Matthew 14: Called to be trusting

Lieutenant Oliver Dobson reminds us that faith grows when we take a step towards Jesus.

Key texts

• Matthew 14:22-34

Pilots who operate high-performance aircraft are trained to make decisions in situations where relying solely on instinct isn’t sufficient. The US Federal Aviation Administration explains that, when pilots lose visual reference points – such as when flying through thick cloud – the body’s senses can become disorientated. Without a clear horizon, a pilot may feel as though the aircraft is tilting or spinning, even when it may still be flying steadily. For this reason, they are trained to trust their instruments, rather than their instincts.

In the air, survival often depends on trusting something beyond what you immediately perceive. Life can feel like that at times. Circumstances become uncertain and disorientating, fear and doubt cloud our vision. Our instincts might tell us we are sinking, failing or alone. Faith, however, invites us to trust a different reference point – the presence and word of Jesus.

In our study passage, Peter faces that kind of moment. With wind and waves around him, he must decide whether to remain in the boat or step out in trust towards Jesus.

Pause and reflect

• Think about a time when you sensed God prompting you towards something new or challenging.
• What thoughts or emotions surfaced when you first considered taking that step?

After Jesus fed the 5,000, he made the disciples ‘get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd’ (v22). The disciples obey Jesus. Yet, as they cross the lake, their journey becomes difficult. Although several of the disciples are fishermen who know these waters well, they find themselves struggling against the storm. This reminds us that obedience to Jesus does not guarantee calm waters, but it does place us within his purposes.

Pause and reflect

• In your struggles, how do you recognise Jesus’ presence?
• What helps you trust him?

Picture the scene – the disciples have been battling the elements and are exhausted. When they see a figure ‘walking on the lake’, they cry out in fear: ‘It’s a ghost’ (vv25 and 26). Immediately, Jesus reassures: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid’ (v27).

Fear has a way of shaping how we see things. We often make assumptions too. But trust begins not with having all the answers, but by remembering Jesus is with us.

Pause and reflect 

• When life feels overwhelming, what helps you recognise that Christ is near?
• What practices help you stay grounded in faith?

Even in rough weather, the boat still offers some sense of safety. Peter can stay where he is. However, something about Jesus’ voice stirs him to step forward. He says: ‘Lord, if it’s you … tell me to come to you on the water’ (v28). On Jesus’ invitation, Peter climbs out of the boat and begins walking on the water towards him. For a moment, Peter experiences something extraordinary. Then, his attention shifts. Instead of focusing on Jesus, he notices the strength of the storm. He becomes afraid, begins to sink and cries out: ‘Lord, save me!’ (v30). Jesus does not hesitate. He closes the gap, reaches out and saves Peter.

Faith and fear often exist side by side. Many of us recognise this moment. We begin with courage, then doubt creeps in as we recognise the risks and uncertainties. We hear voices asking whether we are capable. This can be especially true when we sense God calling us into something significant – leadership, ministry or deeper service.

Pause and reflect

• When you feel uncertain about Jesus’ call, what helps you refocus on him?

Jesus asks Peter: ‘Why did you doubt?’ (v31). His question invites reflection rather than criticism. After all, Peter is the only disciple who steps out of the boat.

Trusting Jesus does not mean that we never hesitate or falter. It means that, when we do, he is ready to reach out and lift us again. Faith often grows not when everything feels certain, but when we take a step towards Jesus despite uncertainty.

Pause and reflect

• Where might God be inviting you to step beyond your comfort zone?
• Who are the people God has placed around you to encourage and support your faith journey?

When Jesus and Peter climb back into the boat, the wind dies down. The disciples respond with worship: ‘Truly you are the Son of God’ (v33). Through the storm, the disciples come to understand more clearly who Jesus is. Trust often grows in the same way for us. As we respond to God’s invitation – sometimes boldly, sometimes hesitantly – we discover more of his faithfulness.

The disciples who remain in the boat are safe. Peter, however, experiences something extraordinary because he trusts Jesus enough to step out. God’s call rarely arrives with perfect clarity or calm conditions. More often, it comes with a simple invitation from Jesus: ‘Come’ (v29).

For some, this invitation might involve offering their gifts in new ways. For others, it might mean exploring leadership. For all of us, it means stepping out in faith and fully committing to what God is placing before us.

Pause and reflect

• Is there an area of your life where you sense Jesus calling you?
• What might trusting him look like?