Matthew 14:22-33 - Homilies By J.a. Macdonald

Lessons of the storm.

The wonderful narrative before us suggests many lessons, amongst which the following may be noted, viz.—

I. THAT JESUS IS A PARTY TO THE TROUBLES OF HIS DISCIPLES .

1 . These are often induced by their own folly.

2 . Satan has a malignant hand in them.

3 . Jesus has a benevolent hand in them.

(a) That those who will not submit to the ruling of Christ's wisdom will have to sail without him in the voyage of life.

(b) That in voyaging without Christ the way is difficult and perilous.

(c) That the policy of their ignorant prejudice in making Christ a civil Ruler, if carried out, would, instead of bringing the tranquillity they pictured to themselves, bring them into a political hurricane.

II. THAT JESUS IS PRESENT WITH HIS DISCIPLES IN THEIR TROUBLES ,

1 . He is present in spirit when invisible.

2 . He is present, moreover, in power.

III. THAT CREDULITY IS THE COMPANION OF UNBELIEF .

1 . The heart is slow to discern Christ.

2 . It mistakes him for a phantom.

IV. THAT NATURAL RESOURCES ARE USELESS IN SPIRITUAL CONFLICTS .

1 . Seamanship failed in this storm.

2 . The swimming art failed in these waves.