Key Thought

While Jesus is in a very busy time in his ministry, a time when he wants to focus on the disciples and their preparation for his departure, he still makes time for the demanding crowd. He is there to help. With the crowds, he is compassionate. There is not much chance that they can or will understand who he is or what he is about until after the cross. But still he ministers and cares for them even when, maybe especially when, they cannot give him anything in return. Not only does he have power, he also has compassion. Rather than acting like a spoiled modern athlete who doesn't want to give autographs, Jesus makes himself available to the crowd to give of himself.

Today's Prayer

Today's Verses in Context

Then Jesus made the followers get into the boat. Jesus told them to go to the other side of the lake. Jesus said that he would come later. Jesus stayed there to tell the people they could go home. After Jesus said good-bye to the people, he went up into the hills. Jesus went there alone to pray. It was late, and Jesus was there alone. At this time, the boat was already far away on the lake. The boat was having trouble because of the waves. The wind was blowing against it. Between three and six o'clock in the morning, Jesus' followers were still in the boat. Jesus came to them. He was walking on the water. The followers saw Jesus walking on the water and they were afraid. They said, "It's a ghost!" The followers shouted with fear. But Jesus quickly spoke to them. Jesus said, "Don't worry! It's me! Don't be afraid." Peter said, "Lord, if that is really you, then tell me to come to you on the water." Jesus said, "Come, Peter." Then Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. But while Peter was walking on the water, he saw the wind and the waves. Peter became afraid and began sinking down into the water. Peter shouted, "Lord, save me!" Then Jesus caught Peter with his hand. Jesus said, "Your faith is small. Why did you doubt?" After Peter and Jesus were in the boat, the wind became calm. Then those followers in the boat worshiped Jesus and said, "Truly you are the Son of God." After they crossed the lake, they came to the shore at Gennesaret. The people in that place saw Jesus. They knew who he was. So they told the other people all around there that Jesus had come. The people brought all their sick people to Jesus. The people begged Jesus to let them only touch his coat to be healed. And all the sick people that touched Jesus' coat were healed.

— Matthew 14:22-36 (ERV)

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