Step Out Of The Boat But Only At His Command!

Mat 14:22-33 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

Examining the scenario we take note of the things that stand out;

The disciples are all in a ship without Jesus

They were there at the Lord's urging!

The ship is in the middle of the sea

The sea is rough because the winds are contrary

The boat is being tossed about on the sea

Jesus comes to them in the fourth watch of the night

Jesus is WALKING on the same sea that threatens their existence (His power over things that affect man adversely is clearly demonstrated)

These big men are fearful and express it in their cries.

Jesus identifies Himself and calms them

Peter request that Jesus command him to approach Jesus on the water

Jesus gives a specific command

Peter obeys and walks on water

Peter gets distracted by the stormy sea, becomes afraid and starts to sink

Peter cries out to Jesus for salvation

Jesus rescues Peter

Jesus chides Peter for his doubt

They both enter the boat and the storm dies

Out of this we locate several points of importance.

Jesus constrained them to get into the ship to get to the other side so they were caught in the storm through obeying Jesus.

Jesus comes walking on the sea toward them and they do not recognize Him but thinks He is a 'spirit' and they cry out in fear.

Jesus identifies Himself to His disciples and urges them to have courage and not be afraid

Peter requests that Jesus command him to approach Him on the water.

Peter responds to Christ's command, steps out of the boat, and becomes the first recorded disciple to walk on water.

Peter becomes distracted by the boisterous wind, lost focus and begins sinking and cries out to Jesus for salvation.

Jesus saves Him and points out the reason for Peter's failure..."why did you doubt"

Now looking at these points let us see if we can draw some spiritual truths from them.

BEING OBEDIENT TO THE LORD DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THAT IT WILL BE EASY GOING. John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Act 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 2Ti 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Act 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

JESUS DEMONSTRATES THAT HE HAS CONTROL OVER THE VERY CIRCUMSTANCES AND SITUATIONS THREATENING TO CONSUME US AND HE WANTS YOU TO TRUST HIM AND NOT BE AFRAID. HE IS MASTER OF THE WIND AND WAVES. Mar 4:39-40 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? Psa 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. He is the Master of the elements and when HE commands it is so.