Day Two

Scripture: John 6:16-20.  J.B. page 1618. And

Matthew 14:22-32.  J.B. page 1498.

Observation.  Both the Gospel of John and the Gospel of Matthew tell the same story.  They differ a little bit, but do not contradict.  Think of watching one news channel cover an event and then another news channel cover the same event.  Same story.  Different perspectives. 

Immediately, after Jesus feeds the 5000, the disciples got into a boat and start across the sea without Jesus.  Jesus goes to spend time alone with God on the mountain. (hint, hint…we need to do the same!)  During the middle of the night, Jesus is walking out to them on top of the water.

If you were a disciple, what would your thoughts be?  Excited, scared?

What does Peter ask?  And what happens when he gets out of the boat?  After a couple of moments, what does Peter start to look at instead of Jesus?

Application.  It would be awesome to get a chance to be Peter in this story.  To walk on water towards Jesus.  But soon Peter begins to look around and notice the wind and the waves.  And he becomes focused on his circumstances, not Jesus.

What do you have your eyes focused on?  Jesus or your stuff?  Jesus or that boyfriend?  Jesus or your popularity?  Jesus or your really tough circumstances?

Later in the Bible (Hebrews 12:1-2), it says:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Prayer.  God, thank you for being faithful.  Thank you for this real story of when Jesus actually walked on water.  Help me to trust You.  Help me to keep my eyes focused on You.  I confess sometimes I keep my eyes focused on____________________.