Words
such
as
Lord,
Savior,
Master
and
Redeemer
are
used
to
describe
the
various
aspects
of
who
Jesus
is.
However,
the
word
“teacher”
is
another
word
to
describe
Jesus
because
His
instructions
transcends
all
educators
throughout
time.
The
reason
is
because
His
instructions
came
from
the
Father. Jesus declared:
•
“My
teaching
is
not
my
own.
It
comes
from
the
one
who
sent
me.
Anyone
who
chooses
to
do
the
will
of
God
will
find
out
whether
my
teaching
comes
from
God
or
whether
I
speak
on
my
own.”
John
7:16-17
•
“I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me.”
John 8:28
•
“For
I
did
not
speak
on
my
own,
but
the
Father
who
sent
me
commanded
me
to
say
all
that
I
have
spoken.
I
know
that
his
command
leads
to
eternal
life.
So
whatever
I
say
is
just
what
the
Father
has told me to say.”
John 12:49-50
It
is
important
to
understand
that
everything
Jesus
said;
everything
Jesus
did;
and
every
person
who
interacted
with
Him
had
an
instructional
purpose
and
spiritual
application
for
every
believer.
In
addition,
the
lessons
taught
by
Jesus
were
not
intended
for
the
mind
alone.
But
rather,
the
lessons
were
comprised
of
spiritual
revelations
intended
for
the
heart—because
instructional
information
that
reaches the heart has more transformative power than when it only enters into the mind.
The
lesson
title
of
“Walking
on
Water”
is
a
metaphor
that
symbolizes
stepping
out
in
faith—even
when
faced
with
overwhelming
challenges—which
describes
the
miracle
that
occurred
when
Jesus
and
Peter
walked on water.
“Immediately
Jesus
made
His
disciples
get
into
the
boat
and
go
before
Him
to
the
other
side,
while
He
sent
the
multitudes
away.
And
when
He
had
sent
the
multitudes
away,
He
went
up
on
the
mountain
by
Himself
to
pray.
Now
when
evening
came,
He
was
alone
there.
But
the
boat
was
now
in
the
middle
of
the
sea,
tossed
by
the
waves,
for
the
wind
was
contrary.
Now
in
the
fourth
watch
of
the
night
Jesus
went
to
them,
walking
on
the
sea.
And
when
the
disciples
saw
Him
walking
on
the
sea,
they
were
troubled,
saying,
‘It
is
a
ghost!’
And
they
cried
out
for
fear.
But
immediately
Jesus
spoke
to
them,
saying,
‘Be
of
good
cheer!
It
is
I;
do
not
be
afraid.’
And
Peter
answered
Him
and
said,
‘Lord,
if
it
is
You,
command
me
to
come
to
You
on
the
water.’
So
He
said,
‘Come.’
And
when
Peter
had
come
down
out
of
the
boat,
he
walked
on
the
water
to
go
to
Jesus.
But
when
he
saw
that
the
wind
was
boisterous,
he
was
afraid;
and
beginning
to
sink
he
cried
out,
saying,
‘Lord,
save
me!’
And
immediately
Jesus
stretched
out
His
hand
and
caught
him,
and
said
to
him,
‘O
you
of
little
faith,
why
did
you
doubt?’
And
when
they
got
into
the
boat,
the
wind
ceased.
Then
those
who
were
in
the
boat
came
and
worshiped
Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God.’”
Matthew 14:22-33; (
Mark 6:45-52
) and (
John 6:16-21
)
This
biblical
account
of
what
occurred
when
Jesus
walked
on
water—and
how
His
disciples
responded—is
an
instructional
event
that
is
relevant
to
all
of
us.
Therefore,
let’s
begin
by
reviewing
the
key
facts.
As
you
read,
imagine
you
are
on
the
boat
with
the
disciples
as
you
experience
their
emotions and wonderment.
1
.
After
Jesus
fed
the
5,000
with
5
loaves
of
bread
and
2
fish
(
Matthew
14:13-21
),
He
directed
His
disciples to go before Him to the other side (of the body of water) by boat.
a
.
The body of water is the Sea of Galilee: a large freshwater lake in N.E. Israel.
b
.
The instructions from Jesus to “go before Him” means that He intended to join them later.
2
.
By the time they reached the middle of the Sea of Galilee, the wind was:
a
.
Contrary (opposing their intended direction).
b
.
Sufficiently strong to cause waves that tossed the boat.
c
.
Creating a condition that caused the disciples to fear for their safety.
3
.
It was dark and difficult to see.
a
.
Jesus began walking to them on the fourth watch (3 a.m. to 6 a.m. before sunrise and no light).
b
.
Initially the disciples were unable to recognize Jesus and thought He was a ghost.
▪
A
likely
response,
because
what
else
could
it
be
because
humans
are
not
able
to
walk
on
water!
