Dig Deeper - Sunday 14th June
Sermon Reflection Questions - Courage for the Journey: Courage to Step Out
Matthew 14:22-33
Link to service
Dig Deeper notes from Sunday 14th June service:
Introduction
In Matthew 14, Jesus has just fed the five thousand. After dismissing the crowd, he sends the disciples ahead of him by boat while he retreats to pray. As the disciples cross the Sea of Galilee, they encounter a storm. In their fear and uncertainty, Jesus comes to them walking on the water. Peter responds to Jesus' invitation to "come" by stepping out of the boat before becoming distracted by the wind and beginning to sink.
1. The Storm
The disciples find themselves battling strong winds and rough waters. The Sea of Galilee was known for sudden storms, and the disciples would have felt vulnerable and afraid. The storm represents the challenges we face in life. Just as the disciples struggled to see clearly in the darkness, we can sometimes become so focused on our circumstances that we fail to recognise God's presence with us. One striking detail is that the disciples initially mistake Jesus for a ghost. The very person who has come to help them is not immediately recognised. Storms can distract us from seeing the presence and work of Jesus.
2. The Call
Jesus speaks directly into the disciples' fear:
"Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
The first call is a call to courage. Jesus points the disciples away from their circumstances and towards himself. The second call comes when Peter asks Jesus to invite him onto the water. Jesus responds with a simple invitation: “Come." This invitation reflects the heart of discipleship. Jesus continually calls people to follow him, trust him, and step into a deeper relationship with him. Courage grows when our focus shifts from our circumstances to Jesus.
3. The Step
Peter responds to Jesus' call by stepping out of the boat. For a moment, he does what seems impossible because his focus is fixed on Jesus. However, when Peter begins to focus on the wind rather than Jesus, fear takes hold and he begins to sink. This reminds us that faith is not the absence of fear. Faith is choosing to trust Jesus in times of uncertainty. The boat can represent places of comfort and safety. While these things are not necessarily wrong, there are times when following Jesus requires us to step out of our comfort zones. Faith means stepping toward Jesus even when the outcome is uncertain.
4. The Saviour
This passage reveals several important truths about Jesus.
a. Jesus prays: Before the miracle on the water, Jesus spends time alone with the Father.
b. Jesus sees: Even from a distance, Jesus sees the disciples struggling in the storm.
c. Jesus comes: He does not remain distant but enters directly into their situation.
d. Jesus has authority: Walking on water demonstrates his authority over creation and chaos.
e. Jesus receives worship: The disciples respond by declaring, "Truly you are the Son of God."
The story ultimately points us to who Jesus is. The focus is not Peter's ability to walk on water but Jesus' power and presence
Questions to pause for reflection/group discussion:
1. What “storms” are you currently facing, and how do they affect your faith?
2. Why do you think the disciples struggled to recognise Jesus in the middle of the storm?
3. What does Jesus mean when he says, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid”?
4. What might the “boat” represent in your own life, and is there an area where God is calling you to step out in faith?
5. What kinds of distractions can cause us to take our eyes off Jesus, as Peter did?
6. Which aspect of Jesus in this passage encourages you most that he prays, sees, comes, has authority over the storm, or receives worship, and why?
A Short Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you that you see us in every storm we face. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on you, to trust your voice when you call us, and to step out in faith wherever you lead us. Give us courage for the journey and help us to worship you as the Son of God. Amen.
