- Home
- Bible
- Matthew
- Chapter 14
- Verse 14
Matthew 14:24
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- John Gill
John Gill Bible Commentary
And in the fourth watch of the night,.... This is said, according to the division of the night into four watches, by the Jews; who (o) say, that "there are four watches in the night, and four watches in the day.'' It is true indeed, that it is disputed among them, whether there were four watches, or only three in the night: some say there were four, others say there were but three (p); not but that these made a division of the night into four parts, the three first of which, they thought were properly the watches of the night, and the fourth was the morning. The first watch began at six o'clock in the evening, and lasted till nine; the second began at nine, and ended at twelve, which was midnight; the third began at twelve, and closed at three; the fourth began at three, and ended at six in the morning. But since some (q) Jewish writers are so positive for the division of the night into three watches only, and a watch is with them called (r) the third part of the night; and it is dubious with some, whether the Jewish division is here referred to; and since it is so clear a point, that the Romans (s) divided their night into four watches, and their writers speak not only of the first, second, and third watches, but also of the fourth watch (t); it is thought by some, that the evangelist speaks after the Roman manner: but however, certain it is, that within this period, probably at the beginning of it, after three o'clock in the morning, Christ came to his disciples, when they had been almost all the night at sea, tossed with waves, and in great danger. Jesus went unto them; from the mountain where he had been praying, the greatest part of the night, to the sea side, and so upon the waters to them; for it follows, walking upon the sea; as on dry land: though it was so stormy and boisterous, that the disciples, though in a ship, were in the utmost danger, yet he upon the waves, was in none at all; by which action he showed himself to be the Lord of the sea, and to be truly and properly God; whose character is, that he "treadeth upon the waves of the sea", Job 9:8. (o) T. Hieros. Beracot, fol. 2. 4. Echa Rabbati, fol. 54. 4. (p) T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 3. 1, 2. (q) Jaschi & Kimchi in Jud vii. 19. & in Psal. cxix. 147. (r) Gloss. in T. Bab. Betacot, fol. 2. 1. (s) Alex. ab Alex. Genial. Dier. 1. 4. c. 20. (t) Liv. Hist. 1. 36, c. 24.
Matthew 14:24
Jesus Walks on Water
23After He had sent them away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone, 24but the boat was already far from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Doing the Impossible
By Major Ian Thomas1.5K1:15:04ImpossibilitiesMAT 14:14MAT 14:24MRK 6:21JHN 5:19HEB 1:3In this sermon, the preacher discusses two miracles performed by Jesus - walking on water and feeding the 5,000. The disciples initially thought it was impossible for Jesus to walk on water, but he demonstrated his power by doing so. Similarly, feeding such a large crowd with only 5 loaves and 2 fishes seemed impossible, but Jesus performed a notable miracle. The preacher emphasizes the importance of being obedient and submissive to God, as Jesus was, and encourages the audience to observe Jesus' behavior as a model for their own.
Faith Relationship With Jesus Christ
By Major Ian Thomas1.2K1:15:04RelationshipMAT 14:14MAT 14:24MRK 6:21JHN 5:19HEB 1:3In this sermon, the preacher discusses two miracles performed by Jesus - walking on water and feeding the 5,000. The disciples initially thought it was impossible for Jesus to walk on water, but he demonstrated his power by doing so. Similarly, feeding such a large crowd with only 5 loaves and 2 fishes seemed impossible, but Jesus performed a notable miracle. The preacher emphasizes the importance of being obedient and submissive to God, as Jesus was, and encourages the audience to observe Jesus' behavior as a model for their own.
The Exchanged Life
By Major Ian Thomas1.0K1:15:04SanctificationMAT 14:14MAT 14:24MRK 6:21JHN 5:19HEB 1:3In this sermon, the preacher discusses two miracles performed by Jesus - walking on water and feeding the 5,000. The disciples initially thought it was impossible for Jesus to walk on water, but he demonstrated his power by doing so. Similarly, feeding such a large crowd with only 5 loaves and 2 fishes seemed impossible, but Jesus performed a notable miracle. The preacher emphasizes the importance of being obedient and submissive to God, as Jesus was, and encourages the audience to observe Jesus' behavior as a model for their own.
