The text for this lesson is Matthew 14:22–33
Key Point
- Jesus was gracious to Peter when he feared drowning. Jesus is gracious to us and ready to catch us when we sink in sin and unbelief. His hand is always strong to save.
- Law: The First Commandment tells me that I should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.
- Gospel: Jesus kept the First Commandment perfectly for me, and when I sink in unbelief, His faithful hand grabs me, pulls me up, and forgives me.
Discussion Points
- Have you ever felt so distressed that you thought only a miracle could help or rescue you? Or maybe you have felt perpetually tired or in a rut? What have you hoped God would do?
- Why does Jesus send the disciples ahead of Him? What happens to them and their boat? How does this experience contrast with what Jesus has been doing? Of what can the storm remind us?
- Read through the account of Jesus’ meeting up with the disciples again (vv. 25–28). Do the disciples really believe they’re seeing a ghost? Do they still doubt when Jesus speaks to them?
- What does Peter need to be sure it’s Jesus? What causes him to doubt again?
- What does Jesus do after Peter begins to doubt? Does the confession of the disciples change throughout this experience?
- The disciples were continually wavering in their faith. Do we sometimes waver in our faith? How does Jesus help us with our faith?
- How then does this story call us to react when the storms of our lives trouble us?
