Sunday School Lesson
June 27
Lesson 4 (KJV)
RESCUED FROM DOUBT
DEVOTIONAL READING: Isaiah 38: 16–20
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Matthew 14: 22–33
MATTHEW 14: 22–33
22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
KEY VERSE
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”—Matthew 14: 31
CONFIDENT HOPE
Unit 1: Jesus Teaches About Faith
LESSONS 1–5
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Identify common elements between this lesson text and that of lesson 2.
2. Explain the relationship between fear and doubt.
3. Develop a step-by-step plan to replace doubt with trust in one area of spiritual weakness.
HOW TO SAY IT
Galilee Gal-uh-lee.
Mediterranean Med-uh-tuh-ray-nee-un.
Rainier Ruh-nir.
Introduction
A. The Challenge of Consistency
If you enjoy playing a sport, you probably have had a few moments of sports greatness. You sank a long-distance putt, you made a great catch, or you hit a difficult shot. Even if you are not an athletic person, perhaps you can recall some other notable achievement. Things like finishing a crossword puzzle in record time or completing a particularly detailed and time-intensive project flawlessly. In moments like that, someone might say, “That was as good as a professional would do.” And we would agree.
At least we would agree for a moment. But if we think about it, we realize that what we manage to do every now and then does not put us on the same level as a professional. A professional performs consistently with excellence. Did you happen to perform like a professional? Yes. Can you do it with a professional’s consistency? No way!
Our text features a Bible character who reminds us of the challenge of consistency. The text will show us that the power of Jesus, not the consistency of our faith or the frequency of our doubt, is the basis for our security as God’s people.
B. Lesson Context
Matthew, Mark, and John place the account of today’s text (absent from Luke) after the account of the feeding of the 5,000. (Mark 6: 45–52 and John 6: 16–21 are the parallel accounts of today’s text.) That event had astonished and excited the large crowd of followers, not just because it was a great miracle but because it reminded them of God’s miraculous provision of food in the wilderness during the exodus from Egypt in Moses’ time (Exodus 16). Knowing that the prophets promised a coming deliverance like the exodus (Isaiah 40: 1–5), the crowd’s wonder and excitement were on the rise.
Jesus took steps to quiet this enthusiasm. Yes, He was indeed the true king promised by God, the one who would bring freedom to God’s people as God did in the exodus. But how He became king, how He freed people, was yet to come in His death and resurrection. Only then would any of His followers, be they members of the 12 or the crowds, be able to understand and respond to Him with greater comprehension of the truth. Jesus’ power was very much on display in that feeding, but so was the disciples’ limitation in their thinking (Matthew 14: 15–17)—even though it was by then the third year of Jesus’ public ministry. The 12 disciples were witnesses to these events, which should have inspired confidence in Jesus. Their challenge was to respond to disappointment, opposition, and danger with faith in Jesus, knowing that His power could overcome every difficulty. But each new threat presented a new occasion to question whether Jesus was worthy of their trust.
Our lesson is set on the Sea of Galilee (see Lesson Context of lesson 2). In 1986, the remains of a boat from the time of Jesus were discovered buried in the mud near the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Excavated and now on display, the boat is probably typical for the time. It measures 27 feet in length and 7.5 feet at its widest point. It could have been propelled with oars, a sail, or both.
Such boats were quite safe when the weather was fine. But storms can arise quickly on this lake. Because its western coastline features steep hills, a storm blowing in from that direction, from the Mediterranean Sea, might be seen by boaters only when it is nearly upon them. A small boat hit by high winds is in a perilous condition, even on such a small lake.
I. Jesus Alone
(MATTHEW 14: 22–24)
A. The Journey Begins (v. 22)
22. And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
There is no record here of Jesus’ providing the disciples with information about how He would catch up to them later after He traveled alone. Though it’s possible that Jesus would walk around the lake, more likely the disciples expected Him to catch a ride in a different ship. He also sent the multitudes away in order to be alone.
B. The Lord in Prayer (v. 23)
23a. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray.
Though Jesus had previously taught about prayer (Matthew 6: 5–15), this is the first instance in which we see Jesus at prayer in Matthew’s Gospel. Later Jesus prayed repeatedly the night before His death (26: 36–44). Each of the other Gospels also bear witness to Jesus’ prayer life (Mark 1: 35; Luke 5: 16; John 17; etc.).
It is a remarkable part of this story that Jesus, who embodies and exercises the almighty power of God, nevertheless prays earnestly and at length to God the Father. This is critical to our understanding of Jesus. He was the divine Son of God, to whom all authority had been given (Matthew 28: 18). He does mighty deeds that demonstrate a power that can belong only to God (9: 6–7). Yet Jesus entered the world in submission to the Father. The Father’s will must prevail (26: 39, 42).
Jesus is the perfect model for humanity’s desired submission to and reliance on God. If Jesus, the almighty Son of God, willingly submitted to God the Father, then how much more should we, lacking in Jesus’ power and authority, do the same!
23b. And when the evening was come, he was there alone.
The fact that Jesus was alone indicates that He was successful in persuading everyone to depart—most by foot homeward, the 12 by boat. Evening came as Jesus was left by himself. Any trouble on the boat would be compounded by the darkness now settling over the Sea of Galilee.
What Do You Think?
In what ways will you use Jesus’ practice of prayer in solitude as a model for your own devotional life?
Digging Deeper
In what ways, if any, should you not do so? Why?
C. The Wind Rises (v. 24)
24. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
The boat was far from land, near the middle of the lake (compare Mark 6: 47). The disciples’ progress was hindered by wind that pushed against them, making their sails useless. As the wind picked up, the waves grew higher, threatening to capsize the ship. The vessel may have been taking on water faster than the disciples could bail it out.
The disciples had been in similar danger before, also on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 8: 23–27; see lesson 2). But then Jesus was with them in the ship. Now they were alone, or at least they thought so.
