IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Take Courage in Jesus

Date: Jul. 25, 2015

Passage

Matthew 14:22-36 

Jesus Walks on the Water

22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret

34 And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick 36 and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: Matthew 14:27

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

First, Jesus walks on water (22-27). After taking care of all the people, Jesus sent his disciples ahead by boat. Then he dismissed the crowd and went up on a mountainside for a much needed prayer time with his Father. Shortly before dawn, Jesus walked out on the lake to meet the disciples. The disciples did not recognize Jesus and were terrified. But Jesus said to them, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." We should never be afraid. Jesus is near - but we need spiritual eyes to see him.

Second, "Why did you doubt?" (28-36) Peter wanted to walk on water too and Jesus agreed. Peter took a few steps but when he saw the wind, he became afraid and began to sink. Peter cried out for Jesus to save him. Jesus caught him and asked, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" Fear, not the wind, made Peter sink. They climbed into the boat and the wind died down. The disciples realized that Jesus is the Son of God and worshiped him. After crossing over, people brought their sick to Jesus who healed them.

Prayer: Lord, help me to know you are with me in every situation. Replace the fear in my heart with faith.

One Word: Jesus is with you. Don't be afraid.

Daily Bread

God is Our Deliverer

Psalm 78:40-72

Key Verse: 78:65

Then the Lord awoke as from sleep,
like a strong man shouting because of wine.

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