From the Home Place

November 18, 2025

Open you Bible to Matthew 14 and read verses 22-33; Now let’s spend some time looking for the golden nuggets buried within this passage. I’m using the New American Standard Version of the Bible, so your version will probably read differently, yet I encourage you to allow your version to be your vision to help you see all of the scenes of this passage.

First, Jesus sends His disciples off on what was a common occurance for those living around the Sea of Galilee, they often crossed from one side to the other.

Next, we find Jesus “sending the crowds away.” Jesus was simply encouraging the people to return to their homes and their lives. God knows that our human bodies need nourishment and rest. He also expects us to work to provide for ourselves if we possibly can.

Next, in verse 23 we find Jesus, alone on a mountain, praying. Throughout the New Testament, quite often Jesus went to a mountain to pray.

I’ve been blessed to climb many mountains in Wyoming and Colorado – it doesn’t matter where a mountain is, it is always a challenge to get to the top of it. You see friends, we all want to have a “mountain top” experience with Jesus, but seldom do we want to leave the comfortable surroundings of where we live. It is hard work to go to the mountain top with Jesus, but He always encourages us, “come walk with Me.” Being a Christ-follower isn’t for wimps; it is a demanding journey! A journey that requires a lot of time spent in prayer.

In verse 24 we read that the “wind was contrary.” Meaning that the wind was opposing the progress of the disciples in their boat. They were caught in a storm that they couldn’t get themselves out of. We as modern-day disciples often find ourselves in similar storms. The solution is yet to come.

Let’s hustle along a bit here, the disciples are fearfully struggling, attempting to get out of the storm when Jesus arrives, “walking on the sea.” Seeing Jesus, the disciples were even more “terrified.” How often when we are in a storm of life do things go from bad-to-worse?

Note verse 27, Jesus speaks, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Do you suppose that this storm caught Jesus by surprise? No! Back in verse 22, we read that Jesus, “made the disciples get into the boat.” The word “made” is a stern word, meaning to “compel or force.” Undoubtably the disciples wanted to go with Jesus to the mountain top, but He “made” them get into the boat for He wanted them to learn a lesson during a storm. One has to wonder, how often does Jesus put us in a situation where He wants us to learn a valuable truth about Himself during a storm?

It’s easy to walk with Jesus when the sun is shining brightly, but how about in the midst of a serious storm? A storm like cancer or another serious illness. A storm like financial crisis. A storm like interpersonal struggles. A storm that causes your faith to faulter.

To us and to His first disciples, Jesus says “Take courage; do not be afraid.” You see loved ones, as Christ followers our strength comes from the Lord, “courage” is being willing to exercise that strength. While Satan wants us to cower in fear, Jesus wants us to “strong and courageous!” The choice is ours.

And then comes good ‘ol Pete. It seems to me that Peter realizes that he’s had enough of the sinking boat and knows that Jesus is his better option. I love Jesus’ response to Peter’s request (v.28), Jesus simply replies “come.”

Here we find the beginning of the remedy for dealing with our “storm.” It all begins with enough faith to admit that I’m a sinner and I need a Savior, or as said here, I have to recognize that I’m in a storm and I need rescued. Peter askes Jesus to be his rescuer (Savior if you will), and Jesus simply bids him “come.” Is Jesus inviting you to come to Him? Not is He inviting you to join a certain church or be baptized, those are to be added after coming to Jesus. Jesus simply says, “come.” “Come to Me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Are you tired of trying to save yourself? Then get out of your sinking boat and walk to Jesus!

Fact, coming to Jesus does not make the storm stop, but it does give you a mighty Savior to walk to safety with. And just like Peter, your new faith will faulter. Once again, I remind each of us to not allow circumstances to determine our trust in Jesus. You see, when Peter took his eyes off of Jesus, Peter began to sink, and so will we when we take our eyes off of Jesus and look at the storm around us.

We’ve all heard the old adage, “Sink or swim.” Well, I think this passage tells us that we will sink if we don’t keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus. We are to walk by faith, not by sight. Why, because Satan will use the circumstances of our storm as a way to discourage and defeat us. Walking by faith in Jesus will give us courage far beyond what we are able to muster on our own.

To me, verse 30 is the pivotal verse in Peter’s life, and it can also be pivotal in your life. Peter “cried out, Lord, save me!” Regardless of the storm your life might be in right now, realize that your are sinking and inwardly shout to Jesus, “Lord, save me!” Here, the word “save” literally means to “deliver.” As sinners, you and I are in a storm that is going to swallow us up and take us to Hell. Yet if we cry out to Jesus as Peter did, “Lord, save me!” Jesus will answer that cry, reach out His hand and “deliver” us as well.

Result of being saved by Jesus, the disciples “worshiped Him.” When you allow Jesus to bring salvation into your life, your first response will be to recognize that Jesus “certainly” is “God’s Son!”

Worshiping the Savior with you, Neal