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
When Jesus finished his time with God he turned to his disciples on the water. The wind battered the waves and the men were frightened. Peter, however, requested Jesus to allow him to come to Jesus on the water.. Peter did well on the water, until he took his eyes from Jesus, and when frightened by the strong winds he lost faith. Then Jesus reached out, took Peter’s hand, and guided him back to the safety of the boat.
Though Peter had some doubts when he looked at the sea, when he turned his eyes on Jesus, he was rescued and his faith was restored. In this faith Peter became a leader of the faithful and showed his courage. His leadership brought many believers to the Lord. May we all have courage like Peter to show others that our salvation rests on your power and love.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank you for the love and teaching you gave your disciples. We especially see Peter’s bravery, having taken a risk to trust you and be with you on the sea. Amen.
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