Eyes Fixed on Jesus
By David Wilkerson0Pursuing ChristFaith in CrisisMAT 14:24David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, especially during life's storms. He recounts the story of Peter walking on water, illustrating how faith can lift us above our troubles, but also how distractions can lead to doubt and sinking. The disciples were terrified in the storm, yet Peter's boldness to step out in faith brought him closer to Jesus. Wilkerson encourages believers to seek Christ in their crises, reminding them that the more intense the struggle, the more they should pursue a relationship with Him. Ultimately, he calls for a prayerful desire to be drawn closer to the Lord amidst life's challenges.
The Helpless One and the Helper
By Horatius Bonar0Faith in TrialsJesus as Our HelperMAT 14:24Horatius Bonar emphasizes the contrast between the helplessness of Peter and the unwavering support of Jesus during a stormy night on the sea. The sermon illustrates how faith is often tested by fear and doubt, as seen when Peter begins to sink after initially walking on water towards Jesus. Bonar highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus' presence and power, which brings comfort and courage amidst life's storms. Ultimately, the message conveys that even in moments of weakness, Jesus is ready to save and support those who call upon Him.
God, Please Hurry Up
By Anton Bosch0GEN 17:17GEN 18:11GEN 22:10JDG 7:2MAT 14:24LUK 5:5JHN 2:3JHN 11:39ACT 7:22Anton Bosch preaches on the story of Abraham and Sarah, highlighting their struggles with age, infertility, and doubts while waiting for God's promise of descendants to be fulfilled. God required Abraham to be circumcised, symbolizing his willingness to surrender his own abilities and trust in God's supernatural provision. Through various biblical examples like Gideon, Lazarus, and the disciples, it is shown that God often waits until we reach the end of our own resources and abilities to perform miracles, teaching us to rely on Him completely and give Him all the glory.
Security in Storms
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 107:29ISA 43:2MAT 14:24JHN 14:27HEB 6:19Charles E. Cowman preaches about the significance of facing life's storms and tempestuous seasons, drawing parallels to the challenges and trials we encounter. He emphasizes that while storms of temptation and bereavement may seem harsh, they lead to a deeper connection with God through prayer and reliance on His promises. Cowman highlights that Jesus Christ doesn't guarantee a storm-free life but assures perfect security amidst the storms, guiding us safely to our destination. He encourages setting our sails to the heavenly gale, trusting that no matter the circumstances, God will lead us home.
- John Gill
John Gill Bible Commentary
And in the fourth watch of the night,.... This is said, according to the division of the night into four watches, by the Jews; who (o) say, that "there are four watches in the night, and four watches in the day.'' It is true indeed, that it is disputed among them, whether there were four watches, or only three in the night: some say there were four, others say there were but three (p); not but that these made a division of the night into four parts, the three first of which, they thought were properly the watches of the night, and the fourth was the morning. The first watch began at six o'clock in the evening, and lasted till nine; the second began at nine, and ended at twelve, which was midnight; the third began at twelve, and closed at three; the fourth began at three, and ended at six in the morning. But since some (q) Jewish writers are so positive for the division of the night into three watches only, and a watch is with them called (r) the third part of the night; and it is dubious with some, whether the Jewish division is here referred to; and since it is so clear a point, that the Romans (s) divided their night into four watches, and their writers speak not only of the first, second, and third watches, but also of the fourth watch (t); it is thought by some, that the evangelist speaks after the Roman manner: but however, certain it is, that within this period, probably at the beginning of it, after three o'clock in the morning, Christ came to his disciples, when they had been almost all the night at sea, tossed with waves, and in great danger. Jesus went unto them; from the mountain where he had been praying, the greatest part of the night, to the sea side, and so upon the waters to them; for it follows, walking upon the sea; as on dry land: though it was so stormy and boisterous, that the disciples, though in a ship, were in the utmost danger, yet he upon the waves, was in none at all; by which action he showed himself to be the Lord of the sea, and to be truly and properly God; whose character is, that he "treadeth upon the waves of the sea", Job 9:8. (o) T. Hieros. Beracot, fol. 2. 4. Echa Rabbati, fol. 54. 4. (p) T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 3. 1, 2. (q) Jaschi & Kimchi in Jud vii. 19. & in Psal. cxix. 147. (r) Gloss. in T. Bab. Betacot, fol. 2. 1. (s) Alex. ab Alex. Genial. Dier. 1. 4. c. 20. (t) Liv. Hist. 1. 36, c. 24.