Thursday, August 14, 2014

What's the Moral of the Story?

So Jesus walks on the water out to the storm-tossed boat and the terrified disciples (Matt 14). With Jesus' consent and invitation, Peter gets out of the boat and begins to walk to Jesus.  For a bit.  Then he sank. 

Moral #1:  If you have faith, you can walk on water.  Be like Peter.  Be daring.  Be bold.  Do the impossible.

"Moral" #2:  We try to be bold, but in reality we sink.  Even though we only have itty-bitty teeny-tiny faith (vs 31), Jesus is faithful to His promise, and He rescues us and keeps us safe.



"Moral" #2 is so much more comforting than Moral #1.  And it fits what happened in the story so much better than Moral #1.  So why is Moral #1 touted more often?

1 comment:

  1. I started a blog post on Sunday's sermon but haven't finished it yet. I don't remember the text ever being preached like I heard it Sunday. Maybe I have just forgotten. But according to my pastor the moral of the story is to stay in the boat. You're safe there. Jesus is coming to you. Stay put! He also compared the boat to the Church, which makes so much sense considering what happened when Peter and Jesus got back to the boat. 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

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