II. Jesus on the Water
(MATTHEW 14: 25–31)
A. A Miraculous Appearance (vv. 25–27)
25. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
In the Roman Empire, it was common to divide the night into four roughly equal periods of time, called watches. The fourth watch was approximately 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. As this time arrived, the disciples had struggled for hours against the high waves. They were exhausted and probably uncertain of their position on the sea after so long in the dark. While they may have hoped for some act of deliverance, we can speculate that at this point their hopes were fading, if not gone altogether.
In this desperate situation, they saw Jesus doing the seemingly impossible: walking on the water. In the exodus, God had parted the waters of the Red Sea to allow His people to walk on dry land to escape their enemies (Exodus 14: 21–22). But here is an action without compare. At the point of the disciples’ greatest exhaustion and hopelessness, the Lord came to reassure and rescue. How hard it must have been for them to understand what they were seeing, to believe their own eyes!
26. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
Added to the disciples’ exhaustion and fear was the sight of what they believed to be a disembodied spirit. Surely a flesh-and-blood human could not be walking on water, never mind high waves in a storm in the middle of the night! Such a thing had never been done before, so there was no reason to interpret this sight as a physical, natural person. First a storm, now an apparition (compare Luke 24: 36–37)! Little wonder that they cried out for fear. They felt assaulted from both the physical and spiritual realms.
27. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
Jesus did not delay in revealing to the disciples the wholly unexpected truth: they were seeing not a disembodied spirit but their Lord. Therefore they could be of good cheer in the midst of the storm. There was no more reason to be fearful of the storm that continued and certainly no reason to fear the one who walked on the water to join them.
The two commands be of good cheer and be not afraid are two sides of the same coin: the first is a positive command of how to respond, the other is a negative command of how not to respond. God was doing extraordinary, unprecedented things—things that caused even the most faithful to fear. But those extraordinary things were intended as blessings, not threats. After His resurrection, Jesus told the women at the tomb to “be not afraid” (Matthew 28: 10). There as here, Jesus’ followers didn’t understand how He could be present with them. Yet Jesus’ promise to all His followers is to be with them always, to the end of this age (28: 20), fulfilling the ancient promise of “God with us” (1: 23). The disciples might have felt that they were alone, but the Christ who would give His life for them would also remain with them in every circumstance, even when they could not recognize Him.
ORIENTED TOWARD GOD
As a native of the northern hemisphere, I felt a bit disoriented while visiting Australia. During the day, it was strange to watch the sun move across the northern sky instead of the southern sky. At night, I couldn’t see the North Star and the Big Dipper. Instead, a constellation known as the Southern Cross is what glimmered in the darkness to help me get my bearings.
Those who live in mountainous areas use the nearby mountains as visual cues to location and direction. But those cues are lost when clouds obscure the view. The people who live in the Pacific Northwest have a saying when Mount Rainier isn’t visible: “Even on cloudy days, live like the mountain is out.”
Sometimes it’s hard to recognize the Lord’s presence. Storm clouds obscure His hand of grace. You may be facing a storm right now, but the mountain of God’s love is still there. Will you by faith live like the mountain is out?—D. F.
B. A Disciple’s Faith (vv. 28–31)
28. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
The story now shifts to one disciple’s reaction to Jesus’ self-revelation. Peter, with what will come to be characteristic boldness (examples: Matthew 16: 16, 22; 17: 4; 26: 33, 35), spoke up. If it be does not express doubt. We might think of it as meaning “because it is You.” We might wonder why Peter asked for what he does. This bold request was not about thrill-seeking. Rather, Peter wanted to share what his master was doing. Already Jesus had sent the disciples out to preach, with authority to heal and cast out demons (Matthew 10: 1). They were sharing in His ministry, and they desired to reign with Him (20: 20–22). So Peter sought to walk with Jesus on the water by Jesus’ power, following Him as a disciple would.
The word translated bid has the force of a command here and as translated elsewhere in various ways (Matthew 8: 18; 14: 9, 19; etc.). As used here, Peter invited Jesus to command him (Peter) to come. Peter’s request was the product of an ambition, but it was a sacred ambition: to stand with his Lord in the Lord’s work.
What Do You Think?
Under what circumstances, if any, will it be appropriate for you to respond to a sensed call from God with a request like Peter’s?
Digging Deeper
Which test among Judges 6: 36–40; Psalm 78: 18–20; Malachi 3: 10; Matthew 4: 1–10; and 27: 40 is most like Peter’s request? Why?
29. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
Jesus granted Peter’s request. And just as had been the case before, when Jesus commanded His followers to do something, He also granted them the power to carry it out. So Peter stepped out of the ship and indeed walked on the water toward Jesus. Peter started faithfully—so far, so good.
30. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
The same strong wind that had buffeted the ship all night continued. As Peter made his way on the water, his situation seemed even more perilous than it was in the ship. The fear he felt before the Lord’s appearance rose again. As it did, he could no longer walk on the water.
Peter’s doubt in the midst of the storm reveals that his confidence in Jesus could be shaken (see Matthew 26: 69–75). Even when the disciples saw Jesus after His resurrection, doubt infected some of them (28: 17). Doubt is a powerful, pervasive disposition, especially when faith is challenged in times of trouble (compare James 1: 6).
Some would call what Peter was experiencing a failure of faith (see Matthew 14: 31, below). But it was not a failure of faith to call out to Jesus to save him. Just as the disciples had called out “save us” when they had been in a storm before (Matthew 8: 25; see lesson 2), Peter did so again. This desperate cry, stripped of all self-reliance and pride, can be the essence of faith in Jesus, especially when that faith is troubled by doubt (see Mark 9: 24).
To experience doubt or fear is not to have lost faith. When we call out to the Lord for help, we act in faith, confessing our weakness and relying on the Lord’s strength. Jesus pronounced blessing on those who were poor in spirit, meek, mourning, and hungry—on those who have great need and who recognize their need (Matthew 5: 3–6). When we experience fear and doubt, if our impulse is to pray, our faith is not failing but acting.
What Do You Think?
What practice can you adopt to be on the alert for worldly distractions that tempt you to shift your attention away from Jesus?
