2025.06.08. Sermon Notes. FAITH IN THE STORMS - Lessons from Matthew 14
William Akehurst, HSWC
SCRIPTURES: MATTHEW 14:1-36, JOHN 16:33
BIG IDEA: Faith in the Storm. Jesus is sovereign over every need, fear, and circumstance. He alone satisfies, sustains, and saves.
Jesus reveals His power and presence in the midst of life’s storms, calling us to walk by faith, not fear. Trusting God’s Grace, Provision, Compassion, and Healing.
Matthew 14 shares faith, fear, miracles, compassion, and God's sovereignty.
Faith in the Storm: Lessons from Matthew 14
Text: Matthew 14:1–36
I. HEROD AND JOHN THE BAPTIST: A Guilty Conscience (vv. 1–12)
Matthew 14:1-12 John the Baptist Beheaded (Mark 6:14–29; Luke 9:7–9)
A. Herod’s Fear (vv. 1–2)
1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus
2 and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.”
“Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus”
• Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, was the tetrarch of Galilee. Though not a king, he craved power and influence.
• Herod hears about Jesus and fears His growing influence.
“This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead…”
• When he heard about Jesus, his conscience ignited with fear. He believed Jesus was John the Baptist resurrected to haunt him.
• Guilt, superstition, and a tormented conscience distorted his perception.
POINT: When sin is unrepented, fear takes the place of faith. A guilty conscience sees judgment even in the grace of God.
B. Herod’s Sin and Cowardice (vv. 3–5)
3 For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. 4 Because John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.
“It is not lawful for you to have her.”
• John boldly confronted Herod’s immoral relationship with Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife.
• Herodias despised the prophet. Herod feared the people’s opinion more than God’s truth—so he imprisoned John but hesitated to execute him.
POINT: A guilty conscience is a poor leader, and people-pleasing can silence the voice of conviction.
C. Herod’s Cowardly Murder (vv. 6–12)
6 But when Herod’s birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod. 7 Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask.
8 So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, “Give me John the Baptist’s head here on a platter.”
9 And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her. 10 So he sent and had John beheaded in prison. 11 And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. 12 Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus.
“the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod”
• Herodias’ daughter danced—a seductive display meant to entrap Herod.
• In his lust and pride, Herod made a reckless promise. When she asked for John’s head, he was sorry but went through with it to save face.
“Because of the oaths and those who sat with him…”
• John’s head was brought on a platter. A prophet silenced, not by argument, but by manipulation and fear. John was beheaded for standing on truth.
POINT: Beware the deadly combination of lust, pride, and weak leadership. When we fear people more than God, we will do things we know are wrong.
POINT: Even the greatest servants of God face suffering and loss.
• John’s unwavering stand for truth cost him his life.
• Standing for truth often comes with a cost.
• God’s work can be opposed by worldly powers.
• Evil may seem to prevail for a moment, but God’s justice is never absent.
APPLICATION:
• Be faithful in your calling, even when it’s costly.
• Stay faithful even when opposition arises.
• Trust God's plan even when His silence feels painful. Trust God's sovereignty in hard times.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
DISCUSSION
Facing Opposition (John the Baptist’s Story)
• How does John’s faithfulness in the face of danger challenge you in your own walk?
• What are some ways we can remain faithful when standing up for truth seems costly?
D. John’s Disciples Honor Him (v. 12)
12 Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus.
• They honored John, and buried the body, but the message of John continued.
As Spurgeon noted: “He being dead yet speaketh.”
II. JESUS AND THE MULTITUDE: A Compassionate Savior (vv. 13–21)
Jesus Cares for Our Needs
Matthew 14:13-21 Feeding the Five Thousand
(Mark 6:30–44; Luke 9:10–17; John 6:1–14)
13 When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. 14 And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. 15 When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.”
16 But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
17 And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.”
18 He said, “Bring them here to Me.” 19 Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. 20 So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. 21 Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
A. Jesus Withdraws (v. 13)
“When Jesus heard it, He departed…”
• Jesus wasn’t afraid of Herod—but He operated according to the Father’s timing, not man’s threats.
• He withdrew to grieve John’s death and rest with His disciples, but the crowd followed.
POINT: Jesus never acted out of panic, but purpose. Even in grief, He made room for compassion.
ILLUS: Grief makes room for compassion:
Days after my brother Brian had died, I remember sitting at an intersection at a stop light, and looking at the person in the car next to me and thinking, “I wonder what they are going through today”.
B. Compassion for the Crowd (vv. 14–16)
“He was moved with compassion… He healed their sick.”
• In the face of inconvenience, weariness, and personal loss, Jesus saw people and loved them.
• While the disciples said, “Send them away,” Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.”
POINT: Ministry isn’t always convenient—but love responds. Jesus never sends the hungry away. Neither should we.
C. A Miraculous Meal (vv. 17–19)
“Bring them here to Me.”
POINT: Jesus is moved by compassion and responds to real needs.
• Jesus involves the disciples in the miracle. He invites us to participate in His work, (v.16–19).
