By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph. D.
Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Mobile
COURAGE
Matthew 14:22–33
Few activities in the life and ministry of Jesus are recorded in all four Gospel accounts. One that is, however, is the feeding of the 5,000. Our focal passage records the events immediately after the multiplication of the loaves and fish. In this brief encounter on the Sea of Galilee, the disciples went from worry to worship, from fear to faith and from concern to courage.
Jesus’ Presence (22–27)
Jesus sent the disciples ahead of Him across the Sea of Galilee toward Gennesaret. Meanwhile, He stayed behind to dismiss the crowds of men, women and children that had gathered in this previously deserted area.
Once they left, Jesus ascended the mountain to spend time alone in prayer. During the night, winds began to blow, waves beat against the disciples’ boat and these men — even the seasoned fishermen — began to fear for their safety.
Something was moving on the sea. Was it a phantom? They didn’t know what they were seeing. Jesus calmed their fears by telling them that He was there with them.
These are words of comfort that every Christian needs to hear when we face the terrifying unknown: “It is I! Don’t be afraid!”
Jesus’ Invitation (28–30)
Was Peter an adrenaline junkie, or did he just have greater faith than the other disciples? He asked Jesus for permission to join Him for a walk on the water!
Which is more astounding — that Peter asked or that Jesus allowed him to step out of the boat? Jesus had no reason to fear the winds or the waves, but Peter feared. He went from stepping out to sinking down to saying, “Lord, save me!” I’m so grateful for testimonies of these very human disciples with all their faults and failures.
Peter cried out for the Master to rescue him. Only Jesus could save him, and only Jesus can save us! In fact, Peter would one day stand before the Sanhedrin declaring that Jesus is the only One who saves. (See Acts 4:12.)
Jesus’ Response (31–33)
Why did you doubt? Where is your faith? Haven’t you been paying attention? As I write these words, my eyes fill with tears. How many times has the Master asked such questions of me? How often does He have to ask, and how many ways does He have to show us before we are no longer distracted by the winds and the waves?
And just like that, the winds died down. They were safely in the boat and making their way across the water. Before long, they would be at the water’s edge ministering to others who needed the Master’s healing touch.
The men in the boat went from worrying to worshipping. They began to acknowledge Jesus to be the Son of God. Such words would be grounds for indictments — for Jesus as a blasphemer and for them as idolaters. If Jesus was not who they recognized Him to be, they would all be in grave danger.
Jesus is greater than anything we fear. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38–39).
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