Matthew 14:22-33
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Main Idea
DO NOT DOUBT BECAUSE CHRIST IS PRAYERFUL, POWERFUL, AND PERSONAL.
Outline
THE PRAYERFUL CHRIST (VV22–23)
THE POWERFUL CHRIST (VV24-26)
THE PERSONAL CHRIST (VV27-33)
Discussion Questions
THE PRAYERFUL CHRIST (VV22–23)
Why do you think Jesus intentionally withdrew to pray after feeding the five thousand?
What does Jesus' commitment to prayer teach us about dependence on the Father?
How does it encourage you that Jesus was praying even while His disciples were struggling out on the sea?
When life becomes busy or difficult, how is prayer often one of the first things to disappear from our lives?
What are you most tempted to rely on instead of prayer?
How can following Jesus' example of prayer strengthen your faith when circumstances feel overwhelming?
What is one practical way you can prioritize prayer this week?
THE POWERFUL CHRIST (VV24-26)
What does Jesus walking on the water reveal about His identity?
Why do you think the disciples initially responded with fear instead of faith?
How can difficult circumstances distort our ability to recognize Jesus at work?
What "storms" in your life are currently testing your faith?
Why is it important to remember that nothing we face is beyond Christ's authority?
How does this passage encourage you to trust Jesus even when He doesn't immediately calm the storm?
THE PERSONAL CHRIST (VV27-33)
Why do you think Peter asked to come to Jesus on the water?
What caused Peter to begin sinking?
How do fear and doubt often work together in our own lives?
What do you learn about Jesus from the fact that He immediately reached out and caught Peter?
Jesus asked, "Why did you doubt?" What kinds of circumstances most often lead you to doubt God's goodness, presence, or promises?
What does it look like to keep your eyes fixed on Christ instead of your circumstances?
Looking Forward
What is one area of your life where you have been focusing more on the wind and the waves than on Jesus? What is one practical step you can take this week to intentionally trust Christ instead of your fears?
Prayer Focus
Pray for…
A deeper trust in Jesus during seasons of uncertainty
Confidence that Christ is praying for and interceding for His people
Faith to remember Christ's power over every circumstance
Eyes that stay fixed on Jesus instead of the storms around us
Courage to obey Jesus even when the path requires faith
Peace that overcomes fear and anxiety
Gratitude that Jesus reaches for us when we stumble
Strength to persevere through trials without losing hope
A greater understanding of Jesus' personal love and care for each of us
Worship that grows as we recognize Jesus as the Son of God and Lord over all things