Sunday School Lesson Outlines

Get Out Of The Boat

Based On: Matthew 14:21-33 , Mark 6:45-51 & John 6:15-21

When reading about the miracle of Jesus walking on the water; we have a lot of things to learn about being followers of Jesus Christ and making Him the Lord of our lives. In order to do all that God has for us to take advantage of - we must Get Out Of The Boat! Leave our comfort zone!

First, realize that this happened about 3:00 a.m.

Mark 6:48 And seeing them straining at the oars, for the wind was against them, at about the fourth watch of the night, He came to them, walking on the sea; and He intended to pass by them. NASB

Matthew 14:25 And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. NASB

Then notice that the disciples had been struggling with their oars against strong winds and rough waters.

John 6:18 And the sea began to be stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. NASB

Mark 6:48 And see them straining at the oars, for the wind was against them, at about the fourth watch of the night, He came to them, walking on the sea; and He intended to pass by them. NASB

They were tired and had already gone between three and three and a half miles out in the lake.

John 6:19 When therefore they had rowed about three or four miles, they beheld Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened. NASB

So it's no wonder when they saw Jesus, they thought he was a ghost and were afraid.

Matthew 14:26-27 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were frightened, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." NASB

Mark 6:49-50 But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were frightened. But immediately He spoke with them and said to them, "Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid." NASB

John 6:19-20 When therefore they had rowed about three or four miles; they beheld Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened. But He said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid." NASB

1. First we have to recognize Him
Just like the sheep recognizes the shepherd.

John 6:20 But He said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid." NASB

John 10:14-15 "I am the good shepherd; and I know My own, and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep." NASB

Would you recognize His still, small voice?

2. Reach out
Your faith will remind you to reach out.

Matthew 14:28-29 And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." And He said, "Come!" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. NASB

Anytime we ask God for something in His name He will do it.

John 16:23 "And in that day you will ask Me no question. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you shall ask the Father for anything, He will give it to you in My name." NASB

Don't be afraid to ask God for anything:

• "Is this a foolish decision?"
• "Lead me to whom you want me to marry?"
• etc.

Reach out to God for advice, not your friends.

3. Respond
Don't hesitate!

Matthew 14:29 And He said, "Come!" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. NASB

When you get your answer:

• Go right then
• Make the call right then
• Write that note right then

Whatever it is you are talking to Jesus about - respod in faith like Peter got out of the boat. By faith Peter was able to walk on the water while keeping his eyes on Jesus. God's Holy Spirit will strengthen you to respond in faith.

4. Don't take your eye's off Jesus
Rely on Him

Matthew 14:30 But seeing the wind, he became afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" NASB

We are so easily distracted and / or made busy. We often doubt what we don't understand - like "Why do bad things happen to good people?" Doubt will always distract you from focusing on God.

1 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all! NASB

If we could remember to pray continually, rely on Him, and take our worries, concerns, etc. to Him and leave them there we will experience more opportunities to take part in and receive blesssings from Him. We would grow closer to God and people would notice the difference and desire what we have.

5. God never minds receiving you
Jesus gently reminds us we have little faith.

Matthew 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" NASB

God is always there to pick us up. He knows we're not perfect: that's why God sent His only begotten son. Through prayer and faith, He will be right there to pick you up and brush you off and put you on the right path again.

So go ahead get out of the boat - Jesus is right there to catch you should you ever happen to sink.

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