Digging Deeper
Which passage among Luke 8: 14; 21: 34; 2 Timothy 4: 10; and 1 John 2: 15–16 speak to you most pointedly in this regard? Why?
31. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
As Jesus did on other occasions, He made physical contact with the one whom He delivered (Matthew 8: 3, 15; 9: 29; 14: 36; 17: 7; 20: 34). Even so, Jesus chided Peter for his doubt, as He had previously when the disciples were afraid in a storm (Matthew 8: 26; see lesson 2). Peter and the others had had enough experience of Jesus’ power and faithfulness to be freed from doubt. But to say there was no good reason for their doubt is not to say that Jesus rejected them because of it. Instead, He delivered them.
When we are guilty of inadequate faith, we can remember what Jesus did in the passage before us. Yes, Peter’s faith was weak. Under stress, he was plagued by doubt. But Jesus rescued Peter anyway! Peter’s faith was still sufficient to call out to Jesus for help. Our relationship with Jesus depends on how ready we are to recognize our weaknesses and rely on His strength. That extends to trusting that in His strength He can overcome our doubts and worries.
What Do You Think?
What does an examination of the triangular relationship among faith, doubt, and fear reveal that you should do?
Digging Deeper
How does a reconsideration of lesson 2 aid you in this regard?
GRAB JESUS’ HAND
Important things happen when people join hands. A bride and groom hold hands as they recite their marriage vows. Proud graduates shake hands with the college president as they receive their diplomas. Business leaders seal deals by handshake. Friendly hosts extend their hands when they welcome guests into their homes.
Sometimes it’s urgent—even life-saving—to join hands. A mother takes the hand of her toddler before they cross the street. A firefighter shouts, “Grab my hand!” to a terrified individual being rescued. A hospice worker extends comfort by holding the dying patient’s hand.
Jesus’ hands extended love, comfort, security, and welcome to others. With them He blessed children, broke bread, healed the sick, and raised the dead. Jesus reached out His hand and rescued Peter from drowning. Can you picture the Lord extending His hand toward you? Will you take His hand and let Him lift you up? Or will you try to live by the “Pull yourself up by your own bootstraps” philosophy?—D. F.
III. Jesus with the Disciples
(MATTHEW 14: 32–33)
A. The Wind Ceases (v. 32)
32. And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
This storm ended as the earlier one had: as an immediate response from nature to an act from nature’s Creator (Matthew 8: 26b). We note that Jesus did not rescue Peter by calming the storm, as in Matthew 8: 26; rather, Jesus rescued Peter while the storm still raged. The storm disappeared only after they were come into the ship.
Jesus does not always calm the storms of life, but He is always there to rescue or calm us in one way or another. Surely we, like Peter and the other disciples in the ship, have enough reason to trust Jesus! What God has revealed to us about the Son is true and trustworthy, ample reason for confidence (Hebrews 1: 2–3; 3: 6). B. The Son of God (v. 33)
33. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
The disciples had just witnessed Jesus demonstrate power available only to God. They saw Him empower one of their number to join Him in His sovereign control of the deep. As they were reunited with their master, they worshipped him, acknowledging His authority and expressing their submission and dependence. They could conclude nothing less than that Jesus was utterly unlike any other.
For the Jewish people of Jesus’ time, the phrase Son of God first meant that Jesus was God’s promised king, the great Son of David (compare Matthew 1: 1 with Mark 1: 1). Certainly the disciples were affirming at least that much here. Jesus showed His kingly authority in what He had just done. After Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus’ followers called Him Son of God with an enhanced understanding (John 20: 31). With this phrase they affirmed Him to be both God’s king and as God himself.
Conclusion A.
Calling Out for Help
Peter sometimes said and did impressive things. Today’s text shows Peter doing something remarkable during a crisis of faith. When he began to doubt, he almost snatched defeat from the jaws of victory! Peter had a problem with consistency.
But Peter is not the most important character in this story. Jesus is. Jesus’ power was greater than Peter’s doubt, just as it is greater than our doubts. Trusting the Lord, whom we do not see, is hard to maintain when the negative things we do see test our faith. The resulting doubt is the proof that our faith is being tested.
Is doubt, then, a symptom of inconsistent faith? It can be if it is never resolved, if it leads us to abandon our hope and trust in Christ. But if doubt prompts us to call out to the Lord for help, then doubt is a seeking faith—faith that seeks understanding, faith that seeks the divine word of peace in the middle of fear.
When you experienced doubt, did you call out to the Lord? Perhaps you are crying out for help right now. You can know that the Lord hears you and that the certainty of His faithfulness is more important than the size of your faith.
Or maybe your ship is sailing smoothly right now, and you barely think about the Lord’s not being in the boat with you. Realize that a time will come when the winds will blow against you all night. And though it may seem that you are alone on the waves, the Lord knows your distress and will come to you if you bid Him do so. Remember: He is with you right now as well. He is always with His people, to the end of the age.
What Do You Think?
Which aspect of this lesson challenges you most in terms of personal application? Why?
Digging Deeper
How will you respond to this challenge?
B. Prayer
Thank You, Father, for Your almighty power at work in Jesus to save and protect us. We affirm His promise not to abandon us, that even when we die, we will live with You. Direct our hearts to You whenever life makes us afraid, we pray. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
Cry out to Jesus, who overcomes our doubt.
Sunday School Lesson
June 27
Lesson 4 (KJV)
RESCUED FROM DOUBT
DEVOTIONAL READING: Isaiah 38: 16–20
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Matthew 14: 22–33
MATTHEW 14: 22–33
22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
KEY VERSE
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”—Matthew 14: 31
CONFIDENT HOPE
Unit 1: Jesus Teaches About Faith
LESSONS 1–5
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Identify common elements between this lesson text and that of lesson 2.
2. Explain the relationship between fear and doubt.
3. Develop a step-by-step plan to replace doubt with trust in one area of spiritual weakness.
HOW TO SAY IT
Galilee Gal-uh-lee.
Mediterranean Med-uh-tuh-ray-nee-un.
