainly in great shape.
[Jesus is Aware of His Disciples]
Slide graphic – Jesus praying on mountaintop, with thought-balloon showing the disciples rowing in the storm
Slide text –
25During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. (Mathew 14:25)
47When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. 48He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them…(Mark 6:47-48a)
The night was divided into four parts:
1st Watch – 6-9PM
2nd watch – 9PM-12AM
3rd watch – 12- 3AM
4th watch – 3-6AM
Jesus prayed from before evening until at least 3 in the morning. The disciples had been rowing a long, long time – at least eight hours. They were exhausted, cold (it was early spring) and wet, and struggling against a powerful storm. Mark 6:48 says they were “straining at the oars and making little progress”.
Jesus was “Alone on land” but “He saw the disciples were in serious trouble.” At least 3 miles away, in the middle of 60 square miles of sea, in the middle of the night, in the middle of a terrible storm, he saw they were in trouble.
When we are fighting the storms that come your way, and you are tired and overwhelmed and feeling lost and alone, Jesus sees you. Why didn’t Jesus come rescue the disciples immediately? Why did he let them struggle so long, when they were obeying his command to row across the lake? Why did he let them face the storm? To grow stronger. Our muscles only grow stronger when they meet resistance. The same is true of our faith. As long as we don’t give up, the storm makes us stronger. We don’t need to know how long the storm will last, only that God is in control.
There are several types of storms (difficult periods in your life):
•Natural storms – we live in a fallen world, and some of the troubles we face are simply that – natural disasters
•Storms of correction – Like the storm sent to the boat Jonah rode to escape the call to preach to Nineveh. These usually last until we turn from our false course.
•Storms of perfection – Storms that God uses to build our strength and our faith. God doesn’t rescue us immediately. They are like the silversmith’s refining fire, where the raw silver ore is kept in the hottest flame until all the impurities are burned away, and it becomes strong, pure metal.
The timing of the storm is interesting – right after the feeding of the 5000. Many times, just when we think we are at high point, the storm hits. Life is like a roller coaster - those incredible mountaintop experiences are usually followed by a plunge into the valley. Just when you think you have acheived spiritual success - Satan attacks.
He alone stretched out the heavens and treads on the waves of the Sea - Job 9:8 (NIV)
[Jesus Appears to the Disciples]
Slide Graphic A – Jesus walking on the water.
Slide Graphic B – Jesus Christ lizard running across water (search for “Jesus Christ Lizard” – it’s a reptile that can actually run across the water for distances of 30 feet or so)
Slide Text –
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.” (Mathew 14:26-27)
At least four had been professional fishermen on this very lake, and were well aware of the danger to their lives. Despite the efforts of 12 men, their boat was making no progress. Jesus, walking on the water, easily caught up to them. The disciples were exhausted and afraid. When they caught sight of Jesus, they thought it was a ghost and screamed. Mark 6:52 says “They still did not understand the significance of the miracle of the multiplied loaves, for their hearts were hard and they did not believe.” Even today, we often fail to recognize the presence of Christ.
Once they realized who he was, they thought he was going to just pass them by (Mark 6:48). Sometimes it feels like that – that you are struggling as hard as you can to obey, but it looks like Jesus is just going to pass you by. But Jesus never forces himself on you, regardless of your need. He will wait until you call for Him.
Jesus said: “It is all right, I am here. Do not be afraid”. There is no need to fear even the largest storm if Jesus is with you.
Jesus was there. He just walked up to the boat in the middle of the Sea of Galilee. Two miracles, each a demonstration of Jesus’ divinity, in one 12-hour period.
Jesus wanted their faith to grow stronger. That’s why he sent them into the storm, and why he waited so long to come get them. He wanted them to know when the storm is far beyond their control, he is aware of the situation and waiting to step in. No storm is so large it is not subject to his command. He wants us to be strong enough to survive the storms through faith in Him.
"If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Thy hand will lead me and thy right hand will lay hold of me." Psalm 139:8-10.
"Ships are safe in the harbor, but that’s not what ships are made for" - John Shedd
[Peter’s Leap of Faith]
Slide Graphic – Peter leaping from boat, Jesus standing on water waving him forward
Slide Text –
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. (Matthew 14:28-29)
Peter had to make a decision – he was given the choice of leaving the safety and comfort of the boat for the unimaginable call to walk on the water. The first step – getting out of the boat, was the hardest. At least in the familiar boat there was some illusion that he was safe and in control. On the water he knew beyond any question that he would be totally dependant on Jesus.
Jesus didn’t call them all out of the boat – only the one who indicated he was ready for the risk. Jesus will let you stay in your comfort zone, if that’s what you really want, but then you will never walk on water. Are you too comfortable where you are right now? Jesus is waiting to call you to extraordinary things, if you are ready to take the risk.
Peter didn’t leave the boat until he received direction from Jesus. What do you think would have happened if he had just immediately leapt out of the boat? Would that have been an example of faith? It is not up to us to decide what God wants and get there before he calls. We should always wait until we hear the call before stepping out, even if that means weathering the storm for a while.
