Peter Takes a Risk

Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Matthew 14:22-33 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.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After feeding the five thousand, what did Jesus constrain his disciples to do? (v.22)
2) What did Jesus do after the multitudes departed? (v.23)
3) What was happening to the ship that the disciples had boarded? (v.24)
4) How and when did Jesus go to them and how did they respond when they saw Him? (v.25-26)
5) What did Jesus say to them to calm them? (v.27)
6) What did Peter say to the Lord? (v.28)
7) How did the Lord respond and what did Peter do? (v.29)
8) Why did Peter begin to sink and what did the Lord do in response? (v.30-31)
9) When did the wind cease and what did the disciples do and say to the Lord, in response? (v.32-33)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
10) What do you do when everything seems to be going wrong in your life?
11) What risks are you willing to take, to draw closer to our Lord, in faith?

LIFE LESSONS
12) Our first response during troubling times should always be to pray to the only One who has the power to assail our fears and to right whatever is troubling us.
13) The Lord allows storms in our lives to test our faith in Him.
14) The Lord expects us to hold fast to our faith in Him, no matter how dire our circumstances may appear to be.
15) When we keep our focus on the Lord, we will not be overwhelmed by the trials and troubles of this life.