▪
They cried out in fear (likely intensified by the fear created by the wind and waves).
4
.
Jesus declared it was Him and told them to not be afraid.
5
.
Peter
then
asked
Jesus
to
command
him
to
also
walk
on
the
water,
and
Jesus
said
“Come.”
What
is interesting to note is that Peter:
a
.
Had an impetuous and inquisitive nature.
b
.
Trusted Jesus as he stepped off the boat and began to walk on the water towards Him.
c
.
Soon
began
to
look
at
and
consider
the
tumultuous
conditions
that
surrounded
him,
lost
buoyancy, and called to Jesus for help.
6
.
Jesus grabbed him and explained why was not able to walk on the water: a lack of faith and doubt.
7
.
The
wind
ceased
when
Jesus
and
Peter
entered
into
the
boat.
The
instructional
event
was
completed.
8
.
They realized and declared He is the son of God, and worshiped Him.
Spiritual Relevance and Application
There
are
multiple
lessons
we
can
learn
from
what
occurred
during
this
miraculous
event.
For
example:
•
Jesus
first
instructed
and
then
sent
His
disciples.
We
are
also
instructed
and
sent
(the
Great
Commission).
“Go
therefore
and
make
disciples
of
all
the
nations,
baptizing
them
in
the
name
of
the
Father
and
of
the
Son
and
of
the
Holy
Spirit,
teaching
them
to
observe
all
things
that
I
have
commanded
you.”
Matthew 28:19
As
a
follower
of
Jesus
Christ—as
we
learn
about
Him
and
as
we
become
closer
to
Him—the
Holy
Spirit
will
create
a
compelling
desire
to
upwell
from
the
depths
of
our
heart,
soul
and
spirit
to
share
by teaching the (
Gospel of Jesus Christ
) to those who are lost in darkness and sin.
•
Although
they
encountered
fearful
conditions,
He
soon
arrived
to
help
them
through
the
storm
and
teach us a spiritual lesson.
We
live
in
a
world
(a
“boat”)
that
is
often
tossed
about
by
the
“wind
and
waves”
of
life—which
at
times
can
become
overwhelming
for
those
who
seek
to
reach
the
lost.
However,
we
are
not
alone
because
the
Holy
Spirit
“has
our
back.”
Even
though
we
may
perceive
He
seems
distant,
He
patiently waits for us to realize that He is there and has all things under His control.
“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:20
“And
I
will
pray
the
Father,
and
He
will
give
you
another
Helper,
that
He
may
abide
with
you
forever—the
Spirit
of
truth,
whom
the
world
cannot
receive,
because
it
neither
sees
Him
nor
knows
Him;
but
you
know
Him,
for
He
dwells
with
you
and
will
be
in
you.
I
will
not
leave
you
orphans;
I
will
come to you.”
John 14:16-18
“He
is
the
One
who
goes
before
you.
He
will
be
with
you,
He
will
not
leave
you
nor
forsake
you;
do
not fear nor be dismayed.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
“Fear
not,
for
I
am
with
you;
Be
not
dismayed,
for
I
am
your
God.
I
will
strengthen
you,
Yes,
I
will
help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
“All
things
work
together
for
good
to
those
who
love
God,
to
those
who
are
the
called
according
to
His purpose.”
Romans 8:28
•
It was dark and difficult to see.
The
world
is
filled
with
sin
and
darkness.
And
any
attempt
on
our
own
to
mentally
visualize
and
figure
out
what’s
going
on
and
make
sense
of
it
all
(based
upon
our
limited
human
resources
and
capacities)
is
both
futile
and
frustrating.
For
it
is
only
when
the
“curtain
is
pulled
back”
by
the
Holy
Spirit
is
when
we
are
able
to
see
the
source
of
darkness
battling
against
the
source
of
light
for
the
hearts of those who will respond.
“For
we
do
not
wrestle
against
flesh
and
blood,
but
against
principalities,
against
powers,
against
the
rulers
of
the
darkness
of
this
age,
against
spiritual
hosts
of
wickedness
in
the
heavenly
places.”
Ephesians 6:12
“I
am
the
light
of
the
world.
He
who
follows
Me
shall
not
walk
in
darkness,
but
have
the
light
of
life.”
John 8:12
•
They did not recognize Him until He physically spoke to them.
Although
it
is
difficult
to
describe,
we
know
from
the
depths
of
our
inner
being
when
we
“hear”
God
speaking
to
us.
Our
recognition
of
the
source
is
validated
because
His
words
are
encapsulated
in
truth,
love,
grace,
and
righteousness.
For
He
speaks
to
us
as
we
read
scripture;
as
we
pray;
as
we
worship;
as
we
listen
to
Bible
teachings;
as
we
fellowship
with
other
Christians;
and
as
we
quiet
ourselves on the inside.
