Have you ever wondered why Jesus told his disciples to get in the boat? This seemingly simple command has profound implications for our faith. Let’s explore the significance of this event and what we can learn from it.
The Story of Jesus and the Disciples
The story takes place in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 14. Jesus had just finished feeding a crowd of over 5,000 people with only five loaves of bread and two fish. After this miracle, Jesus sent his disciples ahead of him in a boat while he went up on a mountain to pray.
As the disciples were making their way across the sea, they encountered a strong wind and were tossed about by the waves. In the middle of the night, they saw Jesus walking on water towards them. They were initially terrified, thinking he was a ghost, but Jesus reassured them and invited Peter to walk on water with him.
Peter stepped out of the boat and began to walk towards Jesus, but as soon as he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the wind and waves around him, he began to sink. Jesus saved him and they both got back into the boat.
The Significance
This story has several important lessons for us as Christians. Firstly, it shows us that even when we follow God’s commands, we may still face challenges or difficulties. The disciples were doing exactly what Jesus had asked them to do – get in the boat – yet they still encountered a storm.
Secondly, it teaches us that when we face trials or hardships in life, we should keep our focus on God rather than getting distracted by our circumstances. Peter was able to walk on water as long as he kept his eyes fixed on Jesus; it was only when he looked away that he began to sink.
Thirdly, this story demonstrates that even when we falter or fail in our faith (like Peter did), Jesus is always there to rescue us. He didn’t rebuke Peter for his lack of faith, but instead reached out his hand and saved him.
The Lesson for Us
So, what can we learn from Jesus telling the disciples to get in the boat? We can learn that even when we follow God’s commands, we may still face difficulties. We can also learn that keeping our focus on God is crucial in times of trial, and that even when we fail, Jesus is always there to rescue us.
As we navigate the storms of life, let’s remember this story and trust in Jesus to guide us through. Let’s keep our eyes fixed on him and have faith that he will lead us safely to shore.