An Incredible Moment on the Water (Matthew 14:22-33)
Christ had learned of John the Baptist's death and so He withdrew to a remote place. I find it very interesting that from this time on, the ministry of Jesus was directed primarily toward His disciples. His goal seemed to be to instruct them, as much as possible, before He would be leaving them. He really said almost nothing more to the nation of Israel to convince them He is the Messiah.
With the above in mind, the miracle of Peter walking on water takes on new significance. Imagine seeing Christ walking on the water...not just a few feet from the shore, but really, a distance of 3 to 31/2 miles (John 6:19). His power over the elements are obvious, but I love the lesson in faith for the disciples in this experience.
It's like Peter wanted greater assurance that it was the Lord. How often in life do we desire greater assurance? Lord, if this is truly what I should do....make it clear. Lord, how can I know if I should....? I'm sure each of us can think of times when we have questioned situations when we knew already what the Lord had directed.
In all recorded history, there are only two men who ever walked on water. Peter steps out in faith and walks on the water until his faith is challenged. He falters when he takes his eyes off Christ and looks at his circumstances surrounding him. He sees the wind's effect on the water and focus' on that. Immediately, Peter begins to sink. But he cries out to the Lord for help and immediately the Lord caught him. The rebuke Christ gave Peter was for his lack of faith which caused him to sink.
When they are all together in the boat once again, they worship the Lord. Their concept of Jesus had been expanded. Think of the difference between the disciples faith and the people's faith where they had come from. The people learned they could bring their sick to Him for healing. Though they acknowledged Jesus as a great Healer, they did not fully comprehend who He is. However, the disicples acknowledge Him as the Son of God.
I loved Gire's in regards to Peter:
"Through Peter they gained a visual definition of faith, for what more is faith than stepping out in obedience to Jesus and looking to Him to sustain our steps, even when the path of obedience takes us over uncertain and untamed waters."
And...
"If they were ever to walk by faith, Jesus had to withdraw from their sight...He couldn't have the disciples clinging to Him as a trellis of support for teh frail tendrils of their faith. Their roots must deepen. Their trunks must grow stout. Their branches must grow firm....Otherwise, they would not be able to support the fruit to be borne on their branches, which He was preparing them to bear in abundance."
Oh my! Think of the fruit Christ is preparing for us to support. Think about the unbelievers He is bringing across your path so you can witness to them, telling them about the greatest thing that has ever happened to you...enabling you to share with them, showing their need for Him. I pray our faith remains firmly fixed on Him, never faltering off.
With the above in mind, the miracle of Peter walking on water takes on new significance. Imagine seeing Christ walking on the water...not just a few feet from the shore, but really, a distance of 3 to 31/2 miles (John 6:19). His power over the elements are obvious, but I love the lesson in faith for the disciples in this experience.
It's like Peter wanted greater assurance that it was the Lord. How often in life do we desire greater assurance? Lord, if this is truly what I should do....make it clear. Lord, how can I know if I should....? I'm sure each of us can think of times when we have questioned situations when we knew already what the Lord had directed.
In all recorded history, there are only two men who ever walked on water. Peter steps out in faith and walks on the water until his faith is challenged. He falters when he takes his eyes off Christ and looks at his circumstances surrounding him. He sees the wind's effect on the water and focus' on that. Immediately, Peter begins to sink. But he cries out to the Lord for help and immediately the Lord caught him. The rebuke Christ gave Peter was for his lack of faith which caused him to sink.
When they are all together in the boat once again, they worship the Lord. Their concept of Jesus had been expanded. Think of the difference between the disciples faith and the people's faith where they had come from. The people learned they could bring their sick to Him for healing. Though they acknowledged Jesus as a great Healer, they did not fully comprehend who He is. However, the disicples acknowledge Him as the Son of God.
I loved Gire's in regards to Peter:
"Through Peter they gained a visual definition of faith, for what more is faith than stepping out in obedience to Jesus and looking to Him to sustain our steps, even when the path of obedience takes us over uncertain and untamed waters."
And...
"If they were ever to walk by faith, Jesus had to withdraw from their sight...He couldn't have the disciples clinging to Him as a trellis of support for teh frail tendrils of their faith. Their roots must deepen. Their trunks must grow stout. Their branches must grow firm....Otherwise, they would not be able to support the fruit to be borne on their branches, which He was preparing them to bear in abundance."
Oh my! Think of the fruit Christ is preparing for us to support. Think about the unbelievers He is bringing across your path so you can witness to them, telling them about the greatest thing that has ever happened to you...enabling you to share with them, showing their need for Him. I pray our faith remains firmly fixed on Him, never faltering off.
posted by Pilot Mom at
12:43 PM
1 Comments:
Very cool, Claire. I love that we picked out the same part to focus in on. (We do that a lot, have you noticed?)
I love that he had to leave for them to "see" again. It is totally the absolute meaning of faith - going on despite what you see and relying on God to back you up and get you through. Love it!
By
HeyJules, at 4:06 PM
Post a Comment
<< Home