Miracles and Deliverance

Lesson 10

Lesson Text—Matthew 14:22-25

Matthew 14:22-2522 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

Lesson Text—Matthew 14:22-25

24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

Lesson Text—Matthew 14:26-29

Matthew 14:26-2926 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

Lesson Text—Matthew 14:26-29

28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

Lesson Text—Matthew 14:30-33

Matthew 14:30-3330 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Lesson Text—Matthew 14:30-33

32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

Focus Verse—Psalm 107:29

Psalm 107:29He maketh the storm a calm,

so that the waves thereof are still.

Focus Thought

Jesus walks on the things that

cause us to fear.

I. Sent into the StormIntroduction

This lesson is appropriate for every person, because all of us have needed miracles in a storm. Life is much like the ocean in that it is seldom calm. As quickly as the winds of one storm subside, the horizon dances with the clouds of another one approaching. Just as Jesus was the key to the disciples’ security on the sea that fateful night, He is our miracle in the storms of our lives.

I. Sent into the StormIn this lesson we will study how

Jesus’ disciples fought for their lives against the contrary waves and winds of a violent storm. Obviously, they were afraid and thought they were going to perish, but Jesus spoke to them out of the midst of the storm and told them not to fear.

We also will study Peter’s famous walk on the water. He was the only one in the boat who was willing to leave its safety to get closer to Jesus. While some people may only remember Peter’s sinking, we should focus on his walking.

I. Sent into the StormInterestingly, the Bible records both the successes and the failures of its characters.

We will further explore the purpose and benefit of storms in our lives. The difficult times of life can work to bolster our trust in the Lord. When things in our lives go awry, we learn more about both God and ourselves. Difficulty and defeat cause us to study our approach to life, while ease and victory only cause us to bask thoughtlessly in self-contentment.

I. Sent into the StormHopefully, this lesson will teach

us how God can bring peace in the midst of our storms. Even if He chooses not to quiet the wind, He will reassure us and give us patience to endure the storm and survive. We are confident that whether we are witnessing a miracle or we are struggling in a storm, Jesus is with us. He can increase the bread and decrease the wind. Indeed, the Master is able to make adjustments in our lives to bring comfort and safety to our souls. Either way He chooses, we will witness a miracle in the storm.

I. Sent into the StormSent into the Storm

“And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent

the multitudes away” (Matthew 14:22).

I. Sent into the StormJesus had just multiplied the five

loaves and two fish to feed the hungry multitude. Now it was time for the vast crowd to disperse. According to Matthew, it was already evening before Jesus fed the massive crowd of people (Matthew 14:15). After the miraculous feeding, it was even later, and the Bible simply declares, “He . . . sent the multitudes away” (Matthew 14:23).

Although we all enjoy the rush of the miraculous, we must face the reality of good things coming to an end.

I. Sent into the StormThe last service of the revival ends. Camp meeting closes. Youth camp finishes. Conference concludes, and everyone returns home. These times test our spiritual mettle. What is our response when all of our friends and church family depart and we are left alone? We should keep in mind God’s promise, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). Faithfulness simply means that we keep doing what we are supposed to do regardless of our situation.

A. Saved from the Crowd A. Saved from the

Crowd As much as we love and respect

people, we all have times when we feel the need to get away. Crowds are wearisome, especially if one is ministering to them. Jeremiah proclaimed, “Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them!” (Jeremiah 9:2).

I. Sent into the StormAs it was not wrong for Jesus to

desire some time alone, neither was it wrong for His disciples to desire a time of occasional separation from the crowd. If Jeremiah and Jesus had a need for time alone, how much more we need to spend time away from the crowd.

Why can crowds be bad? There are several reasons. Crowds influence. When we see everyone doing something, we feel pressure to conform to whatever they are doing. Crowds intimidate.

I. Sent into the StormInvariably when there is a crowd, there are always those who are outspoken against anyone trying to do what is right. The strength that we feel when we are alone can be weakened when we are around others who may have the wrong kind of influence on us.

Every victorious Christian knows the value of time spent alone. It is good to pray in a group and concerted prayer is powerful, but nothing can replace time spent in prayer alone.

I. Sent into the StormJesus emphasized this to His disciples: “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:6).

Jesus was not condemning public prayer, but He was censuring the Pharisees: “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men.

