Matthew 14:21-36 NASB
²²Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away.
²³After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.
²⁴But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary.
²⁵And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea.
²⁶When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear.
²⁷But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
²⁸Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
²⁹And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
³⁰But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
³¹Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
³²When they got into the boat, the wind stopped.
³³And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!”
³⁴When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret.
³⁵And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent word into all that surrounding district and brought to Him all who were sick; ³⁶and they implored Him that they might just touch the fringe of His cloak; and as many as touched it were cured.
Devotional
After feeding those many thousands of people, Jesus again seeks silence to pray (Matthew 14:22:23). The encounter with his heavenly Father is constantly at the center of his actions. In order to give Him all the space, Jesus repeatedly separates Himself from the people to whom He has been sent. His Father comes first with Him.
After his prayer, Jesus wants to go to His friends, but they are already far from the shore with their ship. For Jesus, however, that distance over the water is not a barrier, He goes to meet them.
As the Son of God, He keeps the water under His feet. Even the storm poses no threat to Him, for He is the Lord of all powers in creation (cf. Psalms 89:10).
His disciples, however, panic, not so much because of the storm, but because of that strange figure there on the lake. They do not recognize Jesus.
But Jesus allows Himself to be recognized by them by saying: It is I (Matthew 14:27). In this the name of God resounds: “I am that I am” (Exodus 3:11-15), that is, “I am there. I am, as I am alone, but in that ‘I am with you.’ Jesus’ personal presence wants to strengthen the fearful people.
That is why Peter wants to walk on water with Jesus. He does so at His word. Jesus never refuses if anyone wants to come to Him in faith (Matthew 14:28,29).
But standing on the waves in the full storm is something different than on the deck of the boat! Panic overwhelms Peter (Matthew 14:30a). Yet he is saved, because he can still pray a short prayer (Matthew 14:30b). A short prayer is long enough if it comes from the heart. Jesus pulls Peter out of the water and the storm subsides.
Here too His omnipotence manifested itself (Matthew 14:32). Until now, only God Himself, the devil and demons had called Jesus the “Son of God” (Matthew 3:17, 4:3,5,6, 8:28,29). Now his disciples do the same (Matthew 14:33).
At the four corners of each Jewish man’s robe were tassels wrapped with blue purple threads as a constant reminder of the commandments of the law (Numbers 15:37-41). The sick here who touch a tassel of Jesus’ top garment are healed (Matthew 14:5:36). He cares about the well-being of the people. Would that be different today?
Question
- What promise is found in Hebrews 11:6?
Prayer suggestion
- Ask God to meet your weaknesses with His strength.
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