Matthew Chapter 14

Can we think of a time when confusion and misunderstanding led us to a devastatingly incorrect conclusion? Do we ever get an idea into our heads about how the world works, only to discover how wrong we were?

Here in Matthew chapter 14 there seems to be a lot of that being displayed. Herod Antipas, the disciples, the crowds—all has some misconceptions. “(Herod Antipas) said to his advisers, “This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead! That is why he can do such miracles.” … When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” … When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14‬:‭2‬, ‭26‬, ‭35‬-‭36‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Think about those verses. What do we see in these reactions to Jesus? When Jesus shows up in our situations do we mistake His arrival? Do we ignore His intentions? Do we resign ourselves to the impossibility of the situation, or do we reach out and touch the Lord?

As a teen and young adult, I collected “impossible” puzzles. One of my favorites was a bolt that had a nut welded to it. The instructions were, “Remove the nut from the bolt.” Anyone who knows anything about welding would look at that puzzle, pick it up, turn it over and say, “Impossible!” When I saw it, I smiled, picked it up and twisted the nut. Of course the thing came apart. Because beneath the nut the bolt had been cut in half. Was that a simple trick, or an important life lesson?

As we face the day and whatever is coming our way, remember Jesus’ promise. “I will NEVER leave you, nor forsake you.” Recognize His authority. Trust His plan. In this chapter, Jesus did not touch the people. They reached out and touched Him. Reach out to the Lord and be assured He will answer.

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