Miracles (part 3)

Jesus Calms the Storm, Matthew 8:23-27
Jesus Walks on Water, Matthew 14:22-33

Today's lesson examines two nature miracles in which Jesus called the disciples to trusting faith rather than to doubting fear: Matthew 8: 23-27, where Jesus calmed the storm and Matthew 14:22-33 where Jesus and Peter walk on the water.
In each case Jesus was not concerned with the problem the disciples faced or even the solution to the problem. Jesus' concern was that in times of natural disaster His followers would draw near to Him in faith rather that agonizing in fear.
How desperately do unbelievers in the world need to see that Jesus makes the difference! Faith, like fear, can be contagious. Our faith in God not only glorifies Him, but it also can inspire others to believe in Him.

Matthew 8:23-27
What should have been the disciples reaction to the storm?
What did Jesus want to see in them?
Contrast the faith of these Old Testament characters and that of the Disciples.
Daniel 3:16-18
Job 13:15

God is not at the beck and call of every person who encounters natural disasters. Every cry for help will not result in miraculous intervention or deliverance because the Sovereign Lord of the universe is always working out His will. God's will for us is to take us through trials, not out of them. (1Cor 10:13)

Matthew 14:22-27
What does the Lord provide when He does not provide deliverance? (He is the Source of strength and courage that enables believers to overcome their fears.)
Is there ever a time He is not with His people? (No-even before Jesus joined the disciples, He knew where they were and cared fro them.)

Matthew 14:28-33
Imagine yourself as Peter in the scene described in these verses. Describe what Peter would have been thinking and feeling as he stepped out of the boat to walk toward Jesus on the water.

1. Has anyone ever stepped out in courage to walk toward Jesus in your lives?
2. What caused Peter to be distracted and lose confidence, sinking into the sea? What was it that Peter feared?
3. What distractions do we have that might threaten our confidence in walking toward Christ in our lives?
4. Why did Jesus followers sometimes experience doubt even when they witnessed His miracles many times?
5. How can we replace fear with faith?

Compare the response of Jesus' rescue of Peter to that of Jesus calming the storm in Matthew 8:27.

Some people say, “If I had seen the miracles that Peter and the other Disciples saw, I would never doubt again.” The problem is not that we need to see the miracles to believe. We need to trust and obey His Word as our soul authority for faith and practice.