Daily Word Of God
Matthew 14:22-23a, 25-31
Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he sent the crowds away. After sending the crowds away he went up into the hills by himself to pray.
In the fourth watch of the night he came towards them, walking on the sea, and when the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. ‘It is a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear. But at once Jesus called out to them, saying, ‘Courage! It’s me! Don’t be afraid.’
It was Peter who answered. ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘if it is you, tell me to come to you across the water.’ Jesus said, ‘Come.’ Then Peter got out of the boat and started walking towards Jesus across the water, but then noticing the wind, he took fright and began to sink. ‘Lord,’ he cried, ‘save me!’
Jesus put out his hand at once and held him. ‘You have so little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- Peter who walked on the water reminds us that we too can never go to Jesus unless we are “held” up by His divine power. When Christ bade Peter to get out of the boat to go to Him, He is allowing Peter to experience not only His divine power, but also that Peter might know his own weakness.
- God is closest to us in times of doubts and trials. That is why Jesus allowed Peter to be tested. Jesus also allow suffering to come our way because we tend to seek God more when we are in desperate situations.
- He that seeks God in desperation must first have faith in Him to give us the strength we need. Ponder on how you would relate to God when you are in a desperate situation.