I. Sent into the StormVerily I say unto you, They have their reward” (Matthew 6:5).

Although the apostle John did not choose to be exiled on the Isle of Patmos, he received the glorious revelation of Jesus Christ called the Book of Revelation while he was there alone. He never would have received those insights in the midst of a maddening crowd. Certainly, we receive wonderful things from the Lord while meditating and praying alone.

B. Sent into the Storm B. Sent into the Storm

When Jesus commanded His disciples to get into a ship and go wait for Him on the other side, He knew that they would encounter a storm. There are at least two possible reasons Jesus sent the disciples into the storm:

I. Sent into the Storm(1) knowing they would face the storm, He may have wanted to test their faith and teach them an important lesson; or (2) although He knew the storm would cross their path, He did not alter either the storm’s path or the schedule of the disciples, letting the factors of time and chance happen. He knew that regardless of the circumstances, He would keep them from harm while they were in the storm.

I. Sent into the StormThere are times Jesus sends us

into storms of life, and at other times He allows us to go through storms of life that just happen to be in our path. In either case, He knows we will face turbulence, but He also knows that a storm creates a special classroom where we can learn many valuable lessons. It is not that He wants us to suffer, but He does desire that we learn and grow spiritually from these experiences.

I. Sent into the StormJust as defeat often teaches us more than victory, storms can teach us more than tranquility. We always learn more about God, life, and ourselves when things are not going well. The preacher declared, “In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider” (Ecclesiastes 7:14). When things go well, we enjoy them and reflect less; but when things go badly, it causes much reflection.

I. Sent into the StormWe also should remember that

most of what happens in life is not directly from the hand of either God or Satan. It is simply life. (See Ecclesiastes 9:11.)

Ecclesiastes 9:11 “I returned, and saw under

the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor

yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all” (Ecclesiastes

9:11).

I. Sent into the StormDoes God know what will

happen to individuals? Absolutely! Jesus knew the disciples would encounter a storm that day. Most importantly, He cares for us whether what happens to us happens by chance or by His choice. He knew the disciples were going into a storm and He could have altered it before the disciples encountered it, but He chose instead to still the winds and waves after they had experienced it.

C. Seen in the Sea C. Seen in the Sea

“And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were

troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear”

(Matthew 14:26).

I. Sent into the StormAs the disciples were on the

ship about to become victims of a vicious storm, they saw Jesus in the midst of the sea. If they had known who it was, they would not have been so frightened. However, they thought they were seeing a ghost until He revealed Himself (Matthew 14:27). Therefore, Jesus comforted His disciples: “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid” (Matthew 14:27).

I. Sent into the StormJesus is in every storm of life that

anyone experiences! Since He is omnipresent, we should always remember that He is present in our storms. We should not feel alone and frightened when the storm arrives. We may not be able to see Him, but He is always there. Too many people mistakenly think of Jesus’ place as being only in the church. It is true that He is in the church, but He also is everywhere else. Remembering this while in the midst of our storms will help us to discover Him and progressively learn more about Him.

II. Safe in the StormSafe in the Storm

A. Jesus Walked in the Storm

Perhaps the Christian’s greatest challenge is to trust in the Lord. We may know all the Scriptures revealing His ability to supply our needs and care for us, but we somehow find them difficult to believe in the midst of trying circumstances. Ideally, our circumstances should have nothing to do with our trusting the Lord: “For he is faithful that promised” (Hebrews 10:23). (See I Corinthians 10:13.)

I Corinthians 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is

common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer

you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way

to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (I Corinthians

10:13).

I. Sent into the StormWhen we are in God’s hand, He provides us with a shield from the storm around us. He becomes our “cellar” in the storm. God asked Satan, “Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?” (Job 1:8).

I. Sent into the StormSatan responded, “Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land” (Job 1:9-10). Thank God that we have that hedge!

B. Jesus Walked on the Water

B. Jesus Walked on the Water

“The LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his

feet” (Nahum 1:3).

I. Sent into the StormFloor covering is big business

because people are discriminating about what their feet walk on. If it is carpet, some want a soft, thick pile so their feet can sink into softness. Others prefer a tighter, shorter pile giving them a firmer surface for their feet. We have all walked on rough and rocky surfaces that were not only difficult to walk on, but also uncomfortable. However, God can walk on anything.

I. Sent into the StormMiraculously, Jesus received

enough support from the surface of the sea that it enabled Him to walk where normally no one could. Even the phenomenon of surface tension is inadequate to support the weight of a person on water. The molecules that allow a double-edged razor blade to float as long as the surface is not penetrated were ordered that day to hold hands and support their Creator.

