Storms. You either love them or hate them. They either bring a lot of intrigue and interest or a tremendous amount of fear and anxiety. Storms are a reality we all face, especially the personal, relational, economic, financial, political, physical, emotional, or cultural storms. There are a lot of changes in the weather these days! The good news is, that Jesus is with us in the storms of life - as the Lord in and through it, and even of it. The God, Jesus, who walked on the water and endured the greatest storm of the Father’s justice on the cross, is also the One who can calm the storms we face and empower us by His Spirit to get out of the boat and live to serve Him.

Matthew 14:22-33

Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. And after He had dismissed the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

And Peter answered Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when He saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out His hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped Him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

For Adult Homes & Groups:

1. Describe the worst storm you have ever experienced in your lifetime (literal storm or a difficult time in life). Does anyone in the group have a good storm story while on the water? 

2. Read Matthew 14:22-36. What jumped off the page as something you hadn’t read or seen before? 

3. “It’s a ghost!” With those words the disciples were terrified. What was it about this scene that fed into their fears? What images and obstacles are feeding into people’s fears these days? Or even your own? 

4. How does Jesus’ response in v. 27 provide comfort for followers of Christ today? (Jesus said, “I Am; no fear”) Can you think of other “I Am” statements in the Bible? This is a radical truth Jesus is alluding to: He is God the Son (v. 33). Why does this matter? 

5. In what ways and in what areas of your life do you need to trust in Jesus and step out of the boat in faith? Read Hebrews 12:2. In what areas do you struggle to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?

6. Share prayer requests and pray for each other – for God’s strength and faith, specifically in areas where you are challenged to “get out of the boat” and serve the King Jesus.

For Families with Kids:

1. Read Matthew 14:22-33 together.

2. When the disciples first saw Jesus walking towards them, what did they think they were seeing? What did Jesus say so they wouldn’t be scared?

3. What does Peter’s response say about himself? What did Peter need when he got out of the boat? Why did he start sinking? What did Jesus say to Peter, and how do you think that made Peter feel?

4. When Jesus got in the boat, the disciples worshipped Him. What can you do when you’re scared? How can we be ready to see and trust in Jesus?

5. Pray together as a family asking Jesus to help you always be ready for Him and to help you trust in Him.