Rainier Ruh-nir.
Introduction
A. The Challenge of Consistency
If you enjoy playing a sport, you probably have had a few moments of sports greatness. You sank a long-distance putt, you made a great catch, or you hit a difficult shot. Even if you are not an athletic person, perhaps you can recall some other notable achievement. Things like finishing a crossword puzzle in record time or completing a particularly detailed and time-intensive project flawlessly. In moments like that, someone might say, “That was as good as a professional would do.” And we would agree.
At least we would agree for a moment. But if we think about it, we realize that what we manage to do every now and then does not put us on the same level as a professional. A professional performs consistently with excellence. Did you happen to perform like a professional? Yes. Can you do it with a professional’s consistency? No way!
Our text features a Bible character who reminds us of the challenge of consistency. The text will show us that the power of Jesus, not the consistency of our faith or the frequency of our doubt, is the basis for our security as God’s people.
B. Lesson Context
Matthew, Mark, and John place the account of today’s text (absent from Luke) after the account of the feeding of the 5,000. (Mark 6: 45–52 and John 6: 16–21 are the parallel accounts of today’s text.) That event had astonished and excited the large crowd of followers, not just because it was a great miracle but because it reminded them of God’s miraculous provision of food in the wilderness during the exodus from Egypt in Moses’ time (Exodus 16). Knowing that the prophets promised a coming deliverance like the exodus (Isaiah 40: 1–5), the crowd’s wonder and excitement were on the rise.
Jesus took steps to quiet this enthusiasm. Yes, He was indeed the true king promised by God, the one who would bring freedom to God’s people as God did in the exodus. But how He became king, how He freed people, was yet to come in His death and resurrection. Only then would any of His followers, be they members of the 12 or the crowds, be able to understand and respond to Him with greater comprehension of the truth. Jesus’ power was very much on display in that feeding, but so was the disciples’ limitation in their thinking (Matthew 14: 15–17)—even though it was by then the third year of Jesus’ public ministry. The 12 disciples were witnesses to these events, which should have inspired confidence in Jesus. Their challenge was to respond to disappointment, opposition, and danger with faith in Jesus, knowing that His power could overcome every difficulty. But each new threat presented a new occasion to question whether Jesus was worthy of their trust.
Our lesson is set on the Sea of Galilee (see Lesson Context of lesson 2). In 1986, the remains of a boat from the time of Jesus were discovered buried in the mud near the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Excavated and now on display, the boat is probably typical for the time. It measures 27 feet in length and 7.5 feet at its widest point. It could have been propelled with oars, a sail, or both.
Such boats were quite safe when the weather was fine. But storms can arise quickly on this lake. Because its western coastline features steep hills, a storm blowing in from that direction, from the Mediterranean Sea, might be seen by boaters only when it is nearly upon them. A small boat hit by high winds is in a perilous condition, even on such a small lake.
I. Jesus Alone
(MATTHEW 14: 22–24)
A. The Journey Begins (v. 22)
22. And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
There is no record here of Jesus’ providing the disciples with information about how He would catch up to them later after He traveled alone. Though it’s possible that Jesus would walk around the lake, more likely the disciples expected Him to catch a ride in a different ship. He also sent the multitudes away in order to be alone.
B. The Lord in Prayer (v. 23)
23a. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray.
Though Jesus had previously taught about prayer (Matthew 6: 5–15), this is the first instance in which we see Jesus at prayer in Matthew’s Gospel. Later Jesus prayed repeatedly the night before His death (26: 36–44). Each of the other Gospels also bear witness to Jesus’ prayer life (Mark 1: 35; Luke 5: 16; John 17; etc.).
It is a remarkable part of this story that Jesus, who embodies and exercises the almighty power of God, nevertheless prays earnestly and at length to God the Father. This is critical to our understanding of Jesus. He was the divine Son of God, to whom all authority had been given (Matthew 28: 18). He does mighty deeds that demonstrate a power that can belong only to God (9: 6–7). Yet Jesus entered the world in submission to the Father. The Father’s will must prevail (26: 39, 42).
Jesus is the perfect model for humanity’s desired submission to and reliance on God. If Jesus, the almighty Son of God, willingly submitted to God the Father, then how much more should we, lacking in Jesus’ power and authority, do the same!
23b. And when the evening was come, he was there alone.
The fact that Jesus was alone indicates that He was successful in persuading everyone to depart—most by foot homeward, the 12 by boat. Evening came as Jesus was left by himself. Any trouble on the boat would be compounded by the darkness now settling over the Sea of Galilee.
What Do You Think?
In what ways will you use Jesus’ practice of prayer in solitude as a model for your own devotional life?
Digging Deeper
In what ways, if any, should you not do so? Why?
C. The Wind Rises (v. 24)
24. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
The boat was far from land, near the middle of the lake (compare Mark 6: 47). The disciples’ progress was hindered by wind that pushed against them, making their sails useless. As the wind picked up, the waves grew higher, threatening to capsize the ship. The vessel may have been taking on water faster than the disciples could bail it out.
The disciples had been in similar danger before, also on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 8: 23–27; see lesson 2). But then Jesus was with them in the ship. Now they were alone, or at least they thought so.
II. Jesus on the Water
(MATTHEW 14: 25–31)
A. A Miraculous Appearance (vv. 25–27)
25. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
In the Roman Empire, it was common to divide the night into four roughly equal periods of time, called watches. The fourth watch was approximately 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. As this time arrived, the disciples had struggled for hours against the high waves. They were exhausted and probably uncertain of their position on the sea after so long in the dark. While they may have hoped for some act of deliverance, we can speculate that at this point their hopes were fading, if not gone altogether.
In this desperate situation, they saw Jesus doing the seemingly impossible: walking on the water. In the exodus, God had parted the waters of the Red Sea to allow His people to walk on dry land to escape their enemies (Exodus 14: 21–22). But here is an action without compare. At the point of the disciples’ greatest exhaustion and hopelessness, the Lord came to reassure and rescue. How hard it must have been for them to understand what they were seeing, to believe their own eyes!
26. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
Added to the disciples’ exhaustion and fear was the sight of what they believed to be a disembodied spirit. Surely a flesh-and-blood human could not be walking on water, never mind high waves in a storm in the middle of the night! Such a thing had never been done before, so there was no reason to interpret this sight as a physical, natural person. First a storm, now an apparition (compare Luke 24: 36–37)! Little wonder that they cried out for fear. They felt assaulted from both the physical and spiritual realms.
27. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
Jesus did not delay in revealing to the disciples the wholly unexpected truth: they were seeing not a disembodied spirit but their Lord. Therefore they could be of good cheer in the midst of the storm. There was no more reason to be fearful of the storm that continued and certainly no reason to fear the one who walked on the water to join them.
The two commands be of good cheer and be not afraid are two sides of the same coin: the first is a positive command of how to respond, the other is a negative command of how not to respond. God was doing extraordinary, unprecedented things—things that caused even the most faithful to fear. But those extraordinary things were intended as blessings, not threats. After His resurrection, Jesus told the women at the tomb to “be not afraid” (Matthew 28: 10). There as here, Jesus’ followers didn’t understand how He could be present with them. Yet Jesus’ promise to all His followers is to be with them always, to the end of this age (28: 20), fulfilling the ancient promise of “God with us” (1: 23). The disciples might have felt that they were alone, but the Christ who would give His life for them would also remain with them in every circumstance, even when they could not recognize Him.
ORIENTED TOWARD GOD
As a native of the northern hemisphere, I felt a bit disoriented while visiting Australia. During the day, it was strange to watch the sun move across the northern sky instead of the southern sky. At night, I couldn’t see the North Star and the Big Dipper. Instead, a constellation known as the Southern Cross is what glimmered in the darkness to help me get my bearings.
Those who live in mountainous areas use the nearby mountains as visual cues to location and direction. But those cues are lost when clouds obscure the view. The people who live in the Pacific Northwest have a saying when Mount Rainier isn’t visible: “Even on cloudy days, live like the mountain is out.”
Sometimes it’s hard to recognize the Lord’s presence. Storm clouds obscure His hand of grace. You may be facing a storm right now, but the mountain of God’s love is still there. Will you by faith live like the mountain is out?—D. F.
B. A Disciple’s Faith (vv. 28–31)
28. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
The story now shifts to one disciple’s reaction to Jesus’ self-revelation. Peter, with what will come to be characteristic boldness (examples: Matthew 16: 16, 22; 17: 4; 26: 33, 35), spoke up. If it be does not express doubt. We might think of it as meaning “because it is You.” We might wonder why Peter asked for what he does. This bold request was not about thrill-seeking. Rather, Peter wanted to share what his master was doing. Already Jesus had sent the disciples out to preach, with authority to heal and cast out demons (Matthew 10: 1). They were sharing in His ministry, and they desired to reign with Him (20: 20–22). So Peter sought to walk with Jesus on the water by Jesus’ power, following Him as a disciple would.
The word translated bid has the force of a command here and as translated elsewhere in various ways (Matthew 8: 18; 14: 9, 19; etc.). As used here, Peter invited Jesus to command him (Peter) to come. Peter’s request was the product of an ambition, but it was a sacred ambition: to stand with his Lord in the Lord’s work.
What Do You Think?
Under what circumstances, if any, will it be appropriate for you to respond to a sensed call from God with a request like Peter’s?
Digging Deeper
Which test among Judges 6: 36–40; Psalm 78: 18–20; Malachi 3: 10; Matthew 4: 1–10; and 27: 40 is most like Peter’s request? Why?
29. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
Jesus granted Peter’s request. And just as had been the case before, when Jesus commanded His followers to do something, He also granted them the power to carry it out. So Peter stepped out of the ship and indeed walked on the water toward Jesus. Peter started faithfully—so far, so good.
30. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
The same strong wind that had buffeted the ship all night continued. As Peter made his way on the water, his situation seemed even more perilous than it was in the ship. The fear he felt before the Lord’s appearance rose again. As it did, he could no longer walk on the water.
Peter’s doubt in the midst of the storm reveals that his confidence in Jesus could be shaken (see Matthew 26: 69–75). Even when the disciples saw Jesus after His resurrection, doubt infected some of them (28: 17). Doubt is a powerful, pervasive disposition, especially when faith is challenged in times of trouble (compare James 1: 6).
Some would call what Peter was experiencing a failure of faith (see Matthew 14: 31, below). But it was not a failure of faith to call out to Jesus to save him. Just as the disciples had called out “save us” when they had been in a storm before (Matthew 8: 25; see lesson 2), Peter did so again. This desperate cry, stripped of all self-reliance and pride, can be the essence of faith in Jesus, especially when that faith is troubled by doubt (see Mark 9: 24).
To experience doubt or fear is not to have lost faith. When we call out to the Lord for help, we act in faith, confessing our weakness and relying on the Lord’s strength. Jesus pronounced blessing on those who were poor in spirit, meek, mourning, and hungry—on those who have great need and who recognize their need (Matthew 5: 3–6). When we experience fear and doubt, if our impulse is to pray, our faith is not failing but acting.
What Do You Think?
What practice can you adopt to be on the alert for worldly distractions that tempt you to shift your attention away from Jesus?
Digging Deeper
Which passage among Luke 8: 14; 21: 34; 2 Timothy 4: 10; and 1 John 2: 15–16 speak to you most pointedly in this regard? Why?
31. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
As Jesus did on other occasions, He made physical contact with the one whom He delivered (Matthew 8: 3, 15; 9: 29; 14: 36; 17: 7; 20: 34). Even so, Jesus chided Peter for his doubt, as He had previously when the disciples were afraid in a storm (Matthew 8: 26; see lesson 2). Peter and the others had had enough experience of Jesus’ power and faithfulness to be freed from doubt. But to say there was no good reason for their doubt is not to say that Jesus rejected them because of it. Instead, He delivered them.
