Matthew 14:13-36
Dear RTB’ers,
Two incidents today, one for the crowd (Feeding the 5000) and one for the disciples (Walking on Water). The Feeding of the 5000 was more interesting to me when I watched it on The Chosen. There the crowd was compliant and the disciples were confused. But they all did what Jesus asked and it turned out well for everyone. More interesting seeing it than just reading it…!
Jesus walking on the water seems to be more about Peter (and us!) than about Jesus. Yes, it is a noteworthy miracle, with millions of unbelievers trying to explain it away, but as we saw when Jesus calmed the storm, there’s no reason why the water would not have obeyed their Maker and kept Him up. Jesus rising from the dead puts His personal stamp on any other miracle that He performed. But Peter… Belief, then fear. Belief in Jesus calling to him and keeping his eyes on Jesus, then fear when he took his eyes off Jesus: He [Jesus] 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.” (vv. 29-30) The lesson is there for all of us – to just keep our eyes on Jesus and not be troubled by events around us. It’s a simple task, but seemingly so difficult to follow. Help me, Lord!! Or quoting Peter, “Lord, save me.”
Blessings!
Fred