Matthew 14:22-33 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 14:22-33 on biblegateway.com
Verse 22Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. Verse 23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, Verse 24but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. Verse 25And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. Verse 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. Verse 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." Verse 28Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." Verse 29He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. Verse 30But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Verse 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" Verse 32When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Verse 33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Devotion
Jesus with his disciples had just finished speaking to the crowds, and could see they were hungry. When a search for resources yielded only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish, still Jesus blessed the food and miraculously everyone ate enough to be satisfied.
Jesus had begun his ministry among the crowds in Galilee. He was constantly pressed to speak the good news to the crowds, but he also longed to have quiet to be his Father or teach his disciples. Now after time with the crowds, in the evening he decided to send the disciples off in a boat while he remained on the shore. Jesus needed time alone on the mountain to talk with God.
Jesus needed his Father, who provided self-care. Self-care is when we recognize that we need the Lord’s love in order to love others. This then enables him to care for the disciples, especially Peter. The people were able to simply take care of themselves and touch his cloak.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank you for the courage that Peter and Jesus show the disciples. Both Jesus and Peter demonstrate their needs for self-care. Help us to better recognize our need for self-care, so we can share our love and grace effectively with others. Amen.
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