The Gospel of Matthew 14:22-33
Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So, Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Let us Pray: As the storms of life rage around us remember our God is with us in the person of Jesus His Son. We need to allow them to calm our fears as he calmed the waters and allow Him to strengthen our faith, so we can walk together in this time of uncertainty, In Jesus name we pray. Amen
Is your faith strong enough to get out of the boat? Will you walk with Jesus and not lose sight of him, knowing we have nothing to be afraid of when Jesus is with us? Peter had a strong faith and believed in Jesus but unfortunately, he got concerned, and he lost focus and his faith started to wain and he started to sink. Peter had the right idea getting out of the boat and quite literally “stepping out on faith.” Indeed, in all of our lives, we can see Jesus standing out on the stormy waters of this world, bidding us to trust and come unto him. Trust is a basic part of faith, and he trusted Jesus to save him.
This is the second story in Matthew that the gospel uses a boat and rough conditions to test the faith of the disciples. And again, the words “save me” challenges Jesus to save them as he tells them they have little faith. So where is our faith, do we cry out to Jesus to “save us” or do we lose our direction and sink? Jesus will let us make our own choices, but when we call out to Him as we begin to fall and sink, He will never question us, but He will be there to “save us” as we have asked. He will stretch His arms to us and pull us back up. So, in the midst of these stormy days even though our faith wains if we ask Him to “save us” he will. We still must continue to have the faith to continue to be a disciple of Jesus. And no matter what disaster has come our way, our faith can focus on Jesus. No matter what disaster has beset us, he is able to help, with his power, through his Word. We see Jesus as Lord of creation in having control over the water, winds, and waves. Jesus can subside the elements of nature in this fallen world that threaten our lives as well as provide the things that nourish those same lives. Taken together, those with eyes to see recognize in Jesus the almighty presence of the theme of Emmanuel, of “God with us”, and his powerful reminders of his love and forgiveness that are ours. So, faith, focus and trust are what keeps us from sinking as we go out into today’s world and know if we do start to sink, we just need to ask for the helping hand of Jesus to pull us up.
Let us pray: The light of Jesus surrounds us: The love of Jesus enfolds us: The power of Jesus protects us: The presence of Jesus watches over us: Wherever we are, Jesus is with us ready to lift us up. Amen
Reflections by Bob 