Walking And Sinking
Matthew 14:22-23 (ESV)
Jesus Walks on the Water
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 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. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Study Guide Questions:
Observation
What specific actions did Jesus take *before* the disciples encountered the storm?
How did the disciples initially react when they saw Jesus walking on the water?
What was the sequence of events when Peter began to sink?
What was the disciples’ final response after Jesus calmed the storm?
Interpretation
Why might Jesus have intentionally sent the disciples into the storm instead of preventing it?
How does Jesus’ response to Peter’s fear challenge common misconceptions about faith?
In what ways does the phrase “beginning to sink” reveal God’s grace in moments of failure?
How does Jesus’ identity as “I am” (v. 27) reframe how we perceive his presence in suffering?
Life Application
When facing overwhelming circumstances, where do you naturally fix your eyes—on the storm’s effects or on Christ’s character? What practical step could help you redirect your focus this week?
How have you experienced Jesus’ sustaining presence even in moments of doubt or failure?
Where have you been tempted to believe the lie that you are alone in your struggle? How does Jesus’ deliberate nearness in the storm confront that isolation?
When have you cried out, “Lord, save me,” and how did Jesus respond?