Watch the video above and talk about it with a group or mentor. Learn more.
When you’re in the midst of a storm in life, remember Jesus’s words from this verse.
Key Points:
- This verse is found in the Gospel of Matthew, which is the first book of the New Testament (NT). It was written by Matthew (also called “Levi”) who was a Jewish tax collector. He gave up what was probably a pretty lucrative income to follow Jesus. Matthew was mainly writing to a Jewish audience and his goal was to emphasize that Jesus was the promised Messiah and that he came to fulfill all of the Old Testament (OT) prophecies.
- The context of the verse occurs right after the disciples just saw the amazing miracle of the feeding of the 5,000. Jesus sent the disciples off ahead of him to go to the other side of the lake and Jesus went off to spend some solitary time with God. During the night, the wind came up and buffeted against their boat. A mysterious figure approached the boat. The disciples were terrified. But then Jesus spoke: “Take courage, it is I, don’t be afraid.”
- Those three words, “It is I,” could easily be missed or passed over but this short phrase is packed with a lot of meaning. First, Jesus was telling them not to be afraid because he was there to help. Second, he was reminding the disciples of who he was. He’s God, the one that just fed 5,000 people.
- As followers of Jesus, we need to remember that we don’t need to be afraid either. We can be courageous because Jesus is with us. Even though the storms of life rage around us, we can remain calm knowing that Jesus is right there with us and he will make us brave.
- Being in Jesus’s presence also helps us to step out of our comfort zones and try new things or to speak up for Jesus with people in our lives. We should be like Peter. Once Peter knew it was Jesus, he jumped out and walked out toward Jesus. We should be willing to do the same. We should step out in courage to do things that God asks us to do.
Quote This:
Matthew 14:27 (NIV) But Jesus immediately said to then: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Talk About It
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Share some of the triumphs you’ve experienced in your life. How did those things impact you and your relationship with God?
- Describe a time you’ve been fearful and unsure. How did that situation impact your life and your relationship with God?
- Read Matthew 14:15-21. What do you think the disciples were thinking as they watched this miracle unfold? What would you be thinking if you were there?
- Read Matthew 14:22-27. Why do you think Jesus chose to walk out to them instead of just meeting them on the other side of the lake? What lessons might the disciples have missed out on had this event not happened at all?
- On a scale of 1-10, how courageous are you when trying times hit? What are some things you can start doing to remember that Jesus is with you?
- In what areas of your life do you need to step out more for God? How will you do it?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
This is part of the Life Verses for Women series.
