Matt 14:22-36 Why We Should Believe Jesus - Part 2 - by Jeff Byerley
Study on Matt 14:22-36 - Why We Should Believe Jesus - Part 2
Outline:
14:22-33 Jesus walks on water.
14:34-36 Many touch Him and are made well.
Our Reflections
1. Why were the Disciples so terrified (14:22-26)?
2. Why did Peter want to join Jesus on the sea (14:27-30)?
3. Why did Jesus rebuke Peter saying “Oh you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (14:31)?
4. Why did the Disciples worship Jesus (14:32-33)?
5. What is so surprising about the people of Gennesaret (14:34-36)?
ATO Bible Study Group Reflections:
Why were the Disciples so terrified (14:22-26)?
The Jews believed that the sea was a place of chaos or an abyss (Dan 7:3). The disciples were already struggling against strong winds, such that they were even straining to make any progress using oars (Mark 6:48). It was now in the fourth watch of the night, which was between 3 – 6 am. They would have been extremely tired and in fear of their lives. Then a ghostly figure suddenly appears walking on the sea. Who would not be terrified?
Why did Peter want to join Jesus on the sea (14:27-30)?
We felt that this must have seemed like a crazy idea to the other disciples. But God must have given Peter the revelation that if Jesus, commanded him, he too could walk on water. Peter had his short comings in being proud, impulsive and at times wavering in his faith. However, he was also passionate, bold and courageous in his love for Jesus. Indeed, we are encouraged to have an imaginative faith to use opportunities as they arise. Whatever, Jesus did, we can also do, if we have faith (Matt 21:21). We also observed that Peter made sure he first had Jesus' instruction before attempting this. For all his faults, Peter had the strengths upon which Jesus could use to make him a leader.
Why did Jesus rebuke Peter saying “Oh you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (14:31)?
Our hearts went out to Peter. He was the only disciple imaginative and brave enough to step out of the boat and in faith walk on water. However, he took his eyes off Jesus and seeing the stormy conditions, looked at only what he could do or not do in his own strength. He was overtaken by fear and began to sink. At least he had the sense to call out to Jesus for help. There are times that we also may fail through lack of faith, but we can likewise call upon Jesus for help. Jesus teaches us not only to be disciples, but also leaders in society.
Why did the Disciples worship Jesus (14:32-33)?
The disciples had just seen Jesus miraculously feed thousands of people, something only God had done in Moses' time. They had then seen Jesus walking on water. Again this was something the Jews believed only God could do (Job 38:16, Habakkuk 3:15). Then Jesus identified himself with “It is I”, literally “I am” (Ex.3:14). Moreover, Jesus had empowered Peter to walk on water and then saved him when his faith faltered. When Jesus and Peter climbed back in the boat, the stormy wind ceased, something they again attributed to Jesus (cf. 8:23-27). The disciples realized that Jesus was the Son of God, the divine in human form.
What is so surprising about the people of Gennesaret (14:34-36)?
In contrast to the religious elite and the people of Jesus' home town of Nazareth, these people all believed Jesus and received healing. Indeed, their faith was such that they believed they would receive healing by simply touching the edge of his garment! Moreover, they called others to come to him from the surrounding region. Gennesaret was only a few miles from Tiberias, Herod's capital city also on the shores of Galilee. There would have been many people living around Gennesaret as it was the only coastal plain next to the sea of Galilee that was fertile enough to grow grain and fruit.
Overview
We noted that this chapter comes immediately after Jesus' rejection in his home town of Nazareth (13:53-58). Then Matthew describes how the messenger who went before him, had not only been rejected, but beheaded. This is followed by Jesus' disciples not recognizing that Jesus can provide for us even when circumstances say it is impossible, like feeding thousands in the desert and Peter walking on water. After nearly two years of ministry in Galilee, the people misconstrued him as the awaited prophet who could now overthrow the Romans (John 6:14-15), but they rejected him as the divine Saviour of souls. They, like Herod, had rejected the message of Jesus and John, to seek an inner righteousness that would require a complete transformation of their outer lives. Indeed, we did cover this passage in 2016 under the theme “Jesus, the Rejected King”. Be prepared, we too, as the salt and light of the world, will find, not only Jesus' message offensive to the world, but we ourselves, will also be offensive.
The chapter does end on a positive note. Finally, after Jesus walks on water, his disciples do recognize him as the Son of God and worship him. Also the people of Gennesaret recognize him as the Messiah. Tim Patrick, the principle of BCSA has recently described these passages as “reasons to believe Jesus”. Jesus' teaching accompanied by his miracles show beyond doubt that he is the Messiah. Yet the people used all sorts of vain reasons to chose not to believe him. They were without excuse. Do we at times fail to believe that Jesus will provide and enable us in our reaching out to others? This passage, together with the whole Bible,