Bible Study February 2, 2024
Matthew 14:23 – 27
“22 Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. 23 And after He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. 24 But the boat was already many stadia away from the land, being battered by the waves; for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. 26 Now 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 courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Jesus had just miraculously fed five thousand men (not counting the women and children) without the help Long John Silvers. I imagine after doing what He had done including His teaching He was humanly tired. He went to the mountain to pray. Jesus was miracle working savior.
I find it interesting that only one person who got out of the boat, was our friend Peter. Peter had no fear he would do almost anything when Jesus was around. We do not know the reason he got out of the boat but he did.
John Ortberg in his book “If You’re Want To Walk On Water You’ve Got To Get Out Of The Boat” has an interesting chapter titled simple “Boat Potatoes.” In this chapter he wrote about the high cost of being a boat potato. He writes of missed opportunities.
He lists some such as: great bold prayers you never prayed, exhilarating risks you never took, forgotten dreams, you see yourself as the person who could have been, you never followed your calling – because you never got out of the boat.
God has given us a gift(s) but if we never use them they are like and unopened Christmas gift.
Do as Peter did step out of the boat of comfort (in faith).
God Bless.
Asbury Chapel 