• Trust in God’s provision, no matter how little we think we have.
• All they had was five loaves and two fish from a little boy. But in the hands of Jesus, little becomes abundance. Jesus multiplies what is surrendered to Him.
• Jesus blessed, broke, and gave. A picture of His coming sacrifice, and a model of how He feeds the world through His people.
D. Everyone Ate and Was Filled (vv. 20–21)
“They all ate and were filled (satisfied)… twelve baskets full remained.”
• Jesus didn’t just meet the need—He exceeded it.
• The same Jesus who fed the multitude wants to feed our hearts with the bread of life.
APPLICATION:
• Don’t underestimate your small offerings. Bring what you have, no matter how small.
• He blesses what we give. Trust Jesus to multiply your obedience for His glory.
• He uses us to feed the multitude. Bring your needs and the needs of others to Jesus.
(vv. 1-21) TWO (2) FEASTS
Herod’s Feast ended in death, guilt, and spiritual starvation.
• Herod had everything—power, palace, prestige—but was empty and fearful.
Christ’s Feast gave life, healing, and abundant provision.
• The crowd had nothing—yet in Jesus, they were filled.
CALL TO ACTION:
• Are you like Herod—haunted by guilt and fear?
• Or are you like the crowd—hungry, but coming to Jesus for more?
Bring your hunger to Christ. He still has compassion. He still feeds the weary. He still multiplies the little you give and fills you with more than enough.
POINT: What we place in Jesus’ hands becomes more than enough.
III. FAITH OVER FEAR - in the Midst of the Storm
Matthew 14:22-33 Jesus Walks on the Sea (Mark 6:45–52; John 6:15–21)
22 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.
27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”
28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”
22-33 Jesus Walks on Water and Calms the Storm
“Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat”
A. Jesus sent them into the storm (vv. 22–24)
• GOD’s leading doesn’t always prevent storms.
• His urgency reflects divine timing and intentionality. Sometimes God moves us without explanation to preserve our focus and calling.
• Obedience can place us in challenging situations leading to trials, difficulty and storms
B. JESUS prioritizes prayer over struggles. (vs. 23)
• He withdrew to the mountain — solitude with the Father was essential.
• Ministry flows from intimacy.
• Jesus is praying while they are struggling. (vv. 23-24)
C. The Storm arises – without JESUS in the boat!
• Jesus allows the struggle to build trust.
• Storms reveal our dependence and GOD’s Sovereignty.
D. Jesus walks toward them in the storm (vv. 25–27)
• "In the fourth watch of the night..." (3–6 AM)
After hours of struggling, Jesus comes at their breaking point — God's delays are not denials.
• Jesus walks on the water:
This isn’t just miraculous – it's a statement of CHRIST’s authority over nature. What threatens them is under HIS feet.
• Their fear: "It is a ghost!"
Panic often precedes recognition in storms. Fear distorts perception.
Fear mistakes JESUS for a ghost.
• Jesus’ comforting words:
“It is I; do not be afraid."
His presence brings courage: "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."
POINT: Jesus is Lord over the storm, and He comes to us in our fear.
E. Peter’s Faith and Failure (vv. 28–31)
“Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” (28)
• Peter’s bold request – Faith steps out.
True faith acts on Christ’s word, not circumstances.
Not arrogance but confidence in Jesus’ authority — a teachable moment about faith in action.
• Peter walks on water - the impossible becomes possible.
Focus on Jesus enabled the miracle.
As long as his eyes were on Jesus, the impossible was possible.
• Peter sinks – distracted by the storm.
The shift from faith to fear came when he “saw the wind” — a reminder that focus determines faith.
Fear divides the heart.
Yet he knew WHO to cry out to: “Lord, save me!”
• "Lord, save me!"
A brief but powerful prayer — simple faith.
• Jesus immediately catches him and lovingly rebukes.
“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Little faith is not useless faith — it cries out, and Jesus responds.
APPLICATION: Faith doesn’t need to be perfect — just focused.
POINT:
Faith gets out of the boat.
• Faith requires focus on Jesus, not circumstances.
• Fear takes eyes off Jesus.
Jesus immediately caught him—His grace is never far.
• Jesus rescues us when we call out.
• Grace lifts us even when we fail.
F. Worship follows the storm (vv. 32–33)
“Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him…”
• Jesus enters the boat – and the wind ceases.
• Trial led to revelation as they confessed: “Truly You are the Son of God.”
• Disciples worship, acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God.
NOTE: This is the first recorded worship of Jesus by the disciples (v.33).
• Revelation comes through experience in the storm.
POINT: Storms teach us who Jesus really is—and who we are without Him.
• Jesus meets us in the storm, not always before it.
• Faith is sustained by focus — fear grows when we take our eyes off Christ.
• Little faith is still faith — and Jesus responds to even a faint cry.
• Worship often follows deliverance — storms can be training grounds for deeper revelation.
• Prayer is essential before power — Jesus’ miracles flowed from time with the Father.
• Jesus is the I AM — present in power, peace, and provision.
