Matthew 14 - He Reaches Us In Our Time Of Doubt
This episode is about Matthew 14, where we see Jesus’ ministry becoming more bold. The chapter starts with Herod the Tetrarch, who hears about Jesus and mistakenly believes that John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. Herod had previously imprisoned John for condemning his marriage to his brother’s wife, and eventually had John beheaded. The story then shifts to Jesus, who, upon hearing of John’s death, retreats to a desolate place. However, crowds follow him, and he compassionately heals their sick and miraculously feeds them with just five loaves and two fishes.
The narrative then moves to an event where Jesus walks on water, a miracle that initially frightens his disciples. Peter, one of the disciples, attempts to walk on water too, but he begins to sink when he becomes afraid. He cries out to Jesus, who reaches out and saves him. This moment deeply resonates with me; it symbolizes how, in moments of fear and doubt, Jesus is always there to save us even when it is the fault of our own doubt.
Reflecting on Peter’s actions, I wonder what it reveals about his character or our own faith. Was Peter bold or impulsive? Or was he testing what he saw before him? I find that there’s something to learn from his willingness to step out of the boat, a step I admit I might not have taken myself. This week, I plan to meditate on this concept of stepping out in faith despite the uncertainties and fears that might surround us.
In closing, I want to emphasize that no matter the situation, Jesus is always there to extend his hand and pull us back into safety. Whether or not things turn out the way we hope, Jesus’ compassion and care for us remain constant. My prayer for this week is to have the kind of faith that would enable me to step out of the boat, knowing that even when I begin to sink, Jesus will be there to save me.
Download blank templates, schedules here:
https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8
Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows
Jill’s Links
https://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod
https://twitter.com/schmern
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com
“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”
Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.
Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/
Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact permissions@faithlife.com. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”.
By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.
