“Walk on the Waves”
Texts: Matthew 14:22-33
May 12/13, 2012
Pastor Matt Erickson
“‘Lord, if it’s You,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to You on the water.’” (Matthew 14:28)
Living in the Waves
- Waves of people (14:20-22)
- Waves of emotions (14:22-23)
- Waves of natural life (14:24)
Taking Steps of Risky Faith
- Looking for Jesus (14:25-27)
- Asking Jesus (14:28)
- Listening for Jesus (14:29a)
- Stepping Out with Jesus (14:29)
- Failing with Jesus (14:30)
- Held up by Jesus’ hand (14:31)
The Goal of Risky Faith
- Growth with Jesus (14:31-32)
- Knowing Jesus (14:32-33)
- Worship of Jesus (14:33a)
Discussion Questions:
- Name a risky endeavor that you could never imagine yourself doing. Why?
- We conclude the “Risky Faith” series this week with a look at Jesus walking on the water and Peter following Him there. Read the text for this week, Matthew 14:22-33, out loud.
- In the phrase that begins this story – “immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat” – the word ‘made’ conveys a forceful compelling by Jesus. Why do you think Jesus was forcing the disciples to get going here (you may want to look at 14:13-21)?
- What was the disciples’ experience like on the water?
- The ‘fourth watch of the night’ (verse 25) is between 4 and 6 am when dawn is just creeping into the day. What did the disciples think of what they saw and what did Jesus say in reply?
- In Peter’s conversation with Jesus, it is important that Jesus invites Peter to join Him. Why do you think Peter wanted to follow Jesus out onto the water?
- What is it about the setting that makes Peter falter and fall (see especially verses 30 and 24)?
- Peter is an outstanding example of risky faith here. In what situation in your life do you sense Jesus calling you out of the boat? What are the waves around you?
- Identify one specific way that you sense Jesus might be asking you to step out of the boat in your life. Write it down, reflect on it, and put it into practice this week. If you are in a small group, discuss this with one another.
Next week we will begin a new series entitled “Three Disciples” looking at Peter, James and John. Read the following Scripture passages to get a sense of who these three are: Matthew 4:18-22; Luke 5:1-11 and 9:18-36.