Encountering JesusSample

DISCOVER

In this passage, we notice that Jesus rescued Peter immediately. He then asked Peter a question that He still asks all of us today, "Oh, you (add your name) of little faith, why did you doubt?” He asked Peter to refer to all the times Jesus proved that He was faithful. He probably wanted to ask questions such as, “Did you not see me provide food for the 5,000 hungry people? Did you not see me heal the blind man? What about when I turned water into wine? What part of my faithfulness do you doubt?”

How can we stay above water when the billows are tossing high, and life seems at its worst? Peter teaches us to listen, look, and lean on Jesus. We discover that at the end of this experience, as soon as they stepped onto the boat, the seemingly horrific wind calmed down, grasped the attention of all the disciples, including Peter. They were so overwhelmed by the power of Jesus that they worshiped Him. Notice it does not mention that they had instruments at this impromptu worship gathering on that boat. Worship is more than music.

LEARN

The most important lesson from Peter's walking on water story is our personal response of worship to the power and presence of Jesus. Worship is an outer expression of the inner essence of praise. This includes acts of praise and acts of love. The inner essence of worship is to know God truly and then respond from the heart to that knowledge by valuing God, treasuring God, enjoying God, and being satisfied with God above all earthly things. As a result, that deep, restful, joyful satisfaction in God, overflows in demonstrable acts of praise from the lips and demonstrable acts of love in serving others for the sake of Christ. When we encounter Jesus, we should worship him. Matthew intentionally highlights this moment because that is the point. This story was not about Peter and his faith, or lack of faith. Ultimately, it was about the power of Jesus.

APPLY

Our response to Jesus Christ should be the same as the disciples. When we encounter Him, it should bring us to a point and place of absolute worship. It should remind us of who we are and who He is. Is He worthy of our worship, or do we simply see Him as a celestial vending machine to provide for our every whim and need that we encounter in this temporary life? For some, worship is just another mundane religious act, and for many, just like Peter and the rest of the disciples, a heart of worship comes from a deep place of the Master's reach and touch. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to help us be more intentional in our daily personal worship of the One who alone is worthy of all praise.