Job 9:8 He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea.

1. We live in a world in search of ____________.

2. Like with Peter, we are prone to ____________ God's __________.

3. Jesus is our God who treads on water and rescues __________ - __________ sinners.

Scripture Readings
Job 38:4-18
Romans 10:5-17
Matthew 14:22-33

Take It With You!

Here we will offer thoughts and meditations on the message to help us as we contemplate and discuss and wrestle with what we are hearing.

Was there ever a man who was less deserving of rescue than Peter? There is nothing admirable in his example, nothing bold about his desire to get out of the boat.... [He] should have believed Jesus the Þrst time, and he should have believed Jesus the second time as well. This powerful, divine Þgure who is Master over the storm and sea had spoken courage to the disciples, revealing identity; he had invited them to stop being afraid (14:27). Now here is Peter, sinking below the water, afraid just as he and his fellows had already been afraid, crying out as he and his fellows had already cried out (14:30). Peter's faith is not being held up as an example to emulate. His weakness is being showcased, in order that, in direct contrast, Jesus' identity and power and grace might be seen more fully.

Was there ever a Master more patient and gracious than Jesus, whose power and authority go out to all who call upon him in their need - even when they themselves have created their fatal situation of need? Matthew has structured and told this story in order to highlight the identity and the power and the saving purpose of Jesus.

Jeffery A. Gibbs, Concordia Commentary Series: Matthew 11:2-20:34