August 9, 2020 Text: Matthew 14:22-33
Dear Friends in Christ,
How do you talk about others? Positive? Negative? We all make first impressions. How do you share those? “She was nice.” “He was pleasant.” “He is funny.” “She is a great worker.” We also can catch people in challenging moments. “They were rude.” “Why did she bite my head off?” “He’s got a temper.” Yes, how do you talk about others?
If you have a longer-term relationship with this person you see they are more than just one characteristic. You see this pleasant, friendly Pastor and then learn wow, is he competitive. Someone you thought lazy might confirm your impression or they may surprise you and really give effort. And every once in a while we may get a glimpse of a person’s dark side that we never saw coming. It is not easy to define any one of us.
Human beings are complicated. We are chameleons depending on the situation. We define people by what we observe.
We do the same with Jesus. We make judgments that aren’t in Holy Scripture. We define who He is in our speech. What are we saying?
“HOW DO YOU TALK ABOUT JESUS?”
Jesus is not a poorly written character with no depth, no complication. Matthew’s Gospel these last few weeks shows that. We have seen Jesus in many different situations.
Thousands were following Jesus around and he regularly defied expectations. Some walked away not satisfied by what they saw. This one called “the Messiah” confuses some. His hometown doesn’t give him a key to the city or even a free drink at the local watering hole. They mock him and send him away. He has compassion on the diseased and heals them. He touches the untouchable and hears the voice of the voiceless. He needs time away from all these people but still feeds a throng with very little supply. Unexpected.
Now in our text for today He does something we might not see coming. He again leaves everybody. What is going on here? Why is this guy so standoffish? Didn’t He come for us? He leaves so He can pray for you and the others. He needs time alone with the Father. See how you have misread Him again?
Prayer time is over. No Coast Guard signal comes but Jesus notices the boat of the disciples is far away from land with wind and waves crashing against it. He walks on water. Is it a ghost? What is this ragtag group expecting? We know our leader is different but walking on water? He brings words of comfort.
Now the drama shifts from 12 to one and his name is Peter. “Come on out Peter.” Should I guys? Sure, you can trust Jesus? His faith keeps him above water, but as soon as the wind comes he needs a life jacket. It’s Jesus. He rescues the helpless disciple. He saves a tragedy from occurring. “Peter, Peter, Peter, why the doubt?”
How are the disciples going to talk about Jesus after this? He is no longer just the guy who attends parties or the one not accepted in his hometown or the buffet chairman at a large meal. He commands creation. The wind ceases. The waves calm. What does this mean? What can we say about Jesus? They are not exactly sure but they confess, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
How do you see it? Is Jesus hard to label and categorize? He is unique and special but isn’t there more? Though you can’t completely grasp Him and I can’t completely understand Him, He’s got a hold of us. Lifting children to His lap. Dragging disciples into boats. How many times has He held on to you in pain, in death, in things that don’t make sense? How often has He calmed your boat ride with His presence? He holds you all the way to the cross. His death and resurrection assures you that He holds you into eternity. In your doubts and struggles He is there. His Holy Spirit creates in you a clean heart that can confess today: Jesus is the Son of God. Follow His path. The Savior reaches out to you, “Come, trust and walk toward me. I have your hand.”
With all of this in your life, how do you tell others about Jesus? What words do you use? Do you describe the peace and comfort He brings to your daily life? Do you talk about the “blessings” he has showered upon you? Do you share the hope and future that awaits a child of God? Do your words have the affect that when others describe you a prime characteristic is that you are a Christian? Do they see His presence in you?
Yes, there are times we take our eyes away from Jesus and our faith. Drowning is not pleasant, is it? But remember this – He’s there. The Lord Jesus grasps you. His touch is gentle and strong. In His grip you’ll know the price that He paid to have you forever. His hands bear the scars of His love, the price of forgiveness. He’s crucified and living. Now that is something to talk about!
Amen.