This week’s readings are all from Matthew 13-14. Click here to see a full listing of each day’s reading and the full chapters of Matthew 13-14. Full readings of each day’s smaller segments of the readings will be posted on this site during the week.
Today's Reading
22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he dispersed the crowds. 23 And after he sent the crowds away, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile the boat, already far from land, was taking a beating from the waves because the wind was against it. 25 As the night was ending, Jesus came to them walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water they were terrified and said, “It’s a ghost!” and cried out with fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them: “Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” 28 Peter said to him, “Lord, if it is you, order me to come to you on the water.” 29 So he said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind he became afraid. And starting to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they went up into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
34 After they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. 35 When the people there recognized him, they sent word into all the surrounding area, and they brought all their sick to him. 36 They begged him if they could only touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.
This story is so “me”. Jesus asks me to get in the boat and be about his work. When the trip gets a little bumpy, I get nervous and then Jesus shows up. He calls me again and I start heading his way and just when I start to feel comfortable, life’s troubles really get in the way. There soon comes that sinking feeling of being tossed by large waves but who is there to catch me when I am sinking? Jesus is there. What is crazy is he was there the whole time reaching out his hand, I just needed to take it.
I never noticed it before, but in the manner todays reading is laid out there are contrasting examples of faith. First we see Peter (poor Peter always taking it on the chin…) who has been with Jesus, has seen the miracles and has been chosen to be “on the inside” of Jesus teachings, who sees Jesus WALKING on the water and doubts, and on the other side we have people who have heard of/seen Jesus and believe if they only touch His cloak they will be healed and then are.