Matthew 14:22-33
Introduction: One thing this past year has shown us is the reality and power of the filters we all have. How is it that the exact same facts or events (a virus, masks, a vaccine, an election, a killing that causes racial tension) can cause wildly divergent reactions? How can we all look at the exact same thing and see something totally different? There are a few ways we could answer these questions but there is one answer that now seems undeniable. We all have filters that we use to see, understand, and interpret the world.
The Filter of our Fear | Fear is like a filter, isn’t it? When we feel afraid, whatever we fear seems so large as to obstruct our view of anything else. We often try to reason ourselves out of it or act rationally, but it just doesn’t seem to work sometimes. Perhaps our fears become a pattern so that our behavior is continually changed whenever we interact with particular things, people, or events. In this way, what we fear becomes a master over us, it controls us, and it becomes a filter that we cannot shake off.
The story of this passage deals with fear in a storm. Jesus challenged his disciples to face their fear of a storm with faith in Him. The same lesson applies to us today should we consider how life brings many storms our way. During these moments, we might experience the debilitating feeling of fear that causes tunnel vision. Is it possible to overcome this filter of fear? Yes! It is possible because one greater than the storm is with us. We must not allow Jesus to escape the center of our vision during a storm. As we consider how to apply this lesson, let’s consider some things we should expect in the face of a storm.
1. What NOT to Expect in the Storm
The first important lesson in this story deals with a very important principle of life as a Christian. Matthew makes it clear that we should never expect a storm-free life or a life free from fear. This is a lesson that many people either miss entirely or forget about during their journey as a Christian. Verse 22 reads that Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and go ahead of him. The original language indicates that this is a strong and forceful command. So the disciples were entirely in the will of Jesus when they stepped into the boat and made their way out into the water to later face a storm.
Sometimes we believe in a kind of Christianity that filters out the storms, adversities, or trials. We do this because it feels comfortable. The concept is simple: if we are obedient and have enough faith already, then Jesus will give us a life of perfect peace and comfort. This cannot be further from the truth! Not only here in this passage, but throughout the New Testament, there are countless examples of suffering and adversity associated with following Jesus. It is true that Christianity promises an eventual end to the storms beyond this life. But it is also true that Christianity promises something more realistic and better for our life in this world than our faulty conceptions.
2. What To Expect in the Storm
a) Expect Fear and Doubt | Realistic
While Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, the disciples were busy at sea working against battering waves. Verse 24 reads that they were still a long way from their destination. The timeline reveals that they had been rowing for nine hours or so and that it was very early in the morning. The disciples were stuck, weary, cold, and in the dark! No matter how spiritual you think you are, this scenario would create fear and doubt. Like many of us, the disciples were probably wondering: where is Jesus?
Verse 25 reads that Jesus came toward them, walking on the sea. Peter is the first to respond and boldly requests that Jesus command him out onto the water. Here, Peter is an example of faith and fear/doubt – in the same person!. Peter stepped out in faith on the water, but when he noticed the strength of the wind, he became afraid and began to sink. In his eyes, the storm became bigger than Jesus. Though he initially expressed courageous faith, the fear set in again, and he lost sight of Jesus. Even if we were as bold as Peter, there is no way to be 100% prepared for all storms. Fear and doubt are always mixed in.
b) Expect Jesus to Come Toward You | Better
Even if our faith is little, and the storm is great, we can expect Jesus to come toward us as he did with his disciples. Jesus comes to us and speaks as he did in verse 27: “Take courage, it is I. Don’t be afraid.” The Greek implies that Jesus is not just issuing a reminder, but a statement of identity - I AM. These words are all we need to get through a storm. But even if we falter like Peter and begin to sink. Jesus reaches out to save us. When Peter called out to be saved, Jesus immediately took hold of him and challenged his doubt. We can lose sight of Jesus, but he will never lose sight of us. Faith is enough - even little, sinking, desperate faith.
.The Gospel is clear in this passage: Jesus was alone on a mountain in prayer and communion with his Father. He became aware of a storm that was beyond the strength of his disciples. They were afraid, stuck, and weary. Jesus came down and entered the storm to rescue them. For us, Jesus came down from heaven to enter into our storm of sin, evil, and death. He alone rescues us from the great storm, and he will guide us through any and all storms! Praise be to God!
3. What to Expect After the Storm
The storm is not evidence of Jesus’ lack of love for his disciples, but the opposite. Sometimes there are lessons we can only really learn from a circumstance as troubling as a storm. In verse 33, the disciples exclaim, “Truly, you are the Son of God.” This is the heart of Christian growth and maturity. When we move from the faith of assent to the faith that adores, then we have understood true saving faith.
So what can we expect after the storm? First, we can expect sincere worship. Only when we trust Jesus in the storm can we shed our filter of fear. Without the filter of fear, we see Jesus for who he truly is - a mighty Savior we can always trust. Second, we can expect to be safe with Jesus. Even if life has many storms that have yet to cross our path, we can rest in Jesus, who has saved us from the greatest of all storms in the Gospel. To know Jesus is to know for sure that whatever storms we encounter, He will bring us into an everlasting safety (2 Tim. 4:18).
“Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far
And Grace will lead us home.
REFLECT OR DISCUSS
What about this sermon most impacted you or left you with questions?
When you think about a filter of fear, what are the fears that immediately come to your mind? Are there any patterns you notice that keep you from seeing anything beyond your fears?
Have you ever thought that the Christian life should be free from fear and doubt? How prevalent is this comfortable concept of Christianity? What are the problems you might run into if you embrace this view?
In what ways have you experienced fear and doubt as a Christian? Read 2 Corinthians 1:8-11. Have you ever experienced anything like what Paul describes? How did Paul overcome his fear and doubt and what impact should it have on us?
C. H. Spurgeon once said, “He who fears God has nothing else to fear.” In what ways can a greater fear be the antidote for another fear? Does this concept encourage you about facing fearful circumstances in the future?
Have you ever stepped out boldly in faith only to realize that you became quickly overwhelmed? How does this passage comfort us should that ever occur?
Read Psalm 107:24-32. How many similarities can you find related to the Matthew passage? What does this passage reveal to you about God’s desire to keep his people safe?
In what ways have you learned from storms in your life that could not have been learned in a classroom? How does this affect the way you worship God? How does it altar your expectations for the future?