Oh, You of Little Faith

Sunday, December 28, 2014
Matthew 14:22-36 KJV

22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth [his] hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. 34 And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; 36 And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What three things did Jesus do after feeding the five thousand? (v.22-23)
2) What happened to the ship? Why? (v.24)
3) What did the disciples see and how did they respond? (v. 25-26)
4) What did Jesus say to them? (v.27)
5) How did Peter respond? Why? (v.28-30)
6) What did Jesus do and say to Peter? (v.31)
7) What happened next? (v.32-36)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
8) What is your typical response to trouble? Describe one such time?
9) How do you typically respond when the Lord delivers you out of trouble?

LIFE LESSONS
10) At times, it is the Lord's will for His children to go through trouble to grow our faith.
11) The safest place on earth to be is in the center of God's will.
12) The best and only acceptable response to God, in troubled times or good, is worship.