The Life of Peter: Matthew 14:22-33
"22 Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. 23 After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. 24 But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, 'It is a ghost!' And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.' 28 Peter said to Him, 'Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.' 29 And He said, 'Come!' And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, 'Lord, save me!' 31 Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, 'You of little faith, why did you doubt?' 32 When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, 'You are certainly God's Son!'" (Matthew 14:22-33, NASB)
On Sunday, Pastor Chad spoke about being "Formed by the Storm," drawing from his experience with Hurricane Beryl in The Woodlands as a powerful metaphor for how storms—both literal and those from life’s difficult seasons—have a unique ability to help us grow and reveal truths. Through Peter's story of walking on water, we learned that obedience doesn't always bring comfort, that failure is part of following Jesus, and that Jesus meets us in the midst of our storms. Pastor Chad emphasized that storms can shape us to become more like Jesus if we allow them, and that our journey of discipleship isn't about never sinking—it's about who we turn to when we do.
Discussion Questions
- What is your storm right now? Pastor Chad mentioned health issues, family struggles, job uncertainty, or internal battles regarding wise decisions. Share what resonates with your current season and how it feels to be "tossed like a tree in a hurricane."
- The disciples were obedient to Jesus, yet their obedience led them directly into a storm. How does this challenge the "American idea of Christianity" that following Jesus should make life easier? When have you faced difficulties as a result of obedience?
- Peter was the only disciple who asked to walk on water, and for a moment, he and Jesus were the only two people to ever do so. What do you think gave Peter the courage to step out of the boat? How do you relate to either Peter's boldness or the other disciples who stayed safely in the boat?
- Pastor Chad pointed out that Jesus came walking "on the very thing that threatened their lives." What does this reveal about Jesus' power over our circumstances? How might this truth shift your perspective on your current challenges?
- When Peter "saw the wind," he shifted his focus from Jesus to his circumstances and began to sink. Pastor Chad shared his own experience of complaining to God when staff members leave. When have you found yourself focusing on the storm instead of on Jesus? What helps you refocus?
- The real failure wasn't that Peter sank—it was that the other disciples remained in the boat and missed their chance to be water walkers. How might fear of failure be preventing you from stepping out in faith? What "water walking" opportunity might God be calling you to?
- Pastor Chad emphasized three key truths: obedience doesn't always lead to comfort, failure is part of following Jesus, and Jesus is with you in the storm. Which of these truths do you need to hear the most right now, and why?
Posted in Sermon Notes
No Comments