When he did leave, it was to come to Jesus. Peter didn’t ask to be able to run around on the lake and play – he asked to come to Jesus. That prayer is always answered. When Jesus said “come”, did it still take faith to leave the boat? Do you think Peter tested the water with his toe first, before committing his weight? I think I would have, but knowing Peter’s impulsive character, he probably just bailed out. I can imagine him hitting the water and falling, and have to get up and dust himself off.
And when God calls us, he also gives us the power to obey his call, no matter how extreme.
Even Judas Iscariot was in the boat, obedient to Christ’s command. Judas answered the call to be a disciple, left his old life behind, sacrificed his job and his family, and followed Jesus. He stuck through the hard times when the crowd left, when the mob wanted to kill Jesus, and obeyed when Jesus sent them out that night into the storm. But just being in the right place doesn’t mean you are right with God. You may be in church every time the doors are open, but that doesn’t mean anything if you haven’t given your heart to God on the inside.
[Peter Sinks]
Slide Graphic – Peter sinking, Jesus running up to him with thought balloon of a rock (as in “Why did I name this guy Peter the Rock?”)
Slide Text –
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?” (Matthew 14:30-32)
Peter had the faith to leave the boat, but when he took his eyes off Christ, he became afraid and began to sink. Faith requires focus. As long as Peter stayed focused on Jesus, he was fine. When he focused on the storm around him, he started to fall. It is not life’s storms that make us fail; it is how we respond to them. Focus on Jesus, not on the storm.
Peter was a pretty impulsive guy. He was always acting or speaking without thinking, and he often put his foot in his mouth. But Peter had faith, and was willing to take risks to be with Jesus. Yes, he fell many times, but every time he fell, he got back up again. Peter is a great role model, not because he was perfect, but because he was imperfect, just like us, but he loved Jesus, had faith in him, and when he fell short of the mark, he always got right back up and tried again. Peter would rather be with Jesus on the water than to be without Jesus in the boat.
People point to Peter as an example of lack of faith, but the had more faith than the 11 still in the boat.
Science Idea: Using an orange. Ask kids will it sink or float in water? Have kids try it. (It floats) Then ask what if take the peel off the orange, what will happen? Then have them try it. (It sinks) Why - air pockets around peel kept the orange afloat. Compare the orange to Peter. When he was able to walk on water he was like an orange with a peel (could be a pun in there somewhere). When Peter started to sink it was like he’d taken his peel off (he’d lost his faith). When are times in your life when you’ve lost your peel? Also, try a can of regular Coke, versus a can of Diet Coke. The Diet will float, sugar sodas will sink
Christian life, like walking on water, is humanly impossible. But it is possible when we trust in Jesus and live by the power of the Holy Spirit. As long as we dare to tackle impossibilities by faith, fixing our eyes on Jesus (Heb 12:2), we can experience that impossible things become possible. We can enjoy a supernatural life in Jesus. Like Peter who stepped out of the boat and walked on the water toward the Lord, we too must dare to step out of our comfort zone and attempt impossible things by faith.
One of the biggest fears is the fear of failure. Because of the fear of failure, people failed to step out of their ordinary comfort zone to attempt great things for Jesus. They experience utter failure even before attempting anything for the Lord. They are timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. We must believe that there is no failure in Jesus. One day Michael Jordan walked in the basketball arena and the people chanted for him, “Michael! Michael!” He said, “I’ve missed 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and I have missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. But I never quit, but kept trying. That is the secret of my success.” He was not afraid of failure.
But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. (James 1:6)
[The Storm is Over]
Slide Graphic – Jesus in boat with wet Peter, sky is clear, land in site
Slide Audio (optional) – “Hallelujah, The Great Storm is Over” by Rufus Wainwright, from the “Shrek” sound track.
Slide Text –
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.” (Matthew 14:33)
And immediately the boat was at the land where they were going (John 6:21)
The tragedy of this story is that the 11 other disciples never made any effort to get out of the boat. In the Church today there are far too many people who prefer the comfort of the boat. They will never experience the blessings of taking steps of faith. Are you one of these people?
God gave us this story so we will know that He is faithful and He loves us. He really does. The more we read the Bible, the more we will know that He really loves us.
You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them. (Psalm 89: 9-10 New Revised Standard Version)
[The Storm is Coming]
Slide Graphic – boat with people in it tossed by waves, labeled “Missions”, “Family”, "Friends”, “Schools”, “Community”, “Church”, etc. – the things we need to get out of the boat for. Jesus beckoning the people out of the boat.
· We are in a comfortable, safe place right now
· I think God is ready to see if we are willing to do extraordinary, “walking on water” things for Him
· To do that, we will have to be willing to take risks, to get out of our boat
· God will send us into the storm
· We will need to look for Christ to show up, and be ready to do what he asks
· We will need to stay focused on him to succeed – we must be strong in faith
· We can’t succeed on our own efforts, but the power of Christ can easily accomplish the impossible
{Prayer}