When we are guilty of inadequate faith, we can remember what Jesus did in the passage before us. Yes, Peter’s faith was weak. Under stress, he was plagued by doubt. But Jesus rescued Peter anyway! Peter’s faith was still sufficient to call out to Jesus for help. Our relationship with Jesus depends on how ready we are to recognize our weaknesses and rely on His strength. That extends to trusting that in His strength He can overcome our doubts and worries.
What Do You Think?
What does an examination of the triangular relationship among faith, doubt, and fear reveal that you should do?
Digging Deeper
How does a reconsideration of lesson 2 aid you in this regard?
GRAB JESUS’ HAND
Important things happen when people join hands. A bride and groom hold hands as they recite their marriage vows. Proud graduates shake hands with the college president as they receive their diplomas. Business leaders seal deals by handshake. Friendly hosts extend their hands when they welcome guests into their homes.
Sometimes it’s urgent—even life-saving—to join hands. A mother takes the hand of her toddler before they cross the street. A firefighter shouts, “Grab my hand!” to a terrified individual being rescued. A hospice worker extends comfort by holding the dying patient’s hand.
Jesus’ hands extended love, comfort, security, and welcome to others. With them He blessed children, broke bread, healed the sick, and raised the dead. Jesus reached out His hand and rescued Peter from drowning. Can you picture the Lord extending His hand toward you? Will you take His hand and let Him lift you up? Or will you try to live by the “Pull yourself up by your own bootstraps” philosophy?—D. F.
III. Jesus with the Disciples
(MATTHEW 14: 32–33)
A. The Wind Ceases (v. 32)
32. And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
This storm ended as the earlier one had: as an immediate response from nature to an act from nature’s Creator (Matthew 8: 26b). We note that Jesus did not rescue Peter by calming the storm, as in Matthew 8: 26; rather, Jesus rescued Peter while the storm still raged. The storm disappeared only after they were come into the ship.
Jesus does not always calm the storms of life, but He is always there to rescue or calm us in one way or another. Surely we, like Peter and the other disciples in the ship, have enough reason to trust Jesus! What God has revealed to us about the Son is true and trustworthy, ample reason for confidence (Hebrews 1: 2–3; 3: 6). B. The Son of God (v. 33)
33. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
The disciples had just witnessed Jesus demonstrate power available only to God. They saw Him empower one of their number to join Him in His sovereign control of the deep. As they were reunited with their master, they worshipped him, acknowledging His authority and expressing their submission and dependence. They could conclude nothing less than that Jesus was utterly unlike any other.
For the Jewish people of Jesus’ time, the phrase Son of God first meant that Jesus was God’s promised king, the great Son of David (compare Matthew 1: 1 with Mark 1: 1). Certainly the disciples were affirming at least that much here. Jesus showed His kingly authority in what He had just done. After Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus’ followers called Him Son of God with an enhanced understanding (John 20: 31). With this phrase they affirmed Him to be both God’s king and as God himself.
Conclusion A.
Calling Out for Help
Peter sometimes said and did impressive things. Today’s text shows Peter doing something remarkable during a crisis of faith. When he began to doubt, he almost snatched defeat from the jaws of victory! Peter had a problem with consistency.
But Peter is not the most important character in this story. Jesus is. Jesus’ power was greater than Peter’s doubt, just as it is greater than our doubts. Trusting the Lord, whom we do not see, is hard to maintain when the negative things we do see test our faith. The resulting doubt is the proof that our faith is being tested.
Is doubt, then, a symptom of inconsistent faith? It can be if it is never resolved, if it leads us to abandon our hope and trust in Christ. But if doubt prompts us to call out to the Lord for help, then doubt is a seeking faith—faith that seeks understanding, faith that seeks the divine word of peace in the middle of fear.
When you experienced doubt, did you call out to the Lord? Perhaps you are crying out for help right now. You can know that the Lord hears you and that the certainty of His faithfulness is more important than the size of your faith.
Or maybe your ship is sailing smoothly right now, and you barely think about the Lord’s not being in the boat with you. Realize that a time will come when the winds will blow against you all night. And though it may seem that you are alone on the waves, the Lord knows your distress and will come to you if you bid Him do so. Remember: He is with you right now as well. He is always with His people, to the end of the age.
What Do You Think?
Which aspect of this lesson challenges you most in terms of personal application? Why?
Digging Deeper
How will you respond to this challenge?
B. Prayer
Thank You, Father, for Your almighty power at work in Jesus to save and protect us. We affirm His promise not to abandon us, that even when we die, we will live with You. Direct our hearts to You whenever life makes us afraid, we pray. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
Cry out to Jesus, who overcomes our doubt.
KID’S CORNER
The Only Reason to Become a Christian
Sunday, June 27, 2021
John 21:20-25
John 21:20-25
(John 21:20) Peter, turning around, *saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who also had leaned back on His bosom at the supper and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?”
Peter turned and saw John following and listening to his conversation with Jesus, which leaves the strong impression that Jesus took Peter aside for a private discussion rather than talk where the others could also listen. Jesus intended to talk to Peter about his future personal ministry after his denial of Him. For reasons unknown to us, Jesus allowed John to follow them. Perhaps Jesus did so because He intended for John to write this account in his Gospel as an eyewitness; then later, as the Holy Spirit led him, John did so. Perhaps Jesus wanted John to confirm what Peter would later tell the other disciples about his conversation with Jesus. Two witnesses are always important in the Bible whenever testimony is given. Peter and John could both bear witness about Jesus’ commission to Peter as a restored leader in the Church. We do know that Peter and John seemed always together, and they were fishing partners. What Jesus told Peter would influence them both.
