Sharper Iron: It's Hard to Recognize God in the Darkness

Rev. John Butcher from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Centralia, Missouri, studies Matthew 14:22-36. Today’s study covers how it’s hard to recognize God in the darkness, the man Jesus does God things, and the renewed encounter with God.

Matthew 14:22-36

Jesus Walks on the Water

²²Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. ²³And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, ²⁴but the boat by this time was a long way^[a] from the land,^[b] beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. ²⁵And in the fourth watch of the night^[c] he came to them, walking on the sea. ²⁶But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. ²⁷But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

²⁸And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” ²⁹He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. ³⁰But when he saw the wind,^[d]he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”³¹Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” ³²And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. ³³And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret

³⁴And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret.³⁵And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick ³⁶and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.