Session 5
Focus On Jesus
From Understanding and Applying The Bible
Matthew 14:22-33
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."
28And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." 29He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"32And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
You might not know...
Right before this happened Jesus fed 5,000 people with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish! Also the "fourth watch of the night" is between 3am and 6am.
What does it say?
Jesus is getting some alone time to pray while his friends are getting a head start on the way to the next place they're going. Then a storm breaks loose while they are at sea and Jesus comes to save the day.
What does it mean?
When Jesus sees his people in a difficult situation He will do whatever it takes to meet them where they are. He's paying attention and He's watching us, but He also makes an effort to be with us. He'll literally walk on water if He has to. In every situation Jesus wants us to focus on Him, because if we stick with Jesus, it'll be all good.
What does it mean to me?
To me, walking on water seems very impossible. To me, life in general can seem very impossible too. But I have hope that if I keep my focus on Jesus even when things seem impossible, Jesus is there and I'll be good. I can look at Jesus and know that we can get through whatever together.