Seeds for 09/29/2023 - Matthew 14:30-36
Scripture: But when [Peter] saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?”
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to Him and begged Him to let the sick just touch the edge of His cloak, and all who touched it were healed.
Observation: So Peter finds himself in danger of his own doing. But it’s the result of an ambitious desire to join Jesus in something wonderful and mysterious—walking on the water. That alone is worth remembering. Better to be in over our heads while stepping out to join Jesus than all the other ways we get in over our heads with life.
Peter initiates the experience, asking Jesus to call him out onto the water. When Jesus obliges, Peter steps out.
Here’s what I’m observing in this famous episode.
First, Peter’s fear is a result of seeing the wind. It’s noteworthy that walking on the water doesn’t get to him, it’s the wind, the surrounding distraction. When Peter steps out in faith to join Jesus in something He’s doing, that does not seem to be the thing that throws him off. After all, he chose to follow Him on the water. The turbulence that accompanies the realities of walking by faith distracts Peter from the challenge he's taking on.
Second, Peter begins to sink into the water. For some reason, I imagine walking on water as an on/off kind of thing. You’re either walking on the surface or you’re up to your neck and treading as hard as you can. Being distracted by the wind doesn’t completely derail his water walking adventure. Peter pulls the rip cord, but he’s not drowning, only beginning to sink. Sometimes our perceptions are inconsistent with the actual peril we are in. We get freaked out, jumpy, spooked. But what if the threat is real, just not yet at a level that matches our reaction?
Third, Peter knows exactly who to call on for help—Jesus—and he doesn’t hesitate. This observation is both unoriginal and irresistible. It’s simple, but rich and reliable. Jesus immediately reaches out His hand to save the distracted, desperate Peter. Peter of little faith, too quick to doubt. Yet Jesus’ critique of Peter’s faith does not impact His concern for Peter’s heart.
Application:
How quickly do you call on Jesus when you falter? What’s your automatic response?
What else might the Holy Spirit be speaking with you about in the text today?
Prayer: Lord, protect me from having the turbulence of life distract me from pursuing you. But may your name be the first on my lips when I’m struggling. Amen.
“But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:23)
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