LOVE LIFTS YOU UP
JOHN 6:15-24; (Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52)

Westland Baptist Church
Roy Meadows, Lead Pastor
February 19, 2023

John 6:15-24 15 Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.
16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17 where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. 18 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles,[a] they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” 21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

22 The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. 23 Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus.

Matthew 14:28-34 28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
29 “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

WHAT JESUS TEACHES IN THIS MIRACLE STORY:

Jesus is superior to nature. He, The Father and The Spirit created all things.

Faith requires “stepping out of the boat”.

Jesus hears our cries for help. Get out of the boat.

Just because you are sinking does not mean you are wrong or lack faith or are in the wrong place.

Where do you turn when you are “sinking”?

Peace is not found in the absence of the storm, but in the presence of Jesus.

Courage is not being “care-less” but knowing the danger and going forward anyway.

LOVE LIFTED PETER AND JESUS’ LOVE LIFTS YOU!

Worship is our response. This is the first time the disciples addressed Jesus as the Son of God.

When you follow Jesus He will do incredible things through you.