Gospel Prayer Ministry

📖 Passage

Matthew 14:22–36
Read Matthew 14:22–36 (NKJV)

🧠 Context & Background

After feeding the five thousand, Jesus sends His disciples ahead by boat across the Sea of Galilee while He withdraws to pray. The scene shifts to a storm-tossed night, where Jesus walks on the water to meet His disciples. Peter's brief venture onto the waves reveals both remarkable faith and human frailty. This event demonstrates Jesus' divine authority over creation and His presence in the midst of fear. The section ends with widespread healings at Gennesaret, showing that His compassionate power extends to all who seek Him.

🌿 Key Themes

Divine Authority – Jesus commands the forces of nature.
Faith Tested – Peter's courage falters when his focus shifts from Christ to the storm.
Presence in Fear – The Lord comes to His people in their trials.
Healing for All – Every touch of faith brings restoration.

📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary

Matthew 14:22–24 – Into the Storm

"The boat was being beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them."

Providential Sending – Jesus deliberately sends His disciples into a challenging situation.
Obedience and Opposition – Following Christ doesn't remove hardship; it often meets resistance.

Matthew 14:25–27 – Walking on the Water

"Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."

Divine Self-Disclosure – "It is I" echoes God's covenant name ("I AM") in Exodus 3:14.
Calming Presence – Christ addresses fear by revealing Himself.

Matthew 14:28–31 – Peter's Step of Faith

"Lord, save me."

Bold Request – Peter's desire to walk to Jesus reflects deep trust.
Distracted by Danger – Fear overtakes faith when the storm captures his attention.
Immediate Rescue – Jesus responds instantly to the cry for help.

Matthew 14:32–33 – Worship in the Boat

"Truly you are the Son of God."

Calm After Chaos – The storm ceases when Jesus enters the boat.
Confession of Deity – The disciples acknowledge His divine identity more clearly.

Matthew 14:34–36 – Healing at Gennesaret

"All who touched it were made well."

Accessible Mercy – People reach for the fringe of His garment in faith.
Total Healing – Every person who came was restored, showing the boundless reach of His compassion.

🔍 Trusted Insight

Charles Spurgeon wrote, "Better the storm with Christ than the calm without Him." This reminds believers that His presence in trials is far greater than any earthly peace without Him.

Summary: Christ is sovereign over storms, steadfast in rescue, and sufficient for every need.

🧩 Review Questions

🔍 Definitions

Sea of Galilee – A freshwater lake in northern Israel, site of many of Jesus' miracles.
"It is I" (ἐγώ εἰμι) – Greek phrase meaning "I am," echoing God's self-revelation.
Gennesaret – A fertile plain and lakeshore region on the northwest of the Sea of Galilee.
Fringe of His Garment – Likely referring to the tassels commanded in Numbers 15:38–39, symbolizing obedience to God's law.

🙋 Application Questions

When has Jesus led you into a "storm" to strengthen your faith?
What distractions most often pull your focus from Christ in times of trial?
How can you worship in the midst of hardship like the disciples did after the storm?
What does it look like to "reach for the fringe" of Jesus' garment today?

🔤 Greek Keywords

ἐγώ εἰμι (egō eimi) – "I am," a divine self-identification.
θαῤῥέω (tharreō) – To take courage or be of good cheer.
διασῴζω (diasōzō) – To save thoroughly; complete rescue.
ἅπτομαι (haptomai) – To touch; implies personal contact with intent to receive.

📚 Cross References

Exodus 3:14 – God reveals His name to Moses as "I AM."
Psalm 107:28–30 – God stills storms and brings His people to safety.
Isaiah 41:10 – God's presence removes fear.
Matthew 9:20–22 – Healing through touching Jesus' garment.
John 6:21 – The boat immediately reaches land after Jesus enters.

📦 Next Study

Next Study → Matthew 15:1–20

Matthew 14:22–36 – Walking on Water and Healing at Gennesaret