I. Sent into the StormThis should encourage everyone going through a stormy experience. God will give us the support we need to succeed where we normally would fail. The molecules of our troubled surface will hold hands and support us, enabling us to walk when otherwise we could not even stand up.

A. Jesus Walked in the Storm

Jesus’ walking on the water teaches us many lessons, one of which is that through Christ it is possible to receive support from what is normally insufficient to support us. For example, putting God first with our finances enables God to support us with what previously would not have been sufficient.

I. Sent into the StormIf Jesus walked where it was

not possible to walk, can we not walk—with His divine assistance—where it is humanly impossible to walk? The prophet Isaiah declared, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee” (Isaiah 43:2).

I. Sent into the StormPart of this verse was

demonstrated as true in Daniel 3, where the three Hebrews were cast into the fiery furnace for not bowing to the king’s image. The Bible states, “And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them” (Daniel 3:27).

C. Jesus and Peter Walked on the Water

C. Jesus and Peter Walked on the Water

“And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he

said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus” (Matthew 14:28-29).

I. Sent into the StormWhen Peter asked Jesus to allow

him to walk toward Him, Jesus replied simply, “Come.” We should carefully compliment Peter for his faith, for at the invitation of Jesus, he stepped across the gunwale and onto the sea. If he had no faith, he would have stepped “into” the sea. Although most Bible readers remember Peter’s sinking, perhaps we should instead focus on the fact that he did walk on water. Although we do not know how many steps he took, one single step on water is miraculous.

I. Sent into the StormHow often do we leave the boat with our faith high and begin walking on water and then, like Peter, take our eyes off of the Lord and begin focusing on our boisterous surroundings? When Peter began noticing the stormy and powerful waves, he began to sink. So do we when we stop focusing on Jesus.

I. Sent into the StormThe author of the Book of Hebrews wrote, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus inspired Peter’s faith to step out of the boat, but Peter should have kept focusing on Him to finish that faith. The Lord not only gives us faith to start, but He also provides us with the faith to finish.

I. Sent into the StormWhen Peter began sinking, he

frantically cried out to Jesus, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached toward him and picked him up out of the stormy waves with a mild reprimand: “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” (Matthew 14:31). When Peter lost his focus on Jesus, he lost his support. The water held him as long as he focused his faith toward Jesus.

I. Sent into the StormThe next verse declares, “And when they were come into the ship. . . .” This reveals that when Jesus stretched forth His hand and caught him, Peter again walked on the water. However, this time he walked with Jesus. It is always easier to walk on or in the difficult places when we know that we are walking with Him.

I. Sent into the StormMany people never walk on the

water because they never venture out of the boat. Leaving the boat represents leaving our comfort zone. Some people do venture out of the boat, but they plunge into the water on the side opposite Jesus and attempt to walk in their own direction. When they begin sinking, Jesus is nowhere around to reach to them because they went in the wrong direction—away from Him.

I. Sent into the StormThose who step out of the boat

to get closer to Jesus often are criticized by those who stay in the boat, but those in the boat never have a chance to reach their potential in God. Further, it is not risky to leave the boat if we are leaving to move closer to Him. Critics may say that we are going off the deep end, but the deep water is only on the other side of the boat away from Him.

I. Sent into the StormWe should note that only one

disciple left the boat to go to Jesus; the majority stayed where they knew it was safer. Thus, to always follow the majority robs us of the opportunity of getting closer to Jesus. (See Matthew 7:13-14.)

Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth

to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few

there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

III. Safe in the BoatSafe in the Boat

It is not difficult to chart Peter’s ups and downs in our lesson text. While he was in the boat, he experienced fear; while on the water, he experienced faith; upon noticing the wind, he again experienced fear; when Jesus rescued him, he was encouraged and again experienced faith. Perhaps the pattern of wavering is too typical of a disciple of the Lord. However, it is a normal aspect of the human element.

I. Sent into the StormIn his letter to the Romans, Paul used the phrase “from faith to faith” (Romans 1:17). This seems to be a brief explanation of our cyclic pattern of believing. Everyone has been given a “measure of faith” (Romans 12:3), but that measure of faith may be stronger at some times than at others.

I. Sent into the StormWhen a torpedo leaves its tube

on the way to its target, it is headed in the right direction. However, while it is on the way, its course must be altered through a series of course corrections. As the torpedo starts to deviate ever so slightly to the right or left, its course is electronically corrected so that it arrives in what could be described as a zigzag pattern. The naked eye could not detect the slight aberrations, but they are nonetheless present.

