What is the Danger of Taking Your Eyes Off of Jesus? (Part 1)
Spiritual Questions with Scriptural Answers.
One of the most amazing miracles Jesus ever performed was walking on the water. He did this in the midst of a storm and while the disciples were terrified, Jesus was in complete control of a chaotic situation.
We remember from our study of God’s Word that one disciple got out of the boat and actually walked to Jesus on the water! His name was Peter who never lacked any boldness as the Gospel accounts clearly show.
Though Peter started off with a bold faith focused on Jesus, he took his eyes off of Him and began to sink.
A New Series: Keep Our Eyes on Jesus.
In this study, we want to begin a series of articles discussing the danger of taking our eyes off of Jesus when we find ourselves in the storms of life.
We will begin with Peter and then discuss other examples of individuals who took their eyes off of Jesus to focus on other things. Hopefully, we can make the application to our lives and be motivated to keep our eyes on Jesus (Heb. 12:1-2).
The Context.
As we consider the event, we are reminded from the context that Jesus had an extremely exhausting day.
He had been teaching in parables (Matt. 13:1-53), heard the news of His beloved cousin John the Baptist’s death (Matt. 14:3-12), healed many of the sick in the area (Matt. 14:13-14), and then proceeded to feed 5,000 plus people in an extraordinary display of power and compassion (Matt. 14:15-20).
It should no surprise to us that Jesus, Who was fully human and fully deity needed to both grieve the loss of John and rest from the day’s activities (Matt. 14:22-23).
The Storm.
While Jesus was facing His own storms, a storm was brewing in the sea. The disciples were struggling and Jesus walked on the water to go out to them. When they saw Him, they perceived that He was a ghost and cried out for fear (Matt. 14:26).
Jesus then delivered three powerful statements to give them courage in the midst of the storm.
First, He said, “Be of good cheer.”
Second, He said, “It is I,” literally, “I AM.”
Third, He said, “Do not be afraid.”
These statements build off of each other. The disciples, even though they were in the storm, could be of good cheer and have courage because the “I AM” was with them!
From Faith to Doubt.
Though all of the disciples heard Jesus’ words, only one got out of the boat having faith that if Jesus commanded him to come, he would be able to do it. Peter began with a great faith in Jesus and while he stayed focused on Him, he was able to walk on water!
However, everything changed when Peter shifted His focus from the Savior to the storm.
The Bible says that Peter began to sink and cried out to the Lord to save him. Jesus immediately reached out His hand to save Peter but then said these words: “O, you of little faith. Why did you doubt?” (Matt. 14:31).
When they got back into the boat, the wind ceased and the disciples worshipped Jesus.
7 Points of Application.
What application can we make from this event? I would like to share with you seven points.
First and foremost, we learn the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus no matter what is going on around us (Heb. 12:1-2).
Second, we learn the importance of allowing our faith to overcome our fears (Num. 13:30; Josh. 1:7-10; John 16:33; 2 Tim. 1:7).
Third, we must learn to appreciate the power of God to aid us through the storms of life (Psa. 46:1-2, 10; Rom. 8:31-38).
Fourth, we learn to access the blessings that Christ offers us through the Gospel by complete submission and true obedience (Matt. 11:28-30; Eph. 1:3; Rom. 6:1-6, 16-18; Heb. 5:8-9).
Fifth, we must approach the Lord with confidence (Heb. 4:15-16; 12:1-2; Jas. 1:5-8).
Sixth, we must answer our failures with a desire to learn and rise again (Psa. 51; Luke 22:62; 2 Pet. 3:18).
Seventh and finally, we must apply the Lord’s words to our lives when we find ourselves in the storm: “Be of good cheer; It is I; do not be afraid” (Heb. 13:5-6).
May we all consider the implication and application from this event in Scripture and be motivated to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus even when we find ourselves in the midst of the storm!
Next week, we will discuss Judas who took His eyes off of Jesus.
Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.
Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.
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Thanks. I find it interesting that the only thing that changed which triggered the sinking was internal. Looking forward to the rest of the series...
Thank you so much for sharing this, I needed to read this today. God bless you 🙌🏻