Pleasing God, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

When I Am Afraid (Part 8) Lessons Learned at Sea

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten 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 But 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.”  Matthew 14:22-27

A. Truths Characterizing All Followers of Jesus

1. Followers of Christ obey Him without question: Matthew 14:22, Isaiah 55:8-9, Proverbs 3:5-8

2. Followers of Christ encounter life’s difficulties without warning: Matthew 14:23-24, Proverbs 3:25, 1 Peter 4:12-13

3. Followers of Christ may yield to irrational thoughts when fearful and fatigued: Matthew 14:24-26, Proverbs 22:13, 1 Kings 19:4, 1 Kings 19:2-3

4. All human beings have a sense of the reality of a spiritual world: Matthew 14:25-26, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Genesis 3:22, 2 Cor. 4:4-16, 18

B. Truths Discovered of the Lord Jesus in Difficulties

1. Jesus intercedes for His people: Matthew 14:23, Hebrews 7:25

2. Jesus’ delay to help us is not His denial to help us: Matthew 14:24-25, Isaiah 40:30-31, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:5-6

3. Jesus’ timing to intervene in our lives is for our good: Matthew 14:24-25, Psalm 31:14-15, Isaiah 43:2

4. Jesus’ Presence and Word calms all fears: Matthew 14:27, John 20:19-20, Joshua 1:8-9