By Randall L. Broad
Read:
Genesis 44:1-45:28; Matthew 14:13-36; Psalm 18:37-50; Proverbs 4:11-13
Today
there is a significant kingdom story found in the Book of Matthew where Jesus
walks on the water (Matthew 14:22-36). Walking on the water is one of the most
famous miracles Jesus performs in his ministry, but there is more to the story.
28Peter said to Him, "Lord, if it is you,
command me to come to You on the water."29And He said,
"Come!" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and
came toward Jesus. 30But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and
beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!"…
Matthew 14:28-30
The
calling of Simon Peter is a significant part of God’s plan to redeem humanity. New
Testament believers know the building of the church is essential to the
fulfillment of the penultimate. In the days ahead Jesus will say … And I tell you that you are Peter, and on
this rock I will build my church (Matthew 16:18). What is really
significant about Peter’s story is this is not the first time Jesus has called him
or will it be the last. Peter was called from his nets when he was a humble
fisherman (Matthew 4:18-20) and now he is being called again to come to Jesus
on the water. He will be called again in the Book of John after he has returned
to his nets (21:15-19) following Christ’s death on the cross.
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
18Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself
and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your
hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to
go.” 19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter
would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
John 21:18-19
Jesus
does not call Peter to him once, but three separate times. Jesus calls to Peter
in John 21:19 with the command “Follow me!” Take encouragement from Peter’s
story that Jesus does not give up on people. It was necessary for Him to call
the ‘rock’ on which he would build his church three different times. For those
Jesus has chosen, He will call again and again. He will call out, “Follow Me!”
These two words are the most powerful words Jesus ever spoke. Matthew 28:19 is
called the Great Commission, but I often wonder if the command to Follow Him is not the greatest
commission of them all. Whether you read the Great Commission to be a call to
evangelize or disciple, you cannot do either without following Christ first,
without coming to Him on the water.
Walk
with the Lord …
Ephesians
1:17
(RLB250122)
©
Copyright 2017: Randall L. Broad
Disclaimer: This commentary is written by Randall L. Broad. It is in no way affiliated with or represents any denomination, university, church, or pastor. Any errors or omissions are purely my responsibility.
