New Hope Daily SOAP: Matthew 14

Pastor Vicki Harrison

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Matthew 14:28-31,  “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”  Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

This chapter includes a variety of narratives that give us a glimpse into life in first century Palestine.  Please be sure to read through all of it.  We start with John the Baptist’s murder in an incredibly gruesome way.  We can see there is little value placed on human life in the Roman Empire; rather, Herod is far more concerned about how he looks in front of his guests than how he looks in front of God. 

Then, we read about Jesus feeding the 5,000.  This is a beautiful miracle that gives us a great picture of the Kingdom of God.  In God’s Kingdom, there is no hunger so Jesus feeds.  But he doesn’t do so in any kind of conventional way.  He makes sure that everyone there knows that God provided the meal.  Every part of the feeding experience is intended to demonstrate the power and glory of God.  My very favorite part is that there is an abundance left over (twelve basketfuls!)  Our God is a God of abundance.  He doesn’t skimp on his miracles.  He demonstrates to us that he is a generous provider. 

Finally, the chapter closes with Jesus walking on water and this fascinating interaction with Peter.  Jesus had been off praying, as he was apt to do, and he goes to find the disciples.  They see him walking on water and at first, think he is a ghost.  Peter, in his normal partly bold, partly impulsive way, asks Jesus if he can walk on the water too.  Specifically he says, “Lord, if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water.”  So Jesus says to come and Peter steps out on the water.  Can you even imagine what must have been going through Peter’s head at the time? 

For a while, Peter does fine.  He is actually walking on water.  But as soon as he takes his eyes off Jesus, he sinks.  Think about that – the very minute he looks away, gets distracted, and begins to doubt – he starts to sink. 

Think about your own life.  How often have you taken your eyes off Jesus and begun to sink?  The author of Hebrews tells us in chapter 12 to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith.  When we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, we have confidence that we aren’t alone, that God is present, and that there is a purpose to all of this.  The very minute we begin to look away, the sinking begins.  We become stalled.  We falter.  We forget who and whose we are.

Let’s pray…Lord, How we need you.  On my own, I will sink every single time.  I need you, Lord Jesus, to keep me afloat.  I want to finish strong.  I want to make a difference for your Kingdom.  Help me, Jesus.  Amen.