John learned how the Lord Jesus restored Peter to his apostleship after Peter had denied Him three times. The betrayal by Judas and the denial by Peter were both on John’s mind when he wrote these closing verses. Whereas Peter repented and showed he genuinely loved the Lord Jesus and wanted to serve Him, Judas, who also felt remorse for what he had done, chose to hang himself instead of seeking the forgiveness of God (see Matthew 27:5). Jesus knew Peter’s sincere remorse and his desire for Jesus’ forgiveness, and Jesus also knew how Peter came to feel everything was hopeless after Jesus had died, because He could not forgive him. When Jesus appeared to them again from the seashore, Peter may have jumped into the water before the others so he could be alone to tell Jesus how sorry he felt and how he wanted Jesus’ forgiveness. So, after breakfast Jesus took Peter aside to assure him of His forgiveness and restoration. Peter’s experiences with Jesus can encourage all who know they have genuinely followed Jesus and then have sinned and have fallen short of Jesus’ and their aims to be a faithful disciple of Jesus. Jesus knew Peter’s heart, for as Peter told Jesus, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you” (John 21:17). Jesus knows our hearts. Sincerely repentant disciples can do what Jesus told Peter to do. They can love Him, follow Him, and feed and tend His lambs and sheep as Jesus leads them. In humble prayer with Jesus, any follower of Jesus can take Peter’s path to restoration, though Jesus may put them on a different path of service, for Jesus told Peter that he would die as a martyr. In his death, Peter demonstrated what he told Jesus he would do in John 13:37, “I will lay down my life for you.” By the way Peter died, Jesus gave Peter the opportunity to do as he said and show the world the depth of his love and commitment to Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
(John 21:21) So Peter seeing him *said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?”
Like many of us in similar situations, Peter naturally asked Jesus about what would happen to John, a fellow disciple. If he were going to die a martyr’s death, would John also die as a martyr? Perhaps since John had listened to everything Jesus had told him, Peter felt like he should know what was going to happen to John. Whatever motivated Peter, Jesus did not tell Peter about John’s future. They would take different paths of service. For example, John would write a Gospel, Letters, and Revelation,
(John 21:22) Jesus *said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!”
Hearing Peter’s question, Jesus turned the focus back on Peter’s relationship with Him as his Lord and Savior. Jesus told Peter that he MUST follow Him! Jesus would decide how and how long one of His followers would serve Him on this earth. Jesus would decide what type of life and death His followers would go through—what type would best glorify Him and influence others to follow Him as their Lord and Savior. Jesus told Peter that what He chose for John to do and how He chose for John to die were not matters that should concern Peter. Jesus, not Peter, was the Lord of them both. Jesus insisted that Peter’s concern MUST be about how he faithfully followed and served Jesus, about how he cared for Jesus’ people daily regardless of the personal consequences to himself—that was more than enough for Peter to be concerned about. Someone else may be honored or blessed in ways that seem better than what we experience, but loving, following, and obeying Jesus should be our primary concern—not what God is doing or planning to do through someone else.
(John 21:23) Therefore this saying went out among the brethren that that disciple would not die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?”
In the Bible, the writers use various ways to dispel rumors or correct them. When John concluded his Gospel, he wanted to correct a mistaken idea in the Church. Jesus did not say that John would be alive when He returned as He promised. Jesus said that if He wanted John to remain alive until He returned that should be of no concern to Peter. John was exiled to Patmos, where he wrote the Book of Revelation, and tradition says that John was the only one of the twelve apostles who did not die a martyr’s death. John glorified Jesus in a different way from the other apostles; for example, John wrote a great deal of the New Testament as well as the closing book in the Bible.
(John 21:24) This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true.
If my counting is correct, according to the New International Version and the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, Matthew and Mark never used the word “true.” Among the Gospel writers, John used the word true the most often. Not counting the Book of Acts, Luke used the word true 3 times in the NIV and 1 time in the NRSV. In his Gospel, John used the word true 15 times in the NIV and 19 times in the NRSV. In the NIV, Matthew used the word truth 1 time, Mark used the word truth 2 times, Luke used the word truth 1 time, and John used the word truth 28 times. In the NRSV Matthew used the word truth 1 time, Mark used the word truth 2 times, Luke used the word truth 3 times, and John used the word truth 26 times. John “testified” to the “truth” as in a court of law under oath with consequences for lying (perjury); John was the one who wrote his Gospel. If John had not written what was true in his Gospel, he knew he would stand before the King and Judge of the universe someday and would give an account. The truth and what is true was of vital and saving importance to John and all the writers of the Bible. Those who knew John also testified that John’s testimony was true. The most important reason to become a Christian and a faithful obedient follower of Jesus Christ is because the Bible and Christianity are true. What the Bible tells us about God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the believer’s relationship with them by grace through faith in Jesus Christ is true. As Dr. Francis Schaeffer said: “The Bible is true in all it affirms.” He also said, “There is only one reason to be a Christian, and not two. The only reason to be a Christian is because Christianity is true.” Because the Bible is true, we can believe and trust in all the precious promises of God in the Bible, for God cannot lie. In Numbers 23:19, we read, “God is not a human being, that he should lie, or a mortal, that he should change his mind.” The Bible records many blessings for the followers of Jesus. In 1 Corinthians 2:9-10, Paul reminded Christians, “But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him’—these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.”
(John 21:25) And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they *were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself *would not contain the books that *would be written.
John accurately recorded what the Holy Spirit decided was of most importance about the ministry of Jesus Christ and for our coming to believe the truth about Jesus and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. In John 1:3, we learn that “all things came into being through Jesus;” therefore, the many truthful books that fill our world regarding creation and history, whether they mention Jesus or not, in some sense reveal His glory as the Creator and Sustainer of all that exists. Some scientists know that when they study and research anything that exists, that they are studying the works of the Father and the Son, and they give glory to God. An infinite number of books could be written about how Jesus Christ, from before the beginning of creation and time, has blessed, cared for, healed, rescued, and saved His people from a countess variety of trials and tribulations and divine judgment—as well as bless believers beyond all human expectations now and forever. Jesus is our Creator, the Creator of all that exists. Jesus is the One who came into our world to live, to teach, to die, to rise again, and to ascend to the right hand of the Father to save us from our sins and grant us the undeserved gift of eternal life—not to mention the blessed honor of serving Him in this world! So yes, the whole world would not have room for all the books that could be written about Jesus. Amazingly, every year thousands of books are still being written about Jesus, and many more could be written about Jesus and His work in our world and in the life of every person who loves and follows Him. No one loves us like the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
May the Lord Jesus continue to bless the reading and study of the Gospel of John and the Bible that many might be saved from the power of sin and death, that many might come to know and believe the truth of God’s Word, the Bible, and that many might enjoy everlasting friendship and eternal life with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Maranatha! Our Lord Come!
