Matthew 14:22-33
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” James 1:2-3 (p. 930)
- We Respond To Storms With Compassion.
Series Memory Verse: “You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.” Luke 6:36 (p. 786)
- Identify the storms.
“Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, ‘It’s a ghost!’ But Jesus spoke to them at once. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said. ‘Take courage. I am here!’” Matthew 14:24-27 (p. 746)
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” Romans 5:3-4 (p. 860)
- Step into the storm.
“Then Peter called to him, ‘Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.’ ‘Yes, come,’ Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.” Matthew 14:28-29 (p. 746)
“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (p.894)
- Extend a helping hand.
“But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. ‘You have so little faith,’ Jesus said. ‘Why did you doubt me?’ When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. ‘You really are the Son of God!’ they exclaimed.” Matthew 14:30-33 (p. 746)
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:9 (p. 894)
My Next Step This Week:
_____ I will identify one person in my life who is going through a storm and take a concrete step to help them.
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
One Thing: We Respond To Storms With Compassion.
Key Verse: “You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.” Luke 6:36
Bible References: Matthew 14:22-33
CONVERSATION STARTER
// Was there ever a time in your life that you were surprised? What is the difference between being surprised and caught off guard? What does it feel like to be surprised vs. terrified?
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
In our talk this weekend we saw that Jesus walked on the waters of the sea during a storm with Peter. This is really interesting on the surface level as it shows us that through our faith in Jesus, we can conquer our fears and accomplish unbelievable things, but there is something else going on here. Large bodies of water represented “chaos”. Jesus calls Peter to walk on the chaotic waters with Him which symbolizes Peter’s ability to overcome the chaos and fear that surrounds all in this world by having faith and keeping His eyes on Jesus. It was through His faith that Peter experienced peace and stillness as the chaos of the storm raged underneath him.
WEEKEND REVIEW
We Respond To Storms With Compassion.
How you can live that out:
- Identify the storms. – Matthew 14:24-27 (p.746)
- Step into the storm. – Matthew 14:28-29 (p.746)
- Extend a helping hand. – Matthew 14:30-33 (p.746)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
// Read John 16:33 (p.825). Here Jesus offers all of us peace found in the fact that He has already won the battle and overcome the world.
- What was a difficulty that you overcame in your life?
- How can you strive to have peace in your life when dealing with hardships? How can you offer that to others?
// Read Isaiah 43:1-2 (p.812). We are called to not be afraid when storms hit because we know that God is with us.
- Is there a situation in your life right now that you feel burdened by?
- How can you walk alongside someone needing compassion right now?
// Read Lamentations 3:22-24 (p.624). God’s mercy and faithfulness is never ending unlike our human limitations. God’s ability to love and forgive are limitless.
- Is there someone in your life that you need to show compassion to right now?
- Where is your hope right now? How can you share your hope with a person who needs compassion?
- What has stopped you from showing compassion to others?
// Read Philippians 4:6-7 (p.901).
- What is worrying you right now? Have you gone to God with your worry or are you trying to fix your problems on your own?
- Are you experiencing peace in your life? If yes, what did you do to get peace, if not what is getting in the way of you experiencing peace?
// Read 1 Peter 5:7 (p.937). We are called to give all our worries over to God because He cares about us.
- What makes it difficult for you to give your worries over to God?
- How easy is it to offer forgiveness and grace to others?
Next Step _____ I will identify one person in my life who is going through a storm and take a concrete step to help them.
DIGGING DEEPER
Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (p.882). In this passage, we see that Paul describes Jesus as the source of all comfort and peace. If we are not attached to Jesus, we will not be able to have true peace and comfort in the middle of our storms. We need to share that same comfort with others and lead them to Jesus.
Deuteronomy 31:8 (p.163), Psalm 23:2-4 (p.423), Romans 15:13 (p.868), Hebrews 6:19 (p.923)