“ My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”
John 10:27
•
When Peter saw Jesus he developed a desire to walk on water like Him.
Peter
is
one
of
the
most
relatable
disciples
of
Jesus
because
of
the
core
desires
of
his
heart,
his
love
for
Jesus,
and
his
misdirected
behavior
(which
occurred
prior
to
when
the
Holy
Spirit
descended upon the disciples). (
Acts 2
) Here is a short listing of Peter’s shortcomings:
Peter rebuked Jesus when He foretold of His pending death and resurrection. (
Mat. 16:21-23
)
After
Jesus
verbally
declared
it
was
He
who
was
walking
on
the
water,
Peter
said,
“Lord,
if
it
is
You,
command
me
to
come
to
You
on
the
water.”
Peter
first
acknowledge
who
He
was.
Then
he
challenged Jesus to verify Himself by commanding him to walk on the water. (
Mat. 14:28
)
Peter
rejected
the
instructional
intent
of
Jesus
when
He
attempted
to
wash
his
feet.
(
John
13:1-
17
)
Peter declared he will never deny Jesus. (
Mat. 26:31-35
)
Peter later denied Him 3 times. (Mat. 26:69-75)
No
one
is
perfect—including
Peter,
you
and
me.
However,
God
is
more
interested
in
the
desires
of
our heart than He is with our shortcomings.
It
is
important
to
note
that
Peter
desired
to
perform
a
miracle
similar
to
Jesus.
For
as
we
grow
in
Christ
and
as
we
are
transformed
by
Him,
we
will
experience
a
compelling
desire
to
replicate
various
aspects
of
the
ministry
of
Jesus.
And
like
Peter,
our
stepping
out
(on
the
water
in
faith)
usually
involves
varying
degrees
of
risk—because
although
we
may
know
why
we
are
leaving
the
relative
safety
of
our
present
condition
(the
boat),
we
often
do
not
know
all
of
the
other
particulars:
how,
when,
what,
and
where.
And
in
a
similar
manner
when
Peter
stepped
out
from
the
boat
and
onto
the
water,
we
likewise
will
“step
into
the
unknown”
as
we
exercise
our
faith
and
obey
His
directions.
•
Peter became overwhelmed by his surroundings.
There
was
a
point
of
transition
when
Peter’s
faith
in
Jesus
was
overcome
by
doubt.
This
likely
occurred
when
Peter
turned
His
spiritual
eyes
away
from
Jesus,
and
focused
his
physical
eyes
upon his surroundings.
There
is
an
inverse
relationship
between
faith
and
doubt.
As
one
increases,
the
other
decreases.
All
who
believe
in
Jesus
will
experience
doubt
at
times
because
of
the
sinful
nature
of
our
flesh—especially during trials and tribulations—like Peter attempting to walk on water.
It
is
when
we
“let
go”
and
stop
trying
to
rely
upon
our
limited
capabilities…and
trust
God
to
fulfill
His
desires
through
us…is
when
things
will
begin
to
materialize.
There
is
nothing
we
can
do
by
our
own
vain
self-directed
efforts
to
further
the
gospel
of
Jesus
Christ—for
this
is
the
work
of
the
Holy
Spirit.
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”
Zechariah 4:6
•
Jesus saved Peter from sinking into the water and returned him to the safety of the boat.
Trials
and
tribulations
at
times
can
seem
overwhelming
as
we
visualize
ourselves
drowning
in
the
depths
of
an
uncontrollable
situation.
This
is
when
we
have
one
choice:
prayerfully
trust
Him
in
that
He
will
pull
us
out
of
our
perceived
demise.
This
is
when
we
pray,
“I
trust
you
Lord,
I
TRUST
you
Lord, I TRUST YOU LORD!”
“Trust
in
the
Lord
with
all
your
heart,
and
lean
not
on
your
own
understanding;
in
all
your
ways
acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“My
brethren,
count
it
all
joy
when
you
fall
into
various
trials,
knowing
that
the
testing
of
your
faith
produces patience.”
James 1:2-4
“When
you
pass
through
the
waters,
I
will
be
with
you;
and
through
the
rivers,
they
shall
not
overflow
you.
When
you
walk
through
the
fire,
you
shall
not
be
burned,
nor
shall
the
flame
scorch
you.”
Isaiah 43:2-3
“Fear
not,
for
I
am
with
you;
be
not
dismayed,
for
I
am
your
God.
I
will
strengthen
you,
yes,
I
will
help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
•
Jesus caused the wind (and waves) to cease.
God had completed His intended spiritual instruction—for both the disciples and for us.
When
we
look
back
at
past
trials
and
tribulations,
we
can
see
how
those
“things”
that
seemed
like
monumental
challenges
lost
their
influence
and/or
disappeared.
