Matthew 14:22-36

Today's Passage: Matthew 14:22-36

The humanity and deity of Jesus is on full display in this passage. It is true that Jesus is both fully God AND fully man. He is not a hybrid of God and man; he is fully God and man.

How do we see that Jesus is fully man?

• Mainly in the fact that he prays to the Father. He knows what is to come in his ministry and recognizes the need for prayer.

How do we see that Jesus is fully God?

• Instead of catching the next boat to Gennesaret to catch up with his disciples, Jesus walks on the water in the midst of a storm, showing that he is not just lord of the Sabbath, but the lord of creation as well. “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:16
• In the midst of the disciples' fear, he speaks to them. When he says, “It is I…” this could be a declaration of deity because it is closely associated with Exodus 3:14, God speaking through the burning bush, “I AM” (Yahweh) language.
• Jesus even allows Peter to walk on the water, but Peter is distracted by fear and doubt.

The response that Jesus wants to elicit from the disciples and from us is revealed in verse 33 — “And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’”

Even in our sin and doubt, we can still worship God because of Christ. What hope that brings for sinners and sufferers!

Written By: Graham Withers