Faith in the Storm: Trusting Jesus' Presence

 

Summary

In the passage from Matthew 14, we encounter a profound story of faith amidst an unexpected storm. The disciples of Jesus find themselves in a dire situation, battling a storm on the sea while Jesus is not physically present with them. This narrative offers us two significant miracles: Jesus walking on water to reach the disciples and Peter stepping out in faith to walk towards Jesus. These miracles reveal two essential truths: Jesus' sovereignty over the storm and the promise that we will one day share in His rule.

The story begins with the disciples feeling the absence of Jesus, a situation that tests their faith. Despite Jesus' promise to always be with us, there are times when He seems distant, and our faith is challenged. Yet, the narrative assures us that no storm can keep Jesus from reaching us. He comes to us in our darkest moments, demonstrating that His presence is not limited by physical barriers.

Peter's bold request to walk on water illustrates that faith ventures at the command of Jesus. Instead of asking for the storm to cease, Peter sees it as an opportunity for a new venture of faith. This teaches us that faith is not about recklessness but responding to Jesus' call, trusting that He will provide the power to accomplish what seems impossible.

As Peter walks on water, he becomes distracted by the wind and begins to sink, reminding us that faith depends on the faithfulness of Jesus. When we take our eyes off Him, fear can overwhelm us. Yet, Jesus is always ready to reach out and save us, illustrating that being saved is an ongoing relationship with a Savior who never lets us go.

Finally, the story concludes with the disciples worshiping Jesus, recognizing Him as the Son of God. This act of worship amidst unanswered questions and lingering fears highlights that faith ultimately leads us to worship in the presence of Jesus. When we grasp the reality of His constant presence and unwavering support, our natural response is worship.

Key Takeaways:

- Faith Tested in Absence: Faith is often tested when we feel the absence of Jesus. Despite His promise to be with us, there are times when He seems distant. Yet, no storm can keep Jesus from reaching us, and His presence is not limited by physical barriers. [11:12]

- Faith Ventures at His Command: Faith ventures at the command of Jesus, as seen in Peter's bold request to walk on water. This teaches us that faith is not about recklessness but responding to Jesus' call, trusting that He will provide the power to accomplish what seems impossible. [19:26]

- Faith Depends on His Faithfulness: As Peter begins to sink, we learn that faith depends on the faithfulness of Jesus. When we take our eyes off Him, fear can overwhelm us. Yet, Jesus is always ready to reach out and save us, illustrating that being saved is an ongoing relationship with a Savior who never lets us go. [30:24]

- Faith Leads to Worship: The story concludes with the disciples worshiping Jesus, recognizing Him as the Son of God. This act of worship amidst unanswered questions and lingering fears highlights that faith ultimately leads us to worship in the presence of Jesus. [35:22]

- Jesus' Sovereignty Over Storms: The narrative reveals Jesus' sovereignty over the storm and the promise that we will one day share in His rule. This assurance gives us hope that no matter how dark or challenging our circumstances, Jesus is in control and will ultimately bring us to a place of peace and worship. [16:37]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Introduction to the Series
- [00:42] - The Unexpected Storm
- [01:17] - Two Miracles, Two Truths
- [02:31] - Our Purpose and the Fall
- [03:43] - The Reality of Dark Powers
- [04:29] - The Promise of a New World
- [05:09] - Faith Tested in Absence
- [07:33] - Two Storms, Two Lessons
- [09:51] - Straining at the Oars
- [12:17] - Jesus Reaches Us in the Storm
- [15:07] - Fear and Faith
- [17:28] - Faith Ventures at His Command
- [22:15] - Jesus Empowers Our Faith
- [30:24] - Faith Depends on His Faithfulness
- [35:22] - Faith Leads to Worship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 14:22-33
- Hebrews 2:6-8

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Observation Questions:

1. What were the two miracles that occurred in the story from Matthew 14, and what truths do they reveal about Jesus? [01:33]

2. How did the disciples react when they first saw Jesus walking on the water, and what does this reveal about their state of mind? [13:36]

3. What was Peter's initial response to seeing Jesus on the water, and what does this tell us about his faith? [18:10]

4. How did Jesus respond when Peter began to sink, and what does this demonstrate about Jesus' character? [30:24]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the story of Jesus walking on water illustrate His sovereignty over the storm, and how does this relate to the promise that believers will share in His rule? [01:46]

2. How does Peter's request to walk on water serve as an example of faith venturing at the command of Jesus, and what does this teach about the nature of faith? [19:26]

3. What does Peter's experience of sinking and being saved by Jesus suggest about the ongoing nature of salvation and the faithfulness of Jesus? [30:24]

4. How does the disciples' act of worship at the end of the story reflect the ultimate purpose of faith, even amidst unanswered questions and fears? [35:22]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt the absence of Jesus in your life. How did you respond, and what can you learn from the disciples' experience in the storm? [11:12]

2. Consider a current challenge or "storm" in your life. What new venture of faith might Jesus be calling you to undertake in this situation? [19:26]

3. When have you taken your eyes off Jesus and felt overwhelmed by fear or doubt? How can you refocus on His faithfulness in your current circumstances? [30:24]

4. In what ways can you cultivate a heart of worship, recognizing Jesus' presence and sovereignty, even when faced with unanswered questions or fears? [35:22]

5. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to trust Jesus' faithfulness more deeply. What steps can you take this week to rely on His strength rather than your own? [32:27]

6. How can you remind yourself of Jesus' constant presence and support during times when He seems distant? What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith in these moments? [11:12]

7. Think of a situation where you might be called to step out in faith. What is one action you can take this week to respond to Jesus' call, trusting in His power to accomplish what seems impossible? [19:26]

Devotional

Day 1: Faith in the Midst of Absence
Faith is often tested when we feel the absence of Jesus. Despite His promise to be with us, there are times when He seems distant. Yet, no storm can keep Jesus from reaching us, and His presence is not limited by physical barriers. In Matthew 14, the disciples find themselves battling a storm without Jesus physically present, which tests their faith. This narrative reassures us that even in our darkest moments, Jesus is not far away. He comes to us, demonstrating that His presence transcends physical limitations. This truth encourages us to trust in His constant presence, even when we cannot see or feel it. [11:12]

Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel Jesus is absent? How can you remind yourself of His promise to be with you today?


