January 18th, 2026 - Walk On Water

Scripture Passage:  Matthew 14:22-36

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Walk on Water
Double series:
1. Accidental series on miracles
2. GEMS and Cadets

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John Ortberg
"If you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat"

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Water walking badge

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Matthew 14 (Mark 6, John 6)
Feeding 5000, 5+2=12
22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.

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Focused on First Things First
 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land,

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Sudden Storm
the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

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Planned or Reaction?
25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.

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Natural Reaction to Supernatural Action
26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

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I AM!
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

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Matthew's Memory: Impetuous Peter
28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

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Imagine yourself here
29 “Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

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Faith and Doubt Stand Close
 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

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Littlefaiths!
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

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Why believe now?
32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

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Walk on water?
Jesus did once
Peter briefly
Well remembered, in commercials
Church of the water walkers?

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Jesus shows self above water
In command of the air
Recalls when Moses saw fire controlled

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Jesus shows self above water
In command of the air
Recalls when Moses saw fire controlled
Anticipating that earth can't hold him either.