Slices
Prepare
This passage focuses on who Jesus is and the disciples’ growth in faith. Pray that as you read, the Lord will strengthen your faith.
Bible passage
Jesus walks on the water
22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear.
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’
28 ‘Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’
29 ‘Come,’ he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came towards Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’
32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’
34 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place recognised Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all who were ill to him 36 and begged him to let those who were ill just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.
Explore
After the miraculous feeding of 5,000 people (vs 13–21), Jesus was finally able to have his time of solitude (v 13), sending the disciples off by boat to the other side of the lake.
A storm blew up, the disciples struggled, but, shortly before dawn, Jesus walked out on the lake to them, demonstrating again his supernatural power over nature.
Look at the exchange between the disciples and Jesus (vs 26,27). How might you have responded to the sight of Jesus in their place?
Peter was torn between faith and terror. How does Peter’s faith challenge you (vs 28,29)? However, he took his eyes off Jesus, looked at the waves, felt the wind and began to sink. How might Peter’s terror and Jesus’ response in verses 30 and 31 comfort you when you are facing a storm of life?
We see how the disciples responded to their experience by understanding that Jesus is the Son of God and worshipping him (vs 32,33).
Faith in Jesus’ power to heal was also shown by the men of Gennesaret (vs 34–36). Many sick people were healed merely by touching the edge of his cloak.
Respond
Pray for anyone you know who is struggling to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus because of a storm of life. Pray that they will hear Jesus saying, ‘Don’t be afraid’ (v 27).
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Isaiah 31,32; Psalm 105
Pray for Scripture Union
Please pray for God’s guidance and wisdom for the fundraising team as they collate and share stories with our supporters. Ask that they will find the best ways to encourage supporters, and inspire them to pray and to donate.
Pray that God will guide them as they prepare to serve this summer. (This week's prayers relate to this article.)
A child has started following Jesus. Help them keep growing.
A child's decision to trust Jesus is a moment to celebrate, but it's also the beginning of a lifelong journey of discipleship. Journey to the Sacred Kingdom helps children aged 5–8 discover what it means to know God through his Word, grow in faith and walk with Jesus every day.
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