TLDR;
This video explores the story of Jesus walking on water in Matthew 14, offering eight insights into the passage. It highlights the deeper meaning behind the miracle, connecting it to themes of overcoming darkness, divine authority, and the invitation to find rest and peace in Jesus. The video also draws parallels to Old Testament stories and other New Testament passages to provide a comprehensive understanding of the scripture.
- The story is not just about walking on water, but about treading on the kingdom of darkness.
- Jesus' actions demonstrate his divine power and authority over the natural world.
- Believers are invited to share in Jesus' victory and authority through faith.
Introduction [0:00]
The video introduces the story of Jesus walking on water from Matthew 14, noting its context within the Sea of Galilee, where other significant events occurred, such as the drowning of the pigs and Jesus calming the storm. The presenter outlines the intention to explore eight insights into this passage, revealing deeper messages about overcoming the kingdom of darkness. The introduction also includes a welcome to Above Reproach Ministries and an invitation to engage with their various resources, including daily devotionals, weekly Bible reading plans, group study discussions on Discord, and other materials available on their website.
The Narrative Begins [1:17]
The passage from Matthew 14:22-33 is presented, detailing how Jesus sends his disciples ahead in a boat after feeding the 5,000, while he goes to a mountain to pray alone. The boat is caught in a storm, and in the fourth watch of the night, Jesus approaches them walking on the sea. The disciples, terrified, mistake him for a ghost, but Jesus reassures them. Peter asks to walk on the water to Jesus, and initially succeeds, but becomes afraid due to the wind and begins to sink, prompting Jesus to save him. Upon Jesus entering the boat, the wind ceases, and the disciples worship him, declaring him the Son of God.
Outside the Boat [3:19]
The first observation is that Jesus sent the disciples away after they ate, reversing their suggestion to send the crowds home to find food. Unlike a previous storm where Jesus was in the boat with them, this time he is absent. This mirrors Jesus' earlier authority in making the crowd sit on the grass.
The High Mountains [4:35]
The second observation focuses on Jesus' solitary prayer on the mountain, similar to his testing in the wilderness. This solitude is emphasized, suggesting a time for processing and mourning the death of John the Baptist. The high mountain setting is also a recurring motif, such as the Mount of Transfiguration where Jesus' identity is affirmed by the Father after Moses and Elijah disappear. This context helps the disciples recognize Jesus as the Son of God. Moses and Elijah sought the Lord in distressful situations on high mountains, connecting to Jesus' actions.
Praying Alone [6:34]
The third observation highlights Jesus praying alone, drawing parallels to the Garden of Gethsemane where he prays while his disciples struggle with emotional distress. The passage notes the late hour at which Jesus approaches his disciples, raising the question of why he waited so long to intervene in their struggle.
Walking on Water [8:29]
The fourth observation is that Jesus walks on water, which is unique and exclusive to God alone. Psalm 77 recalls the Exodus, where the waters were afraid of God, and Job 9:8 states that God alone "tramples the waves of the sea." Unlike the Exodus where God made dry land for his people to pass through, here Jesus turns the water into dry land to walk on.
The Disciples' Fear [12:20]
The disciples are terrified and think they are seeing a ghost. The Jewish understanding of the sea as the great abyss, where unclean spirits come from, makes this fear understandable. They assign a supernatural dimension to what they're seeing because they know the deep waters of the sea are almost like an entry into the underworld.
Peter's Request [13:40]
Jesus tells them not to be afraid, and Peter asks Jesus to command him to come to him on the water. Peter's request is compared to Satan's temptation of Jesus in Matthew 4, but Peter's heart attitude is different. He wants assurance, not to doubt Jesus' identity.
Under His Feet Theme [15:13]
The fifth observation is the "under his feet" theme. Jesus invites Peter to come to him, echoing Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all who labor, and I will give you rest." Jesus is inviting people to rise above what once overtook them and stand with him through faith. All authority is his, and through faith, believers are invited to stand with him and tread on the enemy. Romans 16:20 states that the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
Exposing of Doubt [17:33]
The sixth observation is the exposing of doubt. Jesus questions Peter's doubt, providing a teaching lesson. This is similar to Jesus addressing the woman with the issue of blood, where he addresses the invisible issue underneath it all. James 1:6-8 is referenced, stating that one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind, and should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
Peace in the Storm [20:37]
The seventh observation is peace in the storm. In the previous storm, Jesus was at peace in the boat, sleeping. Now, Jesus is at peace walking on the waters towards his disciples. There are two different images of peace: restful ease and peacefully yet actively moving towards his people in the storm. There are at least two different ways God might handle our storms and be present with us in difficulties.
Son of God [24:26]
The eighth and final observation is the declaration of Jesus as the Son of God. The demons and the devil have referred to Jesus as the Son of God, and now the disciples are catching on. It's one thing for Jesus to command the seas and the wind, but it's another thing for Jesus to turn the waves into his transportation system. What should have drowned Jesus becomes a transportation system that works in the will of the Father.
Authority Over the Enemy [25:52]
The theme of having things under the feet of God's chosen one is discussed, referencing Romans 16 and Luke 10:19, where Jesus gives his disciples authority to tread on serpents and scorpions. This authority is connected to receiving the rest of Jesus and coming to him in faith. The story demonstrates the divine creative power of Jesus, who doesn't just command the waters but walks on them and brings people with him.
Conclusion [30:26]
The video concludes by noting that in the next story, Jesus will heal many people and confront the Pharisees and scribes. The presenter encourages viewers to follow their reading plan and join their Thursday night group discussion. He also promotes becoming a monthly supporter to access exclusive teachings and resources. Additionally, he mentions a new channel called Different Bible Study, where they are studying Genesis.