APPLICATION:
• Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus during your trials, not your circumstances.
• When your faith falters, cry out—He will catch you.
• Trust Him to help you walk through life’s storms.
“Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” (v.27)
DISCUSSION
Faith in the Storm
• What “storms” are you currently facing in life?
• What practical steps can help you keep your eyes on Jesus when fear tries to overwhelm you?
• How does Peter’s experience walking on water encourage you when your faith feels weak?
IV. THE OVERFLOW: Healing Power in His Presence
A Powerful Healer Responds to Simple Faith (vv. 34–36)
Matthew 14:34-36 Many Touch Him and Are Made Well (Mark 6:53–56)
34 When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick, 36 and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well.
A. Jesus Heals in Gennesaret (v. 34)
• The boat lands at Gennesaret.
• Ministry resumes — miracles continue.
B. People recognize Him and spread the word (v. 35)
• Faith spreads when Jesus is known.
• People bring their sick to Jesus, hoping to just touch His garment.
C. Faith touches even the hem of His garment (v. 36)
• Small acts of faith in a great Savior bring complete healing.
• Faith finds power in humble contact.
• Many are healed simply by touching Him.
• All who touched were made well.
POINT: Faith brings access to divine power. Faith draws us to Jesus’ healing power.
• Even touching the hem of His garment brought healing.
• Jesus honors even the smallest reach of faith.
APPLICATION:
• Pursue Jesus with faith and expectation.
• His power is available for those who come in faith.
• No matter your condition, Jesus’ power is available to you.
• When we encounter Jesus in our storm, others benefit from the overflow of our testimony and faith.
"And as many as touched it were made well." (v.36)
CONCLUSION:
In this chapter, Matthew shows us real life: danger, compassion, miracles, fear, and faith.
We see Jesus’ power and care in the midst of storms.
Four responses to life’s storms:
• In loss and suffering – remain faithful (John’s example).
• In need (the hungry crowd) – trust Jesus’ provision.
• In fear (the storm) - fix your eyes on Jesus.
• In sickness or weakness (Gennesaret) - come to Jesus for healing.
Additionally, Matthew 14 takes us from tragedy to triumph, from hunger to fullness, from storm to stillness, and from sickness to healing. Through it all, Jesus is:
• The Provider of every need
• The Master of every storm
• The Savior of the sinking soul
• The Healer of the broken
CALL TO ACTION:
• Stand firm on the Truth of the Gospel, no matter what.
• Bring your needs to Him—He multiplies what you surrender.
• Step out of the boat in faith—even if the winds are strong.
• Keep your eyes on Jesus—He walks over what threatens to drown you.
• Reach for His hem—even a touch is enough.
Jesus is present, powerful, and compassionate.
• The call is to trust Him, obey Him, and walk by faith—even when the winds blow.
CHALLENGE: This chapter challenges us to trust Jesus through loss, need, fear, and healing.
Will you trust Jesus in your storm today?
• Are you in a storm today? Don’t mistake His silence for absence.
• Is your faith faltering? Cry out — Jesus saves.
• Is your focus divided? Fix your eyes on Him.
• Jesus is not only the Master of the storm — He’s the Master of your soul.
Let’s Pray,
FATHER, we come in JESUS’ Name, and thank YOU for YOUR Presence in every season of life—whether in trials, need, fear, or brokenness. Help us to be faithful like John the Baptist, to trust YOUR Provision like the disciples at the feeding, and to keep our eyes fixed on YOU when the storms of life rage.
When our faith falters or is weak, remind us to cry out to YOU and rely on YOUR Grace and Power. We ask for YOUR healing touch on our lives and those we love. May our hearts be full of confidence in YOUR compassion and sovereignty.
Strengthen us to walk in faith, to serve with joy, and to live boldly as YOUR disciples. In the matchless Name of JESUS we pray, Amen.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Bill
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KEY Verses
1. JESUS IS WITH YOU
Matthew 14:27 "But Jesus immediately said to them: 'Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.'"
2. JESUS SAVES, STEP OUT IN FAITH AND FOLLOW HIM
Matthew 14:29-31 "‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him."
3. GOD ABUNDANTLY PROVIDES AND SATISFIES
Matthew 14:20 "They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over."
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Hymn Selections
#291 “Be Still, My Soul”
• Focus on GOD’s Peace and Trust HIM when facing turmoil and the storms of life.
• Encourages faith and calm when facing life’s storms like Peter and the disciples.
#279 “How Firm a Foundation”
• Focus on God’s strength and faithfulness in trials and Stand firm in faith
• Echoes Jesus’ promise “Take courage, it is I; don’t be afraid” (Matt 14:27).
#11 “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
• Focus on God’s unchanging provision and faithfulness in every season.
• Reminds us Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish to meet needs (Matt 14:19).
#202 “Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling”
• Focus on Jesus’ gentle care and healing.
• Reminds us of those reaching out in faith to touch Jesus’ garment for healing (Matt 14:36).
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Be blessed and be a blessing, Pastor Bill
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