Walking on Water: Faith Over Fear

Walking on Water: Faith Over Fear

A Study of Matthew 14:22-33 Year 10 Religious Education Discovering God's Presence in Life's Storms

Setting the Scene: After the Miracle

Jesus had just fed 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish The disciples were sent ahead by boat across the Sea of Galilee Jesus went up on a mountainside to pray alone A storm was brewing on the water

Teaching Point 1

Obedience Can Lead You Into a Storm Being in God's will doesn't mean absence of storms—it means His presence in them

Reflection Activity: Your Storms

Think of a time when you were doing the right thing but faced difficulties Write down: What was the situation? How did you feel when the 'storm' hit? Where did you see God's presence, even in the difficulty?

Teaching Point 2: Jesus Sees You First

Between 3-6 AM, Jesus came walking on the water The disciples couldn't recognize Him in their fear They thought He was a ghost Fear can distort how we see God's movement in our lives

Faith vs. Fear: Peter's Response

{"left":"Jesus said: 'Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.'\nPeter replied: 'Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water.'","right":"Faith responds to Jesus' voice, not just circumstances\nPeter didn't move until Jesus gave permission"}

Teaching Point 3: Focus Determines Stability

Peter successfully walked on water while looking at Jesus He began to sink when he noticed the strong wind What we focus on will either sustain us or sink us The circumstances hadn't changed - only Peter's focus

Discussion Question

What are the 'winds and waves' in your life that tend to shift your focus away from God? How can we practice keeping our focus on Jesus during difficult times?

Teaching Point 4: Jesus Saves Immediately

Peter cried out: 'Lord, save me!' Jesus immediately reached out and caught him Even when our faith falters, God's hand is extended Quick response to sincere cries for help

The Storm's Purpose: Deeper Revelation