Jesus Walks on the Water – Matthew 14:22-36
Where do you think God is inviting you now to “get out of the boat?”
Bible Reading
Matt 14:22-36
22 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away.
23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.
24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.
27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”
28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”
34 When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret.
35 And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick,
36 and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well.
(NKJ)
Food for Thought
1. What is the most frightening experience you’ve ever had?
2. What is the most worshipful experience you have ever had?
3. Of all of Jesus’ miracles, which one would you like to have witnessed? Why?
Bible Study
4. After feeding the crowd of five thousand people, what instructions did Jesus give his disciples? (14:22)
5. Where did Jesus go after he dismissed the crowd? Why? (14:23)
6. What did Jesus do on the mountain? (14:23)
7. Where were the disciples when evening came? (14:24)
8. What conditions were the disciples encountering? (14:24)
9. What miracle did Christ perform? (14:25)
10. How did the disciples react to what they saw? (14:26)
11. How did Jesus try to calm the disciples’ fears? (14:27)
12. What did Peter ask Jesus to do? (14:28)
13. How did Jesus respond to Peter’s request? (14:29)
14. What happened to Peter as he made his way toward Jesus? (14:29-30)
15. What did Jesus do and say when Peter got in trouble? (14:31)
16. What was the consensus reaction to this amazing sequence of events? (14:33)
17. What happened when Jesus and his disciples arrived at their destination? (14:35-36)
Kingdom Dynamics
18. Why do you think Jesus spent time alone praying?
19. Why did Jesus send the disciples out onto the water without him?
20. When have you ever walked on water?
21. Under what circumstances should a believer attempt to walk on water?
22. Where do you think God is inviting you now to “get out of the boat?”
23. In order to be rescued from that storm, what do you think should be your next step?
24. Why do you think Peter was not afraid to come out of the boat on the high seas?
25. What made Peter sink?
26. What causes you to doubt and waver in your faith?
27. In what area of your life is the wind boisterous right now?
28. What situations cause you the most fear in life?
29. Why did the wind cease when they got into the boat?
30. What events or experiences have led you to trust in Jesus?
31. What does this passage teach you to do?
32. What is impressive about your neighbour?
Practical Christianity
33. What specific step could you take this week to improve your devotional life?
34. In what practical way can you demonstrate faith as you go through the coming week?
35. What step of trust do you need to take today?
36. What will help you remember to keep your eyes on Jesus?