The Only Reason to Become a Christian
Sunday, June 27, 2021
John 21:20-25
This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true (John 21:24—KJV).
This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true (John 21:24—NASB).
This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true (John 21:24—NRSV).
Why should someone become a Christian? Christians can think of many lasting benefits for becoming a Christian; benefits beyond what we can even begin to imagine that will only increase throughout eternity. As we study the New Testament, we learn how Jesus Christ made these benefits possible for His followers by His death, burial, and resurrection. Unfortunately, some people believe in God only for the benefits, and they remain selfish and self-centered, thinking only of themselves and of what God will give them in the future. Satan accused Job of trusting in and honoring God only for the benefits, but Job showed Satan that he served God because God was worthy to be loved. In John’s gospel, we learn the best reason to become a Christian. The best reason to follow Jesus is because Christianity is true, and because Christianity is true the followers of Jesus turn from selfishness and self- centeredness to God-centeredness, to loving God supremely, to obeying God, and to loving others as Jesus Christ has loved them. From the way John’s gospel concludes with these words by one who knew John, “his testimony is true,” we know the greatest, most important, and the only real reason for becoming a Christian — because Christianity is true. Thinking further, John used the words true and truth far more than any of the other gospel writers. Depending on the translation, in John, John’s Letters, and Revelation, John used the word “true” or “truth” 82 times. Dr. Francis Schaeffer concluded: “There is only one reason, and not two, for becoming a Christian, and that is because Christianity is true.”
Thinking Further
The Only Reason to Become a Christian
Sunday, June 27, 2021
John 21:20-25
Name ___________________________________
1. Why do you think Peter was concerned about the future of
John?
2. When Peter asked about the future of John, how did Jesus
answer him?
3. Can you think of one or more ways Peter and John differed
as Apostles?
4. Why do you think John wrote about the circulating rumor?
5. What do you think was the most important declaration that
John made about his gospel?
Discussion and Thinking Further
1. Why do you think Peter was concerned about the future of John?
Peter and John seemed to always do things together, from fishing to running to Jesus’ tomb. Perhaps he wanted to know if they would continue working and following Jesus together and if John would die in the same way as Jesus said he would die—as a martyr.
2. When Peter asked about the future of John, how did Jesus answer him?
Jesus told him that it was no concern of his and he was to concentrate on following Him wherever He led him.
3. Can you think of one or more ways Peter and John differed as Apostles?
Peter was continually active in leading and going forth as an Apostle, healing people, raising them from the dead, and leading the way to welcome Gentiles into the Church. He told Mark many of the events and teachings that Mark recorded in his gospel, and he wrote two letters. It appears that John became a leader of churches he and others established near Ephesus. Jesus gave John the gift of writing many important books in the New Testament, and the vision that became the Book of Revelation.
4. Why do you think John wrote about the circulating rumor?
John wrote to teach the truth and to make certain that the truth about Jesus’ life and teachings were true as he had experienced them. While he had the opportunity, he wanted to make certain that he could correct any rumors that began because some misunderstood what the Lord Jesus had told Peter and John the morning after they went fishing. At some point, the incident and Jesus’ words became misunderstood and became a rumor. John’s attention to these types of details gives us even more reason to trust what he wrote with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
5. What do you think was the most important declaration that John made about his gospel?
John’s gospel told the truth and what he wrote could be trusted as true. John wanted people to believe in Jesus because what Jesus said and did was true. Believers can tell others that they believe Jesus is Lord and Savior because they learned the truth about Jesus and His teachings.
Word Search
The Only Reason to Become a Christian
Sunday, June 27, 2021
John 21:20-25
Name ________________________________
U B N L O V A T K S K O O B G
T R D E Q G D H A I J D A R V
J U H I U C U M C U E R E H N
S M Q G S M O L J V J M G P Z
F O T N T C X M O Z A Z Y D M
O R U I E B I L M I V A K J H
L X R Y S W S P N U R T E U X
L Q N F T V H K L T N S F M I
O W E I I S R F E E U I O E G
W O D T M Q N B W S O R T N U
I L J S O R E C L I N E D Y F
N L M E N B G R E T E P K X E
G O I T Y Z O Y L N V X Y U B
H F D N S F L Z X O M H R O Z
X W J Z D C O A R W J T U A V
Peter
Turned
Disciple
Loved
Following
Reclined
Betray
Remain
Follow
Rumor
Community
Testifying
Testimony
True
Books
True and False Test
The Only Reason to Become a Christian
Sunday, June 27, 2021
John 21:20-25
Name _________________________________
Circle the True or False answers. Correct the False statements by restating them.
1. When Jesus talked to Simon Peter, John followed them. True or False
2. Peter had told John that Judas would betray Jesus. True or False
3. Peter was curious about what would happen to John. True or False
4. Jesus did not tell Peter what would happen to John, and basically said, “It is not your business to know what will happen to John.” True or False
5. Regarding the future, Jesus reminded Peter, “Follow me!” True or False
6. In his Gospel, John chose to ignore rumors. True or False
7. Because John was an eyewitness, he could testify to what he wrote in his Gospel. True or False
8. Those who knew John testified that his testimony was true. True or False
9. John said that he could have written more about Jesus, but he did not have enough ink. True or False
10. John wrote that he supposed the world itself could not contain the
books that would be written about Jesus and all He did. True or False
True and False Test Answers
- True
- False
- True
- True
- True
- False
- True
- True
- False
- True
Prayer
Thank You, Father, for Your almighty power at work in Jesus to save and protect us. We affirm His promise not to abandon us, that even when we die, we will live with You. Direct our hearts to You whenever life makes us afraid, we pray. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
