Matthew 14:32-36

Matthew 14:32-36
In reading the scriptures, especially historical accounts like this one, it is important that we place ourselves in the scene so that we can fully appreciate the lesson being given. In this case, if we sit down in that boat with the twelve and observe what has just happened, it will stir our hearts. Run the video in your own mind as you look up from that boat and see Jesus walking on the water, stepping securely over the waves and standing strong against the wind. Watch as Peter steps out of the boat after receiving permission from the Lord. Look at him doing something no man has ever done since. Then observe how he becomes fearful and begins the sink, but the Lord immediately takes his hand and saves him from the waves. Now watch this! Peter and Jesus walk on the water to the boat. Peter steps in. Then Jesus steps in, and when He does, the wind ceases and there is a great calm. At this, all twelve apostles fell down at His feet and worshiped Him saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”Think about what they just said: “the Son of God.” What does that mean? The Hebrews had an interesting way of describing the nature of a person. Later, in the book of Acts, there was a man named Joses who was a very encouraging individual. He was so encouraging that the apostles renamed him “son of encouragement.” That would mean that he had the very essence of encouragement. We would say that if you looked up “encouragement” in the dictionary, his picture would be beside the definition. Therefore, the phrase, “the Son of God,” was saying that Jesus is God. Using the article (the) implies that there is no other like Him. Now just consider the fact that God came to this earth and lived as a man in order to save us! That fact is so amazing; it is so amazing that it is difficult for our finite minds to consider it for very long. God loved us so much that He came and lived in the flesh; lived as one of us and showed us how a person really ought to live. Then, above all else, He showed us how much He wanted us to live with Him eternally by dying for us on the cross. The Son of God was crucified so that we would know His unfathomable love.
Berry Kercheville