Matthew 14:31
“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
As Peter’s eyes left Jesus and began to focus on his surroundings, his great faith failed and he began to sink. In desperation he cried out, “Lord, save me” to which Jesus replied, first with a stretched out hand, then with gentle rebuke.
“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
If I were in Peter’s place I might have responded, “I am doubting because what I thought was a good idea, in a moment of great courage, I am now thinking was not such a great idea.” I am doubting, because the wind is boisterous and the waves are large. I am doubting, because of the law of gravity, and I do not swim that well. I am doubting, because it is night, dark, and I do not want to drown. I am doubting, because what I asked to do is humanly impossible, and I am now suffering the consequences of that decision. In other words, Peter had many reasons to doubt; however, he had many more reasons to trust.
Just before his doubt, he had witnessed Jesus walking on water; a humanly impossible task. We might argue, Jesus was more than human, and defies the laws of the universe that control us. However, just before this event,we read that Jesus looked to the disciples to feed a great multitude. “They do not need to go away, you give them something to eat” (Matthew 14:16). When they responded that all they had was five loaves and two fish, He said “bring them here to Me.” Jesus was teaching them a vital principle for Christian living: what is impossible for man, is possible for God. The same God who can multiply fish and bread, can keep you afloat in the midst of the storm.
Rather than focusing on the problem, which leads to doubt, fear, and despair, let’s focus on the Savior, who not only walks on water, but is able to help us do the impossible.
Pastor Jim
Questions for Chapter 14
1. Why is it silly for Herod to think Jesus is John the Baptist risen?
2. What are some of the silly views that people have of Jesus today?
3. What motivated Herod to kill John?
4. What does the story of the 5 loaves and two fish teach us about:
a. God’s ability to provide for us?
b. God using us in the lives of other people?
5. From Peter’s experience on the water, what do we learn about:
a. Faith
b. Focus
c. Failure
Old Testament:
Genesis 27- It Must Be The Lord
Genesis 28- Terms And Condition
Jim Gallagher 