Matthew 14:23-27

Matthew 14:23-27 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. Many of Jesus’ disciples were familiar with the Sea of Galilee. They knew of the violent storms that commonly blew up with no warning. So the disciples were working hard at the oars trying to get the boat to safety. And then they see this form of a man walking on the water. I am sure that they were scared to death! It had to be a ghost that they were seeing. It wasn’t possible for a man to walk on water – especially in such a storm! But Jesus heard their cries of fear and spoke to them words of comfort as only the dear Savior could speak. Jesus cared for those men, and He did not want them to be troubled. What a great lesson for us! Jesus still cares for His followers and still speaks words of comfort. Actually, we are reading those exact words today, and Jesus is speaking them to us, as well as His disciples, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” What wonderful words of comfort they were, for the disciples in distress, and what wonderful words of comfort they are for us too! So, don’t ever be afraid; Jesus is near. Just cry out to Him with your need and He will answer! Do you remember the words that Jesus spoke to the disciples? Those are the words that He speaks to us. What are they? That’s right, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.”