INTRODUCTION

Jesus Walks on Water

Bible Point:

Jesus helps us believe.

Key Verse:

“If we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself” (2 Timothy 2:13).

Big Picture:

Begin to trust Jesus even in the midst of doubt.

Jesus Walks on Water

Matthew 14:22-33

You might be starting to think more about what you believe and how it connects to your own life. Sometimes you might even have questions or doubts, and that is okay. Asking questions and learning to trust God during hard times are both important parts of growing in faith.

This week you will take time to notice how God has already been faithful in your life. Even when it is hard to see, God is always working with love and care. In a world that often says you have to make your own way, it is important to remember that you are never on your own. God’s faithfulness is always guiding you. As you learn and grow, you will see that trusting Jesus builds a faith that lasts.

PLANTING THE SEED

Jesus had just finished feeding and teaching a huge crowd of people. He told the disciples to get in the boat and head over to the other side of the lake. No problem, right?

Well, in the meantime, Jesus dismissed the crowd and went up on a mountainside to pray. By the time He had finished praying, the wind was blowing, and the boat was far away from land and being tossed about in the waves.

During the fourth watch (that means it was the middle of the night!), the disciples saw Jesus coming toward them, walking on the water! Boy, were they scared at first! That must have been pretty weird—someone walking on the water toward you in the middle of the night! They thought they saw a ghost! But then Peter asked Jesus if he could come toward him on the water, and Jesus said yes. So Peter started walking on the water, too! But then he looked around and saw the waves and felt the wind, and he got scared (yikes!). And right away he started to sink. Now he was really scared!

Family Fun He called out to Jesus to save him, and immediately Jesus reached out and pulled him up. When they got in the boat, everyone worshiped Jesus because they knew He was the Son of God (Matthew 14:22-33).

• How does Peter show the “ups and downs” of doubt and faith and how both are part of the faith journey?

• When is it hard for you to have faith? How can you turn to Jesus in those moments?

• What can you say to someone who’s struggling with having faith?

FAMILY FUN

One night this week during dinner, talk with your family about times it’s hard to have faith. Let each person share about a time in the past when they have doubted. Then, have each person share how God was faithful in that situation. Next, let each person share about a fear or hardship they are facing right now. As a family, vow to pray for each other to have faith in those situations. Then thank God in advance for God’s faithfulness!

READY, SET, GROW!

This week, instead of choosing a Daily Challenge, you committed to praying each day that Jesus would help you believe by faith that what God says and does is true. Weave faith into life this week and follow through on this commitment!