The Gospel of Matthew — King & Kingdom

Against The Wind
February 27, 2022
Chris Seidman, Lead Minister, The Branch Church

Matthew 14:22-23a (NIV)
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.

Matthew 14:23b-24 (NIV)
Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

Nahum 1:3b (NIV)
His way is in the whirlwind and the storm … .

Matthew 14:25-26 (NIV)
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

Matthew 14:27 (NIV)
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Matthew 14:33b (NIV)
…“Truly you are the Son of God.”

Matthew 14:28 (NIV)
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

Matthew 14:29 (NIV)
“Come.”

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

Matthew 14:30 (NIV)
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Matthew 14:30b-31 (NIV)
… 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?”

Matthew 14:32 (NIV)
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.

Matthew 14:33 (NIV)
Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Isaiah 43:1b-2a (NIV)
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you … .”

Prayer Questions

• Are you in rough water right now? Where do you see Jesus?

• What might it mean for you to step out of the boat this week as a disciple of Jesus?