Giving Bold Testimony
Peter Takes a Risk
Matthew 14:22-33 The Message
22-23 As
soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in
the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the
people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be
by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night.
24-26 Meanwhile,
the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they
were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus
came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their
wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror.27 But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.”
28 Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.”
29-30 He said, “Come ahead.”
Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!”
31 Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?”
32-33 The
two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The
disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus,
saying, “This is it! You are God’s Son for sure!”
Peter's
faith had limits. The NIV version translates "Faint-heart" "You of
little faith." In this case "faith" is not a noun, but rather, a verb.
One might advocate that trust be substituted as the active form of the
word faith. Peter trusted the Lord and walked on water until his confidence in that trust
eroded.
How often do we like Peter cry out, "Master save me." How often do we find our trust in God is limited. Because of Christ, our trust in God can be radical, irrational, and beyond human imagination.
Pray
How often do we like Peter cry out, "Master save me." How often do we find our trust in God is limited. Because of Christ, our trust in God can be radical, irrational, and beyond human imagination.
Pray
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