Jeff Maness – Week 5 – March 22, 2020
The Bible doesn’t hide the fact that storms are coming in life, in fact, Jesus even promised that this life holds “many trials and sorrows.” The great news is, even though life is full of storms, Jesus is our Hope because He’s our foundation in the storm.
Graverobber: Storms
“Storms are a fact of life, aren’t they? No matter where you live, at some point or in some way, you’re going to encounter a storm. Loss of a job, sickness or disease, death of a loved one, whatever it is; we all face storms. As much as we would love there to be no storms in life in 2020, that’s probably not going to be the case. All of us are going to face some kind of storm. Storms are coming!”
Proverbs 10:25 25 When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation.
John 16:33 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. (Storms) But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
Big Idea: Jesus is our hope because He’s our foundation in the storm.
Big Question: How is Jesus our foundation in the storm?
Main Scripture: Matthew 14:22-23
Matthew 14:22-25 22 Immediately after this Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake (Sea of Galilee), while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water.
1. He shows us Himself
Mark 6:48b 48b Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them,…
The phrase “pass by” was actually a first-century symbol for God that is used throughout the Bible. In the book of Exodus, God tells Moses He needs to “pass by” him so that Moses can see Him. God does the same thing to Elijah in the book 1 Kings. So the idea of Jesus “passing by” is not meant to indicate that Jesus was ignoring them—but that he was about to reveal to them that he was God! — Dave Adamson
Matthew 14:26-27 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!”
2. He steady’s our hearts.
Isaiah 41:10 10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
3. He strengthens our steps
Matthew 14:28-33 28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” 32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
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