In
addition,
we
can
also
see
how
these
events
changed
us
from
within—by
“surgically
altering”
various
aspects
of
our
sinful
flesh—so
that we can more effectively r
eflect who He is.
Although
Peter
demonstrated
multiple
flaws
(like
all
of
us),
it
was
because
of
the
desires
of
his
heart,
his
love
for
Jesus,
and
the
Father’s
revelatory
influence
upon
him,
that
he
was
chosen
by
Jesus
to
be
instrumental
in
establishing
the
early
church.
When
Jesus
asked
the
disciples,
“Who
do
you
say
that
I
am.”
Peter
responded,
“You
are
the
Christ,
the
Son
of
the
living
God.”
Jesus
then
said
to
Peter,
“Blessed
are
you,
Simon
Bar-Jonah,
for
flesh
and
blood
has
not
revealed
this
to
you,
but
My
Father
who
is
in
heaven.
And
I
also
say
to
you
that
you
are
Peter,
and
on
this
rock
I
will
build
My
church,
and
the
gates
of
Hades
shall
not
prevail
against
it.
And
I
will
give
you
the
keys
of
the
kingdom
of
heaven,
and
whatever
you
bind
on
earth
will
be
bound
in
heaven,
and
whatever
you
loose
on
earth
will
be
loosed in heaven.”
Matthew 16:15-19
I
pray
this
lesson
has
highlighted
how
God’s
grace
and
forgiveness
looks
beyond
of
our
human
frailties
because
of
the
desires
of
our
heart
to
know
Him,
and
our
faith
in
His
Son,
Jesus.
I
also
pray
that
you
willingly
step
forward
in
faith
to
“walk
on
the
water”—regardless
of
the
present
situation—when
Jesus
says “
Come
.”
“Now
to
Him
who
is
able
to
keep
you
from
stumbling,
and
to
present
you
faultless
before
the
presence
of
His
glory
with
exceeding
joy,
to
God
our
Savior,
who
alone
is
wise,
be
glory
and
majesty,
dominion
and power, both now and forever.”
Jude 1:24-25
We serve a wonderful Savior.
All for His Glory!
Harold D. Thomas
Thought Provoking Questions
The
purpose
of
the
questions
is
to
facilitate
a
deeper
understanding
of
the
Bible,
this
Bible
study
topic,
and
ourselves.
The
questions
may
be
answered
by
each
reader,
or
used
by
a
Bible
study
group
leader,
or
church
pastor.
The
questions
should
be
answered
or
discussed
after
reading
the
lesson.
In
addition,
the
questions
are
designed
to
enhance
learning
via
the
determination
of
personal
opinions
and
discovering
how
the
lesson
content
relates
to
our
personal
lives.
As
such,
no
answers
are
provided.
Questions
The
lesson
presented
multiple
correlations
between
Jesus
and
Peter
walking
on
water
and
our
day-to-
day lives as a Christian. Which correlation do you think is most relevant to you?
The
lesson
states
everything
Jesus
said
and
everything
Jesus
did—including
every
person
who
interacted with Him—had an instructional purpose and a spiritual application for every believer.
•
Identify at least one different lesson taught by Jesus—including its spiritual application.
•
Read (
John 9
). Identify at least one spiritual application God was teaching us through Jesus.
Are there behavioral characteristics of Peter that you can relate to?
You
will
likely
have
the
opportunity
to
meet
Peter
in
Heaven.
As
such,
what
questions
would
you
like
to
ask him?
The
lesson
states
that
when
we
move
forward
in
faith
there
are
sometimes
varying
degrees
of
risk
(which
is
analogous
to
Peter
stepping
out
of
the
boat
and
onto
the
water).
Can
you
identify
examples
of risk?
Have
you
experienced
a
compelling
desire
to
do
something
for
the
Lord…but
have
been
reluctant
to
“walk on the water” because of perceived risk, concerns about unknowns, a lack of faith, or doubt?
What is the most important thing you learned from this lesson?
You may do
wnload a PDF version of the questions by clicking this button.
The words of Jesus Christ are in
red text.
The words of Jesus
are in red text.
Words
such
as
Lord,
Savior,
Master
and
Redeemer
are
used
to
describe
the
various
aspects
of
who
Jesus
is.
However,
the
word
“teacher”
is
another
word
to
describe
Jesus
because
His
instructions
transcends
all
educators
throughout
time.
The
reason
is
because
His
instructions came from the Father. Jesus declared:
•
“My
teaching
is
not
my
own.
It
comes
from
the
one
who
sent
me.
Anyone
who
chooses
to
do
the
will
of
God
will
find
out
whether
my
teaching
comes
from
God or whether I speak on my own.”
