Jesus Christ is one of the most prominent figures in human history and is considered the Son of God by Christians. He had several disciples who followed him during his life on Earth, and they were an integral part of his ministry.
One of the most notable events in the New Testament involves Jesus and his disciples getting into a boat together. This article will explore what might have prompted Jesus’ disciples to get into the boat with him.
The Context
Before we delve into why Jesus’ disciples got into the boat with him, let’s first examine the context surrounding this event. According to Matthew 14:22-33, Jesus had just finished feeding a crowd of 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish. After this miraculous event, Jesus told his disciples to get into a boat and go ahead of him to the other side of the Sea of Galilee while he dismissed the crowd.
The Storm
Once Jesus had dismissed the crowd, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Meanwhile, his disciples were in the boat making their way across the sea.
However, they encountered a storm that caused strong winds and waves to batter their vessel. This must have been a terrifying experience for them, as they were seasoned fishermen who knew how to navigate these waters.
Fear and Doubt
As they battled against the storm, it’s easy to imagine that fear and doubt began to creep into their minds. They may have wondered why Jesus had sent them out onto the sea alone when he knew that a storm was coming. They may have also questioned whether or not they would survive this ordeal.
Jesus’ Presence
It’s at this point that we see why Jesus’ disciples got into the boat with him in the first place. In verse 25 of Matthew 14, we read that Jesus came to them, walking on the water. When they saw him, they were terrified and thought he was a ghost.
However, Jesus reassured them by saying, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Trust and Faith
Jesus’ presence in the midst of the storm gave his disciples the courage to trust in him and have faith that they would make it safely to their destination. Peter even asked Jesus if he could walk on water too, which shows that their trust in him was growing stronger.
The Takeaway
So what can we learn from this story? Firstly, we see that Jesus’ disciples were willing to follow him even into difficult and uncertain situations.
They trusted him and had faith that he would protect them. Secondly, we see that when we face storms in our own lives, whether they be literal or figurative, we can find comfort in knowing that Jesus is with us. He will never leave us or forsake us.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the reason why Jesus’ disciples got into the boat with him was because they trusted him and had faith in his ability to protect them. This event serves as a reminder to all of us that when we face storms in our lives, we can find peace and comfort in knowing that Jesus is with us always.