Jesus Walks on Water

Matthew 14:22-33

Introduction

Jesus fed 5000 men with their families. Most of them conspired to make Jesus a King (John 6:15). He immediately sent the crowd away. He also sent the disciples to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, lest they join the crowds in their insurrection.

Christ Is on the Mountain, v. 23

1. He was alone. Although He had much work to do, He chose some time to be alone to recharge through prayer.

2. He was alone praying. He is our example of secret prayer, Matthew 6:6.

3. Notice: when the disciples went to sea, Jesus went to prayer.

4. He was long at prayer alone. He started praying at evening. He didn’t leave the mountain until the 4th watch (3-6 am), v. 25.

The Disciples were at sea, sent by Jesus, vv. 22, 24

1. They left in fair weather.

2. When they were half-way to shore, a tempestuous storm tossed their boat around.

3. They obeyed Jesus and had smooth sailing.
4. They were obedient, but now the weather turned against them.
5. They were in a bad storm in the dark.
6. The last time they were in a storm, Jesus was with them. He only had to be awakened.
7. This time, however, Jesus was not with them!

C. They continued to get to the other side.

“Though troubles and difficulties disturb us in our duty, they must not drive us from it. We must press forward.”

Jesus went to them, walking on the water, v. 25

1. Their fears were raised: “It’s a ghost!”

2. Their fears were silenced:

3. “Be of good cheer!”
4. “I am!” 
5. “Be not afraid.”

Peter’s boldness, v. 28: “Let me come out to You!”

1. Christ called Peter to Him.

2. Peter’s faith→he stepped out of the boat.

3. Jesus buoyed Peter as he went, looking to Jesus.

Peter’s distraction with circumstances around him, v. 30

1. The cause of his fear: the boisterous wind and storm.

2. The effect of his fear: he began to sink.

3. The remedy for his fear was a prayer: “Lord, save me!”

Christ’s grace to Peter, v. 31

1. Jesus saved Peter.

2. Jesus rebuked Peter.

Conclusion

When Jesus and Peter got into the boat, the storm ceased. Jesus could have walked to the shore, but it was His grace to reassure the disciples to sail the rest of the way. Afterward, they worshipped Him and declared: “Truly, Thou art the Son of God!”

Are you a fair-weather Christian, along for the ride until things get rough? If so, repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Do you know that while we are on the tempestuous sea of life, that our Lord is on the mountain, praying for us? And in due time, He will come to us and call us to fly to heaven? Will you have enough faith to leave this world for heaven? If not, repent for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.