John 7:16-17
•
“I
do
nothing
on
my
own
but
speak
just
what
the
Father has taught me.”
John 8:28
•
“For
I
did
not
speak
on
my
own,
but
the
Father
who
sent
me
commanded
me
to
say
all
that
I
have
spoken.
I
know
that
his
command
leads
to
eternal
life.
So
whatever
I
say
is
just
what
the
Father
has
told
me to say.”
John 12:49-50
It
is
important
to
understand
that
everything
Jesus
said;
everything
Jesus
did;
and
every
person
who
interacted
with
Him
had
an
instructional
purpose
and
spiritual
application
for
every
believer.
In
addition,
the
lessons
taught
by
Jesus
were
not
intended
for
the
mind
alone.
But
rather,
the
lessons
were
comprised
of
spiritual
revelations
intended
for
the
heart—because
instructional
information
that
reaches
the
heart
has
more
transformative
power
than
when
it
only
enters
into
the
mind.
The
lesson
title
of
“Walking
on
Water”
is
a
metaphor
that
symbolizes
stepping
out
in
faith—even
when
faced
with
overwhelming
challenges—which
describes
the
miracle
that occurred when Jesus and Peter walked on water.
“Immediately
Jesus
made
His
disciples
get
into
the
boat
and
go
before
Him
to
the
other
side,
while
He
sent
the
multitudes
away.
And
when
He
had
sent
the
multitudes
away,
He
went
up
on
the
mountain
by
Himself
to
pray.
Now
when
evening
came,
He
was
alone
there.
But
the
boat
was
now
in
the
middle
of
the
sea,
tossed
by
the
waves,
for
the
wind
was
contrary.
Now
in
the
fourth
watch
of
the
night
Jesus
went
to
them,
walking
on
the
sea.
And
when
the
disciples
saw
Him
walking
on
the
sea,
they
were
troubled,
saying,
‘It
is
a
ghost!’
And
they
cried
out
for
fear.
But
immediately
Jesus
spoke
to
them,
saying,
‘Be
of
good
cheer!
It
is
I;
do
not
be
afraid.’
And
Peter
answered
Him
and
said,
‘Lord,
if
it
is
You,
command
me
to
come
to
You
on
the
water.’
So
He
said,
‘Come.’
And
when
Peter
had
come
down
out
of
the
boat,
he
walked
on
the
water
to
go
to
Jesus.
But
when
he
saw
that
the
wind
was
boisterous,
he
was
afraid;
and
beginning
to
sink
he
cried
out,
saying,
‘Lord,
save
me!’
And
immediately
Jesus
stretched
out
His
hand
and
caught
him,
and
said
to
him,
‘O
you
of
little
faith,
why
did
you
doubt?’
And
when
they
got
into
the
boat,
the
wind
ceased.
Then
those
who
were
in
the
boat
came
and
worshiped
Him,
saying,
‘Truly
You
are
the
Son
of
God.’”
Matthew 14:22-33; (
Mark 6:45-52
) and (
John 6:16-21
)
This
biblical
account
of
what
occurred
when
Jesus
walked
on
water—and
how
His
disciples
responded—is
an
instructional
event
that
is
relevant
to
all
of
us.
Therefore,
let’s
begin
by
reviewing
the
key
facts.
As
you
read,
imagine
you
are
on
the
boat
with
the
disciples
as
you experience their emotions and wonderment.
1
.
After
Jesus
fed
the
5,000
with
5
loaves
of
bread
and
2
fish
(
Matthew
14:13-21
),
He
directed
His
disciples
to
go
before
Him
to
the
other
side
(of
the
body
of
water) by boat.
a
.
The
body
of
water
is
the
Sea
of
Galilee:
a
large
freshwater lake in N.E. Israel.
b
.
The
instructions
from
Jesus
to
“go
before
Him”
means that He intended to join them later.
2
.
By
the
time
they
reached
the
middle
of
the
Sea
of
Galilee, the wind was:
a
.
Contrary (opposing their intended direction).
b
.
Sufficiently
strong
to
cause
waves
that
tossed
the
boat.
c
.
Creating
a
condition
that
caused
the
disciples
to
fear for their safety.
3
.
It was dark and difficult to see.
a
.
Jesus
began
walking
to
them
on
the
fourth
watch
(3 a.m. to 6 a.m. before sunrise and no light).
b
.
Initially
the
disciples
were
unable
to
recognize
Jesus and thought He was a ghost.
▪
A
likely
response,
because
what
else
could
it
be
because
humans
are
not
able
to
walk
on
water!
▪
They
cried
out
in
fear
(likely
intensified
by
the
fear created by the wind and waves).
4
.
Jesus
declared
it
was
Him
and
told
them
to
not
be
afraid.
5
.
