January 25, 2026
Matthew 14:22–33 (NLT) 22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” 28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” 32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
Jesus walking on Water in the Storm.
This had been a long day for Jesus and the Disciples:
-Jesus healed many people.
-The miracle of feeding 5000 men
with only Five loaves of bread and Two fish.
(about 20,000, including women and children)
-The disciples were tired.
1. Jesus Puts you in situations to Grow your Faith:
Matthew 14:22–23 (NLT) 22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home.
23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.
v. 23. Jesus always found time to be alone with God to pray.
If Jesus needed to pray, how much more should we?
v. 22. Insisted means, (Greek: anagkazō, an-ang-kad´-zo)
He Made them, Forced, Compelled, It was Necessary,
Jesus was lovingly preparing His disciples
for the important ministry they were called to serve.
They were going to be the pioneers of the New Testament Church.
They were going to go through many trials, opposition, and persecution.
They were going to need Faith to get through it.
They were going to have to Trust in God, have Faith
to accomplish the vision and ministry they were called to.
This is the same for the Church Today, God’s people.
Our Faith must Grow, if we are going to accomplish
what God has called us to.
God has given us a Great Vision.
God has called us to a great task.
To Bring the Gospel all over the World.
It’s going to take Men and Women of Faith:
-Faith to Give: Tithes and Offerings, United We Can Partners.
2 Corinthians 9:8–10 (NLT) 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” 10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.
-Faith to Step into Your Calling:
-Faith to use your gifts and talents:
Jesus knew the disciples:
-Would need Faith in God.
-Faith Must Grow.
2. Jesus will always show up when trouble comes.
Matthew 14:24–27 (NLT) 24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
Jesus is near when you Fear.
He does not call from the shore. He shows up in the middle of the storm.
Not to condemn us, to encourage us, to teach us, to strengthen us.
Psalm 46:1–2 (ESV) 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
v. 26-27. When Jesus arrived, the disciples did not recognize Him.
They thought He was a ghost.
The more you spend time with Jesus,
the more you will recognize and discern His presence.
Faith gets stronger with continual attention to Jesus,
not on circumstances.
The Presence of God Brings Peace and Hope.
Psalm 23:4 (ESV) 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Philippians 4:6–7 (ESV) 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
3. Faith is to Keep your Eyes on Jesus.
Matthew 14:28–31 (NLT) 28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.
30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
v. 28-29. Peter demonstrates boldness, courage, and faith.
The other disciples stayed in the boat.
v. 30. Peter’s faith waivers.
He is no longer confident.
Lost courage, boldness.
Peter has enough faith to step out of the boat:
But does not sustain his faith.
But does not maintain the trust needed.
Jesus uses the storm to teach Peter and the disciples:
To Recognize of Jesus’s divine authority and power.
Some Christians will step out in Faith and begin to walk on water.
But easily fall when they see the trials come.
The storm tries to:
Steal our Focus.
Shrink our Faith.
Faith is feeling fear but refusing to panic,
Because you know Jesus is near.
We must Keep our eyes on Jesus In the Storms of Life.
Matthew 13:20–23 (NIV) 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.
22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.
23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
v. 31. Jesus rebukes Peter little faith and doubt.
Peter’s faith did not line up with his actions.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV) for we walk by faith, not by sight.
Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.
Hebrews 11:6 (NLT) And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Romans 1:17 (ESV) For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
4. The Goal is Worship
Matthew 14:32–33 (NIV) 32 And when they climbed into the boat,
the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Jesus did not stop the storm until He got in the boat. Not sooner.
He allowed the storm to continue but the disciples were safe.
All the disciples worshiped Jesus.
The Storm demonstrated Jesus’ Divine Power and Authority.
Take your faith to the next level:
1. Know God more and more every day.
Ephesians 1:18–20 (NIV) — 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
2. Faith will not grow until it is challenged.
3. Do not neglect the basics.
Prayer
The Word
Church Attendance
Accountability
Good Steward of Your Time, Talents, and Treasures