Day 2: Faith Ventures at His Command
Faith ventures at the command of Jesus, as seen in Peter's bold request to walk on water. This teaches us that faith is not about recklessness but responding to Jesus' call, trusting that He will provide the power to accomplish what seems impossible. Peter's request to walk on water amidst the storm is a profound example of faith in action. Instead of asking for the storm to cease, Peter sees it as an opportunity to step out in faith. This narrative encourages us to listen for Jesus' call and to trust that He will empower us to do what seems beyond our capabilities. [19:26]

Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel Jesus is calling you to step out in faith? How can you take a step towards that today?


Day 3: Faith Depends on His Faithfulness
As Peter begins to sink, we learn that faith depends on the faithfulness of Jesus. When we take our eyes off Him, fear can overwhelm us. Yet, Jesus is always ready to reach out and save us, illustrating that being saved is an ongoing relationship with a Savior who never lets us go. Peter's moment of doubt and fear serves as a reminder that our faith is sustained by Jesus' unwavering faithfulness. Even when we falter, He is there to lift us up, demonstrating that our relationship with Him is one of continual rescue and grace. [30:24]

2 Timothy 2:13 (ESV): "If we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself."

Reflection: When have you felt overwhelmed by fear or doubt? How can you refocus on Jesus' faithfulness in those moments?


Day 4: Faith Leads to Worship
The story concludes with the disciples worshiping Jesus, recognizing Him as the Son of God. This act of worship amidst unanswered questions and lingering fears highlights that faith ultimately leads us to worship in the presence of Jesus. The disciples' response to Jesus' miraculous intervention is worship, acknowledging His divine nature. This narrative teaches us that true faith culminates in worship, as we recognize and respond to the reality of Jesus' presence and power in our lives. [35:22]

Psalm 95:6-7 (ESV): "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand."

Reflection: How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine as a response to Jesus' presence in your life?


Day 5: Jesus' Sovereignty Over Storms
The narrative reveals Jesus' sovereignty over the storm and the promise that we will one day share in His rule. This assurance gives us hope that no matter how dark or challenging our circumstances, Jesus is in control and will ultimately bring us to a place of peace and worship. The story of Jesus walking on water and calming the storm demonstrates His authority over nature and circumstances. This truth reassures us that Jesus is sovereign over every aspect of our lives, and His ultimate plan is to bring us into His peace and presence. [16:37]

Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: What storm are you currently facing in your life? How can you trust in Jesus' sovereignty and find peace in His control today?

Quotes

"Now there are two miracles in this story. In the first, Jesus walks on the water to reach the disciples, and in the second, Peter walks on the water to reach Jesus. And these two miracles point us to two marvelous truths: first, that Jesus rules over the storm, and second, that one day we will share in his rule." [00:01:25]

"Faith is tested when we feel the absence of Jesus. Faith is tested when we feel the absence of Jesus. Look at verse 23: when evening came, he, that is Jesus, was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them." [00:05:17]

"Now Jesus has promised that he is with us always. He has said, 'I will never leave you, and I will never forsake you.' But is there anyone in this congregation today who would dispute the reality that sometimes it is part of our Christian experience that Jesus Christ seems to be far away?" [00:08:26]

"Friends, the Lord Jesus Christ draws near to us when we need him most, and this story is telling us that there is no place, however dark, where Jesus Christ cannot reach you. Now your faith will be tested. You will come to some dark and scary places in your life." [00:12:26]

"Faith ventures at the command of Jesus. And Peter answered him, verse 28, 'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.' Now, I have tried to ask myself this question honestly during the week: would I have said that?" [00:17:50]

"Faith is a believing response to the word of God, and Peter, of course, got it exactly right here. He says, 'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.' Jesus, if this is something that you tell me to do, then this is something that I can do." [00:21:05]

"Jesus will give you all that you need to do all that he is calling you to do. He can impart his own power so that you can do what would otherwise be quite impossible for you. That's why Paul says, 'I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.'" [00:22:17]

"Faith depends on the faithfulness of Jesus. Verse 30: when he, that is Peter, saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, 'Lord, save me.' Now, we don't know how far Jesus was from the boat when Peter stepped into the water." [00:27:34]

"Being saved is more than something that happens once when you first trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Being saved means that you have a living Savior who is always for you, who is always with you, who will never let you go, and you can always count and depend on him." [00:30:28]

"Faith depends on the faithfulness of Jesus in life, in death, and in every storm. So where do you need to trust the faithfulness of Jesus today? One more thing very briefly and then we're through. We've seen that faith is tested." [00:32:20]

"Faith worships in the presence of Jesus. Verse 32: and when they got into the boat, the wind ceased, and those in the boat worshiped him, saying, 'Truly, you are the Son of God.' Now, I expect that if Peter was able to give us his testimony here today." [00:33:17]

"When you realize that the Son of God is always for you, that he's always with you, that no place, however dark, can prevent Jesus from reaching you and holding you up, that the Son of God will never, never, never let you go, and you come to see these things for yourself, then you too will worship." [00:35:39]

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Transcript
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