WILLINGNESS TO RISK

Matthew 14:22-34

OPEN IT:

What is the riskiest thing you have ever done? What made it risky?

DIG INTO IT:

1. Read Matthew 14:22-27 and answer the following questions:
2. Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.
3. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone,
4. and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
5. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.
6. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
7. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

a) Why did Jesus stay behind and send His disciples across the lake without Him?

b) Why do you think Jesus spent time alone in prayer?

c) What purpose was there in Jesus walking across the lake instead of around it? Did He mean for the disciples to see Him?

d) The disciples thought they saw a ghost; how did Jesus reassure them?

2. Read Matthew 14:28-34 and answer the following questions:
3. “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
4. “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
5. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
6. Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
7. And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.
8. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
9. When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret.

a) Why did Peter insist Jesus invite him out onto the water?

b) How do you think Peter felt when his feet first touched the water and he didn’t sink?

c) Why did Peter sink? What was the first thing he said when he started to go under?

d) Why did Jesus say Peter had, “little faith”?

REFLECT ON IT:

1. When you read this story, does it make you see Peter in a positive or a negative light?
2. Many have criticized Peter for becoming afraid and sinking, but do you think most of those critics would have gotten out of the boat in the first place? Would you?
3. In what areas of your life does Jesus want you to “get out of the boat”? What is holding you back?
4. If Jesus came to you today and asked, “What risks are you taking for the kingdom of God?” how would you answer?
5. Do you think the church and individual Christians should search for ways to “risk” for God? Why or why not?
6. In what way can we pray for you today?

PRAY ABOUT IT:

“All I know is that when I pray, coincidences happen; and when I don’t pray, they don’t happen.” ~ Dan Hayes

Davis, Barry L.. Instant Bible Studies for Small Groups (p. 62). GodSpeed Publishing. Kindle Edition.