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Chapter 14 is a chapter of miracles. What’s interesting in our reading today is the miracles contained in it illustrate both Jesus’ divine power and his human needs. It also shows us the kind of faith life he calls us to live for him. What that life is like is our focus today!

  • We meet the disciples at a moment when they feel utterly lost and absolutely helpless. Describe a time when you felt that way, or nearly so. What were the circumstances? The outcome? What did you learn about yourself and God through this experience?

  • The old saying goes, “There are no atheists in foxholes.” True or not, it is the case that a whole lot more prayers ascend heavenward in bad times than in good. Why do you suppose that is? How similar/dissimilar to your own prayer life is this tendency?

  • One lesson in this miracle story is the paralyzing power of fear. How does fear manifest itself in the behaviors and reactions of the disciples, especially in the bad decision-making of Peter? In what ways does fear have an effect on you? How do you work through your fear? What part does God play in how you navigate fearful times?

Next Step: Unlike justice, self-care delayed is not self-care denied. Jesus delays his self-care in service of others but does not forego it altogether. Think about your own regimen of self-care. Is it proving sufficient to your needs? If not, in what ways can it be built up to match your efforts for others?

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