Study 3 – Matthew 14 verses 22-27

Learning to Trust Jesus (1) – The Struggle against the Gale

 

1. In Matthew 14:22 we read that Jesus “made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side.” What does this teach us about the “arrangement” of our life’s events.
2. Look up Psalm 139 which was referred to in the sermon.
   
   

   Why do you think this Psalm was dealt with in relation to Matthew 14:22?
   In verse 16b of the Psalm David states that “the days that were formed for me” were written in God’s “book” before he was born. What does this mean? How does this link with the “thoughts” of God (verse 17) being “precious” to David?
   In what ways is Christ’s “arrangement” relevant to your life?

3. The disciples in the boat were making little progress against the strong wind. Using Mark 6:48 along with the Matthew passage, study the following points and think of why they are important to you:
   
   

   Jesus “saw them” in their struggle.
   Jesus came to them walking on the water.
   Jesus is both the Creator God and a personal Friend.
   Jesus made as if to pass by them (compare Luke 24:28).

4. Verse 26 tells us that the disciples were “terrified” thinking Jesus was a ghost. The sermon mentioned how fear is often experienced in relation to a new situation, or that which had never been experienced by us before, and that this sometimes makes us reluctant to accept change. Think of what this involves in the following:
   
   

   A personal commitment to follow Jesus.
   A step which will show others that you are a Christian.
   A painful experience in your personal life (you do not need to say what it is).
   A change in the church that you do not fully agree with.

5. Jesus reassured the disciples (verse 27) with the words “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” The sermon stated that this encouragement to “take heart...do not be afraid” is based on “It is I.” Why is this the case? (see also Exodus 3:13-15 and John 8:57-58).
6. Near the end of the sermon these words were used – “the wind was still howling, but he (Jesus) is now there.” What meaning do you attach to this?

 

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Posted in Study Questions; Posted 8 years ago by Stornoway Free Church