What Jesus Did! 'Our Purpose Is His Praise' — Matthew 14:32-33

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

When [Jesus and Peter] climbed back into the boat [after Jesus rescued Peter from sinking], the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped [Jesus]. "You really are the Son of God!" they exclaimed.
— Matthew 14:32-33 NLT

Key Thought

The ultimate goal of experiencing Jesus' presence and power in our lives is to lead to our praise of him for who he is and what he has done. Rather than simply an adrenaline fix, an emotional wave, or an incredible experience, our service to Jesus and our recognition that his presence and power make us better than we are on our own should lead us to praise him and confess him as God's Son and our Savior.

Today's Prayer

Holy Father and eternal King, thank you for your plan to send Jesus, your Son. I believe that Jesus Christ is your Son who came in the flesh and redeemed me from my sin by being my atoning sacrifice. I love you for loving me so sacrificially and cleansing me and making me pure. I praise you for Jesus, and I praise Jesus because he is worthy of all praise, honor, and obedience. In the name of Jesus my Savior, I offer my eternal thanks and praise. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

When Life Is Hard
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Beloved, There are times when life is very hard. Remember when I fed 5,000 people out of five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21)? The people..."
When Life Is Hard
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Beloved, There are times when life is very hard. Remember when I fed 5,000 people out of five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21)? The people..."
Riders in the Storm
Article by Phil Ware
What do we do the calm vanishes and we're caught in the storm? Phil Ware shares a much-anticipated doctor's visit that didn't go like he had anticipated and turned his life from calm into a storm of great concern.
Sinking or Walking
Article by Russ Lawson
How are you doing in your walk toward Jesus? We don't usually sink into sin all of a sudden, but it is a gradual thing that leads us away when we do not call on the Lord for help.
See All 5 Related Resources about Matthew 14:32-33

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 14:32-33 NLT — When [Jesus and Peter] climbed back into the boat [after Jesus rescued Peter from sinking], the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped [Jesus]. "You really are the Son of God!" they exclaimed.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, July 16, 2025

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Understanding the Spirit' (1 Co. 2:7-8)
"No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God — his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'How Good!' (Ps. 147:1)
"Praise the Lord! How good to sing praises to our God! How delightful and how fitting!"
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: 2 Samuel 21:10
"If the love of a woman to her slain sons could make her prolong her mournful vigil for so long a period, shall we weary of considering the sufferings...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Idolatry Should Trouble Us Toward Outreach'
"While Paul was waiting for Silas and Timothy in Athens, he was troubled because he saw that the city was full of idols. In the synagogue, he talked..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!