The Weekend Word

Matthew 14:22-36

Jesus Walks on the Water

²² Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.

• More movement – more separation
• We see here … the mass has ended.
• What were they being dismissed to? Going into all the world…

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,

• Finally, alone
• I wonder what is the significance of always going ‘up the mountain’.
• Why didn’t Jesus just drop where he was and pray – or pray while he was walking up the mountain?

²⁴ but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.

• What is our condition, are we not far from shore, beaten by the creation and the world is against us? … even as Christians if we get too far from Jesus.
• What is too far from Jesus?

²⁵ And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.

• Jesus, just passing by.

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.

• In the OT, the sea was the enemy of God – In the sea was the home of Leviathan — The Beast
• The beasts Leviathan & Behemoth – both stand for all things anti Christ.
• Rev 13 the beast coming out of the sea and the beast of the land
• If you know your OT, you see it.
• Did the disciples believe in ghosts?

²⁷ But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

• They are saying “who is this?” And Jesus answers “It’s me – God.”
• Jesus walking on the water is trampling down the sea – trampling down Leviathan, behemoths and the beasts. Trampling down his enemies.

²⁸ And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”

• “If it is you” – is Peter actually putting Jesus to a test?

²⁹ He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.

• Watch this closely – Jesus is inviting Peter – his Church, to come walk on the sea – come walk and trample on the head of Leviathan.
• This is faith on steroids!
• Jesus gives Peter the authority to walk on water by his word “Come”
• Faith receives what the Word gives by his word.

³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”

• And what happens when we are distracted from the object of our faith?
• This is what we do – then we resort to “Lord save me.”
• Don’t take your eyes off Jesus (and this needs to be developed)
• When my faith gets distracted. Whoa, I am food for Leviathan.

³¹ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

• Rescue – pulling Peter back is like bringing Peter back into the church.

³² And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

• The wind was probably there for God’s purpose. Everything is there for God’s purpose.
• The wind is just backdrop to the story – Peter is backdrop to the story. The entire story is about Jesus.
• Jesus tramples his enemies – Jesus rules over creation – Jesus saves his own.

³³ And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

• This is what happens when Jesus does his work – we have church and we worship.
• Notice that it is not just Peter who makes this confession – all of them say it.

Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret

³⁴ And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret.

• A small plain located on the West side of the Sea of Galilee.
• After feeding the 5,000, Jesus’ disciples crossed over the Sea of Galilee to Bethsaida, then crossed back again and came to land at Gennesaret.

³⁵ And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick

• Word spreads; the works of Jesus are recognized.
• They brought him the sick – Jesus never needed to go searching for people in need.
• If we look around, people in need are coming to us – do we notice?

³⁶ and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.

• What was this touch? FAITH