Greatness: Matthew 14-20Sample

After the miracle of feeding the 5000, you would imagine the disciples are ready for anything. After all, Jesus defied the laws of nature, making so much out of so little. Surely after witnessing such a miracle, the disciples would be filled with confidence about who Jesus is.

But the disciples didn’t get it: “they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened” (Mark 6:52, ESV). Then they find themselves in a storm on a boat. Remember, some of the disciples were former fishermen who knew the sea. It would take a lot to make them afraid, so the waves must have been huge and unpredictable.

Sometimes we can become complacent. We read the story of Jesus’ miraculous works, but we’ve heard them before. And in a time of special effects, we may not think it is such a big deal. But it is. Jesus is defying nature by walking on water. This is not the act of a person who was only human. This shows that Jesus is God.

The disciples don’t recognise this miracle, believing Jesus is a ghost. Jesus’ response is revealing. He doesn’t tell them off for not getting it. Instead, He says, “Do not be afraid,” a phrase expressed many times in the Bible. He also says, “Take heart; it is I.” This reminds me of Exodus 3:14, when God says to Moses, “I am who I am.” Jesus displays His divine authority over nature to bring comfort and courage to His disciples.

As we go through the gospel of Matthew, read these passages slowly, letting the Holy Spirit reveal new things about Jesus to you, especially if you’ve read these passages many times before. See Jesus’ works for the miracles they are, God defying nature in a way that expresses compassion and care. Do not be afraid, God is for you.

Today, ponder this: Do you sometimes find yourself rushing through Bible passages, having heard the story before? Ask God to reveal new things to you as you read these powerful stories of Jesus.