The Power of Seeing Jesus

Matthew 14:22-36 Tells a wonderful story of the importance of seeing Jesus. After Jesus had fed the five thousand, He sent His disciples on a boat towards the other side of the sea. While they were moving along the waters, it happened during the night, they saw something on the waters. “It is a ghost!” They shouted. They cried out in terror when immediately Jesus said, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid”. Isn’t it amazing that the first words that Jesus said were, “Do not be afraid.” I believe God wants us to know that He does not want us to be afraid. While this is going on, Peter spoke up and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” God responds by saying one simple word, “Come!” The Bible says he climbed out of the boat and, “walked on the water and came toward Jesus.” Isn’t amazing how powerful seeing Jesus is. Just by seeing Jesus, Peter was able to walk with Jesus and not fall.

He did not fall because the water was slippery. No Peter walked on water by beholding Jesus. They saw what they thought was a ghost, they saw Jesus walking, and they saw the waves. This whole story is about seeing.  Now the next thing it says is this, “³⁰But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink.” But seeing the wind he began to sink. Notice those three words, “seeing the wind.” My friend this is what happens in life. When we look at our problems in life, the devil, or ourselves, we begin to sink. We need to look to Jesus. Now whether there are winds or no winds, walking on water is impossible. Walking on water is impossible whether it is a windy day or clear day. What happened was that Peter took his eyes off of Jesus. That is when He began to sink.

³ For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:3).

Does it say, “Consider yourself?” Does it say, “For consider all of your imperfections?” No it says, “For consider Him.” My friend God wants you to go throughout your life considering Him. Think about Him. Think of what He has done in your life. When you understand His life and what He has accomplished in your life, you will be heavily impacted. The Bible says that as we consider Jesus, we will not grow weary and lose heart. That is the main point of this verse. God wants you to see the beauty of Jesus, “so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Heb. 12:3).

There is power in seeing Jesus. Seeing Jesus can help us do the impossible! It helped Peter. It can help us. See Him in His love, in His grace, and in His glory. This is what Christianity is about, looking to Jesus and receiving His grace. Something happens we when take our thoughts off of ourselves and think about Jesus. Don’t grow weary and lose heart. Keep your eyes on Jesus and I guarantee you will walk on water!