Session 1
Matthew 14:22-33
Memory Verse: Matthew 14:27
This lesson emphasizes several facts about Jesus
that leaders should take to heart.
First, Jesus sent His disciples out onto the lake-
and into a storm.
Following Jesus doesn’t guarantee difficult circumstances won’t arise.
But it’s also important to remember that Jesus is aware of where His people are and what they are facing,
including their need for Him to come to them.
Also, Peter’s attempt to walk on the water reveals the importance
of keeping our focus on Jesus
instead of the surrounding circumstances.
As the writer of Hebrews encouraged his readers, we too need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus (Heb. 12:2).
We also learn from Peter’s experience that while faith may motivate us,
“little faith” will never sustain us in the overwhelming tides that hit us in life.
Matthew left his readers focused on Jesus as the “I am,”
the Savior, and “the Son of God.”
Fear is a powerful foe that hinders us from progressing in life.
Listen to people around you and you will hear any number of fears mentioned.
public speaking.
heights, failure, the dark, crowds, spiders, and snakes.
injury and illness.
Our fears impact our thinking, relating, and acting.
Fear influences all aspects of life.
Dealing with fear correctly is essential for a well-balanced life. (PSG, p. 9)
Discuss how fears change over time,
highlighting the difference between things we fear as children and things we fear as adults.
Regardless of what forms the fears take, they are still very real.
And they have the potential to throw our lives into chaos.
Today’s session focuses on how Jesus helps
His people face their fears and respond in faith.
share background for this session.
Following John’s death, Jesus withdrew to be alone with the disciples
to sort through His response to such tragedy.
This desire to be alone was interrupted by the crowds that followed.
Jesus showed compassion by healing the sick late into the afternoon.
The result was a hungry crowd of five thousand men, not including the women and children.
Jesus miraculously fed all of them. (PSG, p. 10)
As you reflect on today’s verses, let your fears come to the forefront of your heart and mind.
Intentionally face those fears as you study what Jesus did in this passage.