Peter
then
asked
Jesus
to
command
him
to
also
walk
on
the
water,
and
Jesus
said
“Come.”
What
is
interesting to note is that Peter:
a
.
Had an impetuous and inquisitive nature.
b
.
Trusted
Jesus
as
he
stepped
off
the
boat
and
began to walk on the water towards Him.
c
.
Soon
began
to
look
at
and
consider
the
tumultuous
conditions
that
surrounded
him,
lost
buoyancy, and called to Jesus for help.
6
.
Jesus
grabbed
him
and
explained
why
was
not
able
to walk on the water: a lack of faith and doubt.
7
.
The
wind
ceased
when
Jesus
and
Peter
entered
into
the boat. The instructional event was completed.
8
.
They
realized
and
declared
He
is
the
son
of
God,
and worshiped Him.
Spiritual Relevance and Application
There
are
multiple
lessons
we
can
learn
from
what
occurred during this miraculous event. For example:
•
Jesus
first
instructed
and
then
sent
His
disciples.
We
are also instructed and sent (the Great Commission).
“Go
therefore
and
make
disciples
of
all
the
nations,
baptizing
them
in
the
name
of
the
Father
and
of
the
Son
and
of
the
Holy
Spirit,
teaching
them
to
observe
all
things
that
I
have
commanded
you.”
Matthew
28:19
As
a
follower
of
Jesus
Christ—as
we
learn
about
Him
and
as
we
become
closer
to
Him—the
Holy
Spirit
will
create
a
compelling
desire
to
upwell
from
the
depths
of
our
heart,
soul
and
spirit
to
share
by
teaching
the
(
Gospel
of
Jesus
Christ
)
to
those
who
are
lost
in
darkness and sin.
•
Although
they
encountered
fearful
conditions,
He
soon
arrived
to
help
them
through
the
storm
and
teach
us
a
spiritual lesson.
We
live
in
a
world
(a
“boat”)
that
is
often
tossed
about
by
the
“wind
and
waves”
of
life—which
at
times
can
become
overwhelming
for
those
who
seek
to
reach
the
lost.
However,
we
are
not
alone
because
the
Holy
Spirit
“has
our
back.”
Even
though
we
may
perceive
He
seems
distant,
He
patiently
waits
for
us
to
realize
that He is there and has all things under His control.
“I
am
with
you
always,
even
to
the
end
of
the
age.”
Matthew 28:20
“And
I
will
pray
the
Father,
and
He
will
give
you
another
Helper,
that
He
may
abide
with
you
forever—the
Spirit
of
truth,
whom
the
world
cannot
receive,
because
it
neither
sees
Him
nor
knows
Him;
but
you
know
Him,
for
He
dwells
with
you
and
will
be
in
you.
I
will
not
leave
you
orphans;
I
will
come
to
you.”
John 14:16-18
“He
is
the
One
who
goes
before
you.
He
will
be
with
you,
He
will
not
leave
you
nor
forsake
you;
do
not
fear
nor be dismayed.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
“Fear
not,
for
I
am
with
you;
Be
not
dismayed,
for
I
am
your
God.
I
will
strengthen
you,
Yes,
I
will
help
you,
I
will
uphold
you
with
My
righteous
right
hand.”
Isaiah
41:10
“All
things
work
together
for
good
to
those
who
love
God,
to
those
who
are
the
called
according
to
His
purpose.”
Romans 8:28
•
It was dark and difficult to see.
The
world
is
filled
with
sin
and
darkness.
And
any
attempt
on
our
own
to
mentally
visualize
and
figure
out
what’s
going
on
and
make
sense
of
it
all
(based
upon
our
limited
human
resources
and
capacities)
is
both
futile
and
frustrating.
For
it
is
only
when
the
“curtain
is
pulled
back”
by
the
Holy
Spirit
is
when
we
are
able
to
see
the
source
of
darkness
battling
against
the
source
of
light
for
the
hearts
of
those
who
will
respond.
“For
we
do
not
wrestle
against
flesh
and
blood,
but
against
principalities,
against
powers,
against
the
rulers
of
the
darkness
of
this
age,
against
spiritual
hosts
of
wickedness
in
the
heavenly
places.”
Ephesians 6:12
“I
am
the
light
of
the
world.
He
who
follows
Me
shall
not
walk
in
darkness,
but
have
the
light
of
life.”
John
8:12
•
They
did
not
recognize
Him
until
He
physically
spoke
to them.
Although
it
is
difficult
to
describe,
we
know
from
the
depths
of
our
inner
being
when
we
“hear”
God
speaking
to
us.
Our
recognition
of
the
source
is
validated
because
His
words
are
encapsulated
in
truth,
love,
grace,
and
righteousness.
