Series Walking with Peter part 4
In Matthew 8:14-17;23-27 we find Peter, and the rest of the apostles, in a boat and full of fear.
The disciples have been listening to Jesus share about faith and trusting him. Peter and the disciples watched as Jesus healed Peter’s mother in law. Now they are in a boat and a great storm comes. In this moment they will learn more of who Jesus is and who they are.
The storm is fearful and scary and Jesus looks at them and says “Why are you so afraid?”
It is a question we really need to ask ourselves.
Why are you so afraid to follow Jesus?
Do we believe that Jesus is powerful enough?
If we do believe that, how does that change how we view ourselves and how we live? In the boat the disciples were afraid and doubted. I can be just like them at times. I know that God is leading my life and yet I get into situations and wonder and struggle with fear. Yet like the disciples I have seen God at work.
Where have you seen God at work in your life?
When we are in our storms what do you think the characteristic of Jesus will be? Will God hold back his grace and mercy? Will he leave you alone? Will Jesus use the storm for his glory and to shape you?
Peter learns about Jesus’ sovereignty, grace and mercy.
Many followers of Jesus are inclined to look to the uncertainty of the storm and not the certainty of Jesus.
To follow Jesus is to put our trust in him; that he is good enough and great enough. So when we fear, we assess it in light of who Jesus is. We respect what our fear tells us, but we see it through the lens of Christ.
When Jesus asked Peter and the disciples his question, he was revealing the unbelief that was still in their hearts. He was revealing to them and to us that fear does not have to become a driving force in our life. He was revealing that death is not our end as followers of Jesus.
As psalm 27:1 shares, “Whom shall we fear.”
I am not there yet. But Jesus is revealing a radical way of living that he is slowly calling Peter to.
The truth, however, is it is not just Peter he is calling to this life, but us as well.