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Matthew 14:25
Verse
Context
Jesus Walks on Water
24but the boat was already far from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea.26When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear.
Sermons
Carter Conlon
E.A. Johnston
J.R. Miller
David Servant
Ernest O'NeillSummary
Commentary
- John Gill
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea,.... It being now morning, and perhaps might have moon light; and besides, there is always more light upon the water than land; they were able to discern something like a man, walking upon the surface of the sea, but had not light enough to distinguish what, or who it was; and, moreover, had no thought of Christ, or expectation of seeing him; and the appearance of a man walking upon the waters being so unusual, and astonishing, they were troubled, saying it is a spirit: a nocturnal apparition, a demon in human form. The Jews, especially the sect of the Pharisees, had a notion, from whom the disciples might have their's, of spirits, apparitions, and demons, being to be seen in the night; hence that rule (u), "it is forbidden a man to salute his friend in the night, for we are careful, lest , "it should be a demon".'' They say a great many things of one "Lilith", that has its name from "the night", a she demon, that used to appear in the night, with an human face, and carry off young children, and kill them. Some such frightful notions had possessed the minds of the disciples: and they cried out for fear, as persons in the utmost consternation, in the greatest danger, and in want of help: the fear of spirits arises from the uncommonness of their appearance; from their superiority to men in power and strength; from the enmity there is between men and evil spirits; and from a general notion of their doing hurt and mischief: hence, demons are, by the Jews, called "hurtful", or "hurting", all their study being to do hurt to men; and the same word is here used in Munster's Hebrew Gospel: add to all this, that the fear of the disciples might be increased, through a vulgar notion among seafaring men, that such sights are ominous, and portend evil to sailors; and they might the more easily be induced to give credit to this, and fear, since they were already in such imminent danger. (u) T. Bab. Megilla, fol. 3. 1. Sanhedrim, fol. 44. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
14:25 About three o’clock in the morning: Literally In the fourth watch of the night. This was approximately 3:00–6:00 am by Roman reckoning. • The fact that Jesus came . . . walking on the water demonstrates God’s sovereign reign over the stormy waters (see Job 9:8; Ps 77:19; Isa 43:16).
Matthew 14:25
Jesus Walks on Water
24but the boat was already far from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea.26When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
God Has a Plan for Trouble Times
By Carter Conlon3.2K56:24Dark DaysMAT 5:10MAT 14:25MRK 4:35MRK 6:37MRK 6:52JHN 6:26HEB 13:5In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging God's faithfulness throughout generations and asks for the grace to deliver the message clearly. The sermon is based on Mark chapter 4, which tells the story of a storm. The preacher emphasizes that God has a plan for troubled times. He highlights the importance of recognizing what we have, even if it seems insufficient, and trusting God to multiply it for His purposes. The sermon concludes by encouraging the audience to have faith in God's plan and to not be discouraged by the limitations they may perceive in their own lives.
When Jesus Looks at You
By E.A. Johnston45320:23JesusMAT 14:25MAT 17:4In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man who worked long hours and neglected his family, particularly his daughter. The man realized his mistake when he dropped his daughter off at college and realized he didn't really know her. The speaker emphasizes the importance of spending time with loved ones and not prioritizing work over relationships. The sermon also highlights the significance of having a close relationship with God, emphasizing that Jesus desires our obedience, faithfulness, and affection. The speaker urges listeners to imagine their dying hour and consider whether they will regret not spending more time with Jesus and getting to know Him intimately.
Night, and Jesus Absent
By J.R. Miller0Christ's Presence in DarknessFaith in TrialsMAT 14:25JHN 16:33J.R. Miller reflects on the experience of the disciples on the Sea of Galilee, emphasizing the feelings of abandonment when Jesus is absent during dark and stormy times. He reassures that even in moments of distress, when it seems Jesus is not present, He is watching over us and caring for our struggles. Miller highlights that being in the path of obedience does not guarantee a life free from storms; rather, it is in these trials that we can find strength in knowing we are fulfilling God's will. He encourages believers to trust in Christ's eventual presence and peace, especially during life's darkest moments, including temptation, sorrow, and death. Ultimately, Miller warns against facing life's challenges without Christ, as true comfort and hope are found only in Him.
Day 14, Matthew 14
By David Servant0MAT 14:13MAT 14:25MAT 14:31ROM 8:39David Servant reflects on the emotional impact of John the Baptist's death on Jesus, highlighting how even Jesus, in His humanity, needed time alone to process grief and questions. Despite not having all the answers, Jesus showed compassion and healed the sick, demonstrating His unwavering love and power. The story of Jesus walking on water reveals the importance of faith and trusting God even in the midst of trials and contrary winds. Peter's experience on the water serves as a reminder that doubts can hinder us from fully experiencing God's will, but His mercy is always there to rescue us when we falter.
What Is It?
By Ernest O'Neill0JOS 6:20MAT 14:25JHN 6:11JHN 11:43JHN 20:30ACT 3:6ACT 9:34ROM 12:22CO 5:17EPH 4:22Ernest O'Neill discusses the supernatural life that transcends human capabilities, citing examples from biblical accounts such as the Israelites' conquest of Jericho, Samson splitting a rock for water, and Jesus performing miracles like calming storms and raising the dead. This supernatural power continued through Jesus' followers like Paul, who healed the sick and raised the dead, demonstrating the ongoing impact of this extraordinary life on humanity. The ultimate transformation this supernatural life brings is a change in human nature, freeing individuals from past burdens and transforming their character, leading to a society sustained by those touched by this divine power.
- John Gill
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea,.... It being now morning, and perhaps might have moon light; and besides, there is always more light upon the water than land; they were able to discern something like a man, walking upon the surface of the sea, but had not light enough to distinguish what, or who it was; and, moreover, had no thought of Christ, or expectation of seeing him; and the appearance of a man walking upon the waters being so unusual, and astonishing, they were troubled, saying it is a spirit: a nocturnal apparition, a demon in human form. The Jews, especially the sect of the Pharisees, had a notion, from whom the disciples might have their's, of spirits, apparitions, and demons, being to be seen in the night; hence that rule (u), "it is forbidden a man to salute his friend in the night, for we are careful, lest , "it should be a demon".'' They say a great many things of one "Lilith", that has its name from "the night", a she demon, that used to appear in the night, with an human face, and carry off young children, and kill them. Some such frightful notions had possessed the minds of the disciples: and they cried out for fear, as persons in the utmost consternation, in the greatest danger, and in want of help: the fear of spirits arises from the uncommonness of their appearance; from their superiority to men in power and strength; from the enmity there is between men and evil spirits; and from a general notion of their doing hurt and mischief: hence, demons are, by the Jews, called "hurtful", or "hurting", all their study being to do hurt to men; and the same word is here used in Munster's Hebrew Gospel: add to all this, that the fear of the disciples might be increased, through a vulgar notion among seafaring men, that such sights are ominous, and portend evil to sailors; and they might the more easily be induced to give credit to this, and fear, since they were already in such imminent danger. (u) T. Bab. Megilla, fol. 3. 1. Sanhedrim, fol. 44. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
14:25 About three o’clock in the morning: Literally In the fourth watch of the night. This was approximately 3:00–6:00 am by Roman reckoning. • The fact that Jesus came . . . walking on the water demonstrates God’s sovereign reign over the stormy waters (see Job 9:8; Ps 77:19; Isa 43:16).