For
He
speaks
to
us
as
we
read
scripture;
as
we
pray;
as
we
worship;
as
we
listen
to
Bible
teachings;
as
we
fellowship
with
other
Christians;
and
as
we
quiet
ourselves
on
the
inside.
“
My
sheep
hear
My
voice,
and
I
know
them,
and
they
follow Me.”
John 10:27
•
When
Peter
saw
Jesus
he
developed
a
desire
to
walk
on water like Him.
Peter
is
one
of
the
most
relatable
disciples
of
Jesus
because
of
the
core
desires
of
his
heart,
his
love
for
Jesus,
and
his
misdirected
behavior
(which
occurred
prior
to
when
the
Holy
Spirit
descended
upon
the
disciples).
(
Acts
2
)
Here
is
a
short
listing
of
Peter’s
shortcomings:
Peter
rebuked
Jesus
when
He
foretold
of
His
pending death and resurrection. (
Mat. 16:21-23
)
After
Jesus
verbally
declared
it
was
He
who
was
walking
on
the
water,
Peter
said,
“Lord,
if
it
is
You,
command
me
to
come
to
You
on
the
water.”
Peter
first
acknowledge
who
He
was.
Then
he
challenged
Jesus
to
verify
Himself
by
commanding
him
to
walk
on the water. (
Mat. 14:28
)
Peter
rejected
the
instructional
intent
of
Jesus
when
He attempted to wash his feet. (
John 13:1-17
)
Peter
declared
he
will
never
deny
Jesus.
(
Mat.
26:31-35
)
Peter later denied Him 3 times. (Mat. 26:69-75)
No
one
is
perfect—including
Peter,
you
and
me.
However,
God
is
more
interested
in
the
desires
of
our
heart than He is with our shortcomings.
It
is
important
to
note
that
Peter
desired
to
perform
a
miracle
similar
to
Jesus.
For
as
we
grow
in
Christ
and
as
we
are
transformed
by
Him,
we
will
experience
a
compelling
desire
to
replicate
various
aspects
of
the
ministry
of
Jesus.
And
like
Peter,
our
stepping
out
(on
the
water
in
faith)
usually
involves
varying
degrees
of
risk—because
although
we
may
know
why
we
are
leaving
the
relative
safety
of
our
present
condition
(the
boat),
we
often
do
not
know
all
of
the
other
particulars:
how,
when,
what,
and
where.
And
in
a
similar
manner
when
Peter
stepped
out
from
the
boat
and
onto
the
water,
we
likewise
will
“step
into
the
unknown”
as
we
exercise our faith and obey His directions.
•
Peter became overwhelmed by his surroundings.
There
was
a
point
of
transition
when
Peter’s
faith
in
Jesus
was
overcome
by
doubt.
This
likely
occurred
when
Peter
turned
His
spiritual
eyes
away
from
Jesus,
and
focused
his
physical
eyes
upon
his
surroundings.
There
is
an
inverse
relationship
between
faith
and
doubt.
As
one
increases,
the
other
decreases.
All
who
believe
in
Jesus
will
experience
doubt
at
times
because
of
the
sinful
nature
of
our
flesh—especially
during
trials
and
tribulations—like
Peter
attempting
to
walk on water.
It
is
when
we
“let
go”
and
stop
trying
to
rely
upon
our
limited
capabilities…and
trust
God
to
fulfill
His
desires
through
us…is
when
things
will
begin
to
materialize.
There
is
nothing
we
can
do
by
our
own
vain
self-
directed
efforts
to
further
the
gospel
of
Jesus
Christ—for this is the work of the Holy Spirit.
“Not
by
might
nor
by
power,
but
by
My
Spirit,
says
the
Lord of hosts.”
Zechariah 4:6
•
Jesus
saved
Peter
from
sinking
into
the
water
and
returned him to the safety of the boat.
Trials
and
tribulations
at
times
can
seem
overwhelming
as
we
visualize
ourselves
drowning
in
the
depths
of
an
uncontrollable
situation.
This
is
when
we
have
one
choice:
prayerfully
trust
Him
in
that
He
will
pull
us
out
of
our
perceived
demise.
This
is
when
we
pray,
“I
trust
you
Lord,
I
TRUST
you
Lord,
I
TRUST YOU LORD!”
“Trust
in
the
Lord
with
all
your
heart,
and
lean
not
on
your
own
understanding;
in
all
your
ways
acknowledge
Him,
and
He
shall
direct
your
paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“My
brethren,
count
it
all
joy
when
you
fall
into
various
trials,
knowing
that
the
testing
of
your
faith
produces
patience.”
James 1:2-4
“When
you
pass
through
the
waters,
I
will
be
with
you;
and
through
the
rivers,
they
shall
not
overflow
you.
When
you
walk
through
the
fire,
you
shall
not
be
burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.”