I. Sent into the StormThis is an example of how a

believer lives, for no one walks a perfectly straight line of faith without any deviation. If we were to graphically chart our paths, we would see a pattern of troughs and peaks, but ultimately, we all live from one faith experience to another.

We must remember that when patients in the hospital “straight line,” they are dead.

I. Sent into the StormWhen we suffer doubt and witness sinking spells like Peter did, it is always comforting to arrive back in the boat at Jesus’ side. At the end of our lifetime of experiences on the sea of life, we will find ourselves at Jesus’ side safely in the ship.

A. The Cause of the Calm A. The Cause of the

Calm

“And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased”

(Matthew 14:32).

I. Sent into the StormThe Creator was the cause of the

calm. As He spoke the words, “Peace, be still,” the wind ceased and there was a great calm (Mark 4:39). His very presence calmed the storm on the lake that day. Although Matthew did not record the presence of other boats on the Sea of Galilee that day, it is possible that others may have enjoyed the benefit of Jesus’ command to that storm. Likewise, others around us—in the workplace, in the home, in other social circles—benefit by the works of the Giver of Peace in our lives.

I. Sent into the StormNot only does the very presence of Jesus Christ calm the storms of our lives, but His stepping into our ship also creates a calm for all to enjoy. No storm can continue when He, the Prince of Peace, reveals Himself to us in the storm. Even the wild winds have to lie down at His command.

I. Sent into the StormHow many testimonies have we

heard where storms resulting from sin were abated when one surrendered his life to Jesus Christ and received His Holy Spirit. Many churches have ex-convicts and ex-drug or alcohol addicts whose lives have been thoroughly changed by Jesus Christ. After they have been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and filled with the Holy Ghost, it is wonderful to hear their testimonies of what God has done to calm the storms in their lives and restore them.

B. The Cause of the Worship B. The Cause of the Worship

“Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him,

saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33).

I. Sent into the StormWhat caused the disciples to

worship the Lord? Was it the miracle they had just witnessed? If they had needed a miracle to inspire their worship, they had just witnessed the feeding of the multitude with a lad’s lunch before embarking on this boat trip. It seems that Matthew was describing the cycle of a human being’s faith. The disciples had seen the proof of Jesus’ deity at His feeding of the multitude. Yet here they were frightened by a presumed ghost appearing in the midst of a storm.

I. Sent into the StormAfter His performance of another miracle, they declared, “Of a truth thou art the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33). Perhaps the phrase “of a truth” indicated some previous doubt in the disciples’ minds.

Although some people seem to need a miracle to excite their response in worship, we should mature spiritually to the place where our worship is spontaneous whether or not we witness a miraculous demonstration.

I. Sent into the StormWe should worship the Lord because the Bible commands us to do so, and we should worship the Lord simply because He is worthy of our worship.

The psalmist proclaimed, “Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord” (Psalm 150:6). Even if there is no precipitous miracle we should praise Him. Even when there is no one present to urge us on in our worship. Genuine worship comes from one’s deep love for the Savior.

B. The Cause of the Worship Conclusion

We have studied how Jesus sent His disciples by boat to the other side of the Sea of Galilee immediately after the feeding of the hungry multitude. Jesus knew that there would be a storm; however, His foreknowledge of the storm did not keep Him from sending the disciples into its midst. He demonstrated that He is able to protect and to provide for His own no matter what the circumstances of life may bring.

I. Sent into the StormThe storm that arose frightened

the disciples. When they saw Jesus walking on the water, they thought they were seeing a ghost and believed that they were soon to perish. When they called out, Jesus revealed Himself to them as He walked upon the water—the very thing that had given them such fear. This somewhat quieted His trembling followers, but the storm still raged until He was in their boat.

I. Sent into the StormPeter suddenly spoke, “If that is really you, bid me come unto you.” When Jesus replied, “Come,” Peter stepped out of the boat. He did fine until He took His eyes off of Jesus, which should tell us that the key to our faith is keeping our eyes on Him.

I. Sent into the StormAfter Jesus and Peter were in the boat and the calm came over the troubled sea, the disciples began to worship Jesus. However, we should mature spiritually to a point where we also worship Him during the storm. By doing so, we will have the opportunity to enjoy a miracle in the midst of a raging storm.