Disciples Want to Follow Their Teacher

Scripture: Matthew 14:28

Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

Insights: On Sunday I preached a very long introduction about the process one would go through to become a disciple of a rabbi.  One of the primary realities of one who had been chosen to be a disciple of a rabbi was to follow his rabbi.  In today’s verse we see this being expressed in Peter’s statement to Jesus.  Let me set the scene briefly: Jesus has earlier that day feed the 5,000 and then sent His disciples on ahead while He sent the crowd away.  Jesus then went up the mountain to pray and at some point in the middle of the night He comes to them, in the midst of a storm, walking on the water.  When the disciples see Jesus they think He is a ghost.  Jesus, however, speaks to them and comforts their hearts.  It is at this point that Peter says, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”  This characteristic to follow the rabbi is crucial for one to be a disciple.  It reveals a humble belief and trust in his rabbi to have his best interest at heart.  When it comes down to it, this point is what is really at stake in our relationship with the Lord.  It is a faith and trust issue.  Do we really trust the Lord enough to follow Him or do we believe we know what is best?  Beloved, let me promise you that following the Lord is always best.  Follow Him this day!

Questions:

1.  Would you classify yourself as one who truly wants to follow after Jesus?

2.  If you were not able to answer in the affirmative, what is preventing you from following after the Lord?

Prayer: Father, I really want to follow after You.  You are the only One who can bring about life and save me from my sinfulness.  May my life bring You glory.  Amen.