From Ghost to the Son of God

A Series on the Milestones in Jesus’ Life

Matthew 14:22-36

(Use the link below to read the verses.)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2014%3A22-36&version=NIV;NLT

 

If you were to choose between the following two metaphors as a picture of your spiritual journey; which would you choose? A sales graph that shows a steady increase in production; or a graph of the stock market with its ups and downs, but overall increase? Which represents your spiritual journey?

 

The story in Matthew picks up the spiritual journey of the disciples following the miraculous feeding of 5000 men, plus women and children. Afterwards, Jesus sent the disciples by boat to the other side of the sea. However, in route, they ran into a sudden squall with strong winds and heavy waves. Here’s what happened.

 

²⁵ About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” ²⁷ But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”           NLT

 

Literally translated, Jesus said, “The ‘I am’ is here”. This is the same name that God told Moses to use when asked by the Israelites, “Who shall I say is sending me”. By using this name, Jesus identified himself as God. Peter, in his excitement, acted impetuously and tried to walk on water like Jesus.

 

³⁰ But when he (Peter) saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” ³¹ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” ³² And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. ³³ Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”          NIV

 

This was the first time that the disciples had called Jesus the Son of God. It was a milestone for them, and for Jesus. It showed that the disciples were making some progress. For Jesus, his ministry included preparing the disciples for what was to come.

 

From fear of a perceived ghost, to worshipping Jesus as the Son of God; I’d say that the disciple’s journey fit the metaphor of the stock market graph.

 

How do you view Jesus? Is he a ghost to you; or the Son of God? Are you growing in your faith and knowledge of him? Is your faith stronger today than yesterday? Have you tried walking on water recently?