The Miraculous Walk

Sermon Summary / Transcript

Take heart, Little faiths! Jesus sustains his people even as he ordains their trials.

Jason introduced last Sunday’s sermon by saying that if there were one thing he could change about everyone listening that morning it would be that we would think more on Christ and think more rightly of Christ. This passage from Matthew 14:22-36, which narrates Jesus’ walking on the water, helps us to do that. 

Here we see…

…that Christ is sovereign over all things. Throughout the Bible we see mountains as places of spiritual high points. There is the law at Sinai, Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount of Olives, His transfiguration and crucifixion. In contrast to these, the sea represents chaos, and Jesus shows himself master over it. The winds and seas obey Him because they belong to Him.

…that Christ is our sustainer. Have you thought on the fact that Jesus sent them into a storm he knew was coming? The disciples struggled against the wind and waves for as many as nine hours. They were exhausted, but they were not lost because Jesus had them. He sustains his people even as he ordains their trials.  

…that Christ is our strength. When their fear was greatest, Jesus determined that their trial was over and said to them immediately, “Take Heart. It is I. Do not be afraid.” He was telling them that God was with them. When Peter stepped out of the boat, his eyes were fixed on the object of his faith. And when his eyes turned to the winds and waves, he began to sink. But Christ, his strength, he reached out and took hold of him. 

…that Christ is Savior. Jesus’ eyes stayed fixed on Peter. Though Peter’s faith was small and mixed with doubt, the object of his small faith was great. Jesus never rejects us for our small faith mixed with doubt. There is no such thing as perfect faith, but there is a perfect savior. 

Why doubt? Why fear? Why be anxious? Isn’t our great savior the same yesterday, today, and forever? Yes! And he does work all things for good to those who love him.