Lent 2022 • Week Three • Jesus Drives Out Fear

Thursday, March 17th, 2022

Photo Credit: Me
WDW — February 16th, 2022

Bible Reading: Matthew 14:22-33

“Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Walking on Water, by Ivan Aivazovsky (1888)
The Storm on the Sea of Galilee by Rembrandt, 1632.

🌊 🌩 💨 🌩 🌊 🌩 💨 🌩 🌊

Have you ever imagined what it was like to be in that fishing boat with the disciples when Jesus appeared and walking on water?

In Matthew’s account of the story, we know that Jesus had sent the disciples ahead while He prayed on the mountainside alone. Trying to put myself into the story, I don’t believe I would have reacted any differently than the disciples did…was it a ghost or an angel coming toward them on the water? Jesus, already knowing what their reaction would be spoke to them saying, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27). The way Jesus announced Himself reveals that He is God in the flesh. *I learned something new today, I love that God is still revealing himself to me through people, stories and books. Do you remember how God revealed Himself to Moses? God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘ I am has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14.

So Peter is excited when he knows it is Jesus walking on the water, he’s so excited he wants to join Jesus out on the water. And, what does Jesus do, He says, “Come!” Peter steps out onto the water, his eyes fixed on Jesus … until he sees the wind blowing the sea from the corner of his eye, at that exact moment Peter begins to sink. Fear overcomes Peter and he shouts out to Jesus, “Lord, save me!” Jesus does reach out and save Peter but says to him, “you of little faith, why did you doubt?” I know there have been and will undoubtedly be times when I will be more like Peter, than like Jesus. I say this only because I know that I must check my sinful nature on a daily basis. The Bible tells us, “ There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear. Jesus is the “Perfect Love.” (1 John 4:18).

*A second thing I learned today, or more accurately put, I expanded my grasp of God’s deliverance of God’s people with water.

Lastly, this is a cool factor for me and I hope it is for you too…

Challenge Questions

  • How has Jesus revealed both His divinity and His love towards you?

My salvation, I am not deserving of it; it’s only by the grace of God. Each day is a gift, we are God’s messengers to the world and sharing God’s love through daily acts of kindness.

  • Are there any sinking moments in your life that have caused you to doubt Jesus’ love for you?

I am guilty of doubts, but I also know deep in my heart and soul that God loves me and wants only the best for me. I tend to be impatient that leads me to make mistakes, I need to pray more, seeking God’s will and not my own. I am living proof that God always has a plan, even when we don’t fully know all the details. When my mom passed away, I doubted and I questioned, now nearly ten years later I am at peace knowing that God never left me. God has helped keep my moms memory alive through the many lessons she taught me, sure I miss her terribly and that’s the cost of having known her and loving her.

  • What would it look like to grasp Jesus’ outstretched arm and allow Him to walk you back to the boat?
  • Do you know anyone who might be doubting the love and trustworthiness of Jesus right now?

Many people are hurting around the world, my hope and prayer is that we can change the world by being the hands and feet of Jesus right where we are. We can start in our communities, in our work environment and pray for government leaders throughout the world for peace and kindness.

Further Study

Exodus 14:1-15:27 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Exodus%2014:1-15:27&version=NIV
Joshua 3:1-16 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Joshua%203:1-16&version=NIV
Isaiah 41:10 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Isaiah%2041:10&version=NIV
Isaiah 43:1-2 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Isaiah%2043:1-2&version=NIV
John 6:16-21 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%206:16-21&version=NIV
1 John 4:11-19 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20John%204:11-19&version=NIV

Friends—

I know today’s post is rather long compared to many that I had written but thank you for reading to the end. I loved the song I found “Wading in the Water” I hope you are blessed by its powerful message. As I remind myself and encourage you to remember, “JESUS DRIVES OUT FEAR!” Thank you for your support, it is most appreciated.

~Charlotte, Seeker of Unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_walking_on_water

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calming_the_storm

One thought on “Lent 2022 • Week Three • Jesus Drives Out Fear”

  1. Pingback: Lent 2022 • Week Three • Jesus Drives Out Fear — HOPE SEEKER – QuietMomentsWithGod

Comments are closed.