Isaiah 43:2-3
“Fear
not,
for
I
am
with
you;
be
not
dismayed,
for
I
am
your
God.
I
will
strengthen
you,
yes,
I
will
help
you,
I
will
uphold
you
with
My
righteous
right
hand.”
Isaiah
41:10
•
Jesus caused the wind (and waves) to cease.
God
had
completed
His
intended
spiritual
instruction—for both the disciples and for us.
When
we
look
back
at
past
trials
and
tribulations,
we
can
see
how
those
“things”
that
seemed
like
monumental
challenges
lost
their
influence
and/or
disappeared.
In
addition,
we
can
also
see
how
these
events
changed
us
from
within—by
“surgically
altering”
various
aspects
of
our
sinful
flesh—so
that
we can more effectively r
eflect who He is.
Although
Peter
demonstrated
multiple
flaws
(like
all
of
us),
it
was
because
of
the
desires
of
his
heart,
his
love
for
Jesus,
and
the
Father’s
revelatory
influence
upon
him,
that
he
was
chosen
by
Jesus
to
be
instrumental
in
establishing
the
early
church.
When
Jesus
asked
the
disciples,
“Who
do
you
say
that
I
am.”
Peter
responded,
“You
are
the
Christ,
the
Son
of
the
living
God.”
Jesus
then
said
to
Peter,
“Blessed
are
you,
Simon
Bar-Jonah,
for
flesh
and
blood
has
not
revealed
this
to
you,
but
My
Father
who
is
in
heaven.
And
I
also
say
to
you
that
you
are
Peter,
and
on
this
rock
I
will
build
My
church,
and
the
gates
of
Hades
shall
not
prevail
against
it.
And
I
will
give
you
the
keys
of
the
kingdom
of
heaven,
and
whatever
you
bind
on
earth
will
be
bound
in
heaven,
and
whatever
you
loose
on
earth
will
be
loosed
in
heaven.”
Matthew
16:15-19
I
pray
this
lesson
has
highlighted
how
God’s
grace
and
forgiveness
looks
beyond
of
our
human
frailties
because
of
the
desires
of
our
heart
to
know
Him,
and
our
faith
in
His
Son,
Jesus.
I
also
pray
that
you
willingly
step
forward
in
faith
to
“walk
on
the
water”—regardless
of
the
present
situation—when Jesus says “
Come
.”
“Now
to
Him
who
is
able
to
keep
you
from
stumbling,
and
to
present
you
faultless
before
the
presence
of
His
glory
with
exceeding
joy,
to
God
our
Savior,
who
alone
is
wise,
be
glory
and
majesty,
dominion
and
power,
both
now
and
forever.”
Jude 1:24-25
We serve a wonderful Savior.
All for His Glory!
Harold D. Thomas
Thought Provoking Questions
The
purpose
of
the
questions
is
to
facilitate
a
deeper
understanding
of
the
Bible,
this
Bible
study
topic,
and
ourselves.
The
questions
may
be
answered
by
each
reader,
or
used
by
a
Bible
study
group
leader,
or
church
pastor.
The
questions
should
be
answered
or
discussed
after
reading
the
lesson.
In
addition,
the
questions
are
designed
to
enhance
learning
via
the
determination
of
personal
opinions
and
discovering
how
the
lesson
content
relates
to
our
personal
lives.
As
such,
no
answers are provided.
Questions
The
lesson
presented
multiple
correlations
between
Jesus
and
Peter
walking
on
water
and
our
day-to-day
lives
as
a
Christian.
Which
correlation
do
you
think
is
most relevant to you?
The
lesson
states
everything
Jesus
said
and
everything
Jesus
did—including
every
person
who
interacted
with
Him—had
an
instructional
purpose
and
a
spiritual
application for every believer.
•
Identify
at
least
one
different
lesson
taught
by
Jesus—including its spiritual application.
•
Read
(
John
9
).
Identify
at
least
one
spiritual
application God was teaching us through Jesus.
Are
there
behavioral
characteristics
of
Peter
that
you
can
relate to?
You
will
likely
have
the
opportunity
to
meet
Peter
in
Heaven.
As
such,
what
questions
would
you
like
to
ask
him?
The
lesson
states
that
when
we
move
forward
in
faith
there
are
sometimes
varying
degrees
of
risk
(which
is
analogous
to
Peter
stepping
out
of
the
boat
and
onto
the
water). Can you identify examples of risk?
Have
you
experienced
a
compelling
desire
to
do
something
for
the
Lord…but
have
been
reluctant
to
“walk
on
the
water”
because
of
perceived
risk,
concerns
about
unknowns, a lack of faith, or doubt?
What
is
the
most
important
thing
you
learned
from
this
lesson?
You
may
download
a
P
DF
version
of
the
questions
by
clicking on this button.
