TUESDAY- 18^TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –B

Gospel: Matthew 14:22-36: Tell me to come to you across the water.

I Reading: Jeremiah 30:1-2. 12-15. 18-22: So many are your sins, that I have done this to you. I will restore the tents of Jacob.

 

The Messiah’s Power to Calm a Storm:The Power of His Presence, Mt 14:22-33

Jesus had to constrain his disciples to leave and go to the other shore. They argued against going. There were several reasons why the use of constraint was necessary.

First, they wanted to make him king (Jn 6:15).

Second, Christ to move on, for others needed his ministry.

Third, Christ needed time alone for prayer

Fourth, Christ wanted the disciples to experience His physical and spiritual presence.

The Lord’s presence makes all the difference in the world.

1.     Christ’s presence is assured by personal preparation (v.22-23)

a.     He sent the disciples away

b.    He dismissed the crowd

c.      He got alone to pray

1)    On a mountain

2)    In the evening

3)    All alone

4)    In a storm

2.     Christ’s presence conquers fear (v.24-27)

a.     Storm arose

b.    Jesus went to them: he walked on the sea

c.      The disciples feared, thinking they saw a ghost

d.    Jesus have assurance-his presence

3.     Christ’s presence stirs the hope of being saved (v.28-31)

a.     Peter’s hope was stirred: he could be saved by Christ’s presence

b.    Jesus’ command: come

c.      Peter’s faith faltered

1)    Glanced at storm

2)    Began to sink

3)    Cried: Lord, save

d.    Jesus saved, but rebuked faltering faith

4.     Christ’s presence conquers nature (v.32)

5.     Christ’s presence stirs confession and worship

Thought: Christ’s presence stirred the hope of being saved. When Peter heard Christ’s voice, he was stirred.

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