What does Jesus' command in Matthew 14:22 reveal about His priorities for us? Setting the Scene After feeding the five thousand, Jesus turns from the crowd to His disciples. In that charged moment He issues a surprising directive. The Command in Focus “Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds.” (Matthew 14:22) Priority 1: Immediate Obedience • “Immediately” underscores urgency—when Jesus speaks, delay is disobedience (John 14:15). • The disciples’ willingness to shove off without debate models prompt submission to His word. Priority 2: Trust Beyond Understanding • Experienced fishermen still faced unpredictable seas; Jesus’ order forced them to trust Him, not their own expertise (Proverbs 3:5–6). • Obedience precedes explanation; understanding often follows after the step of faith (Hebrews 11:8). Priority 3: Making Space for Communion with the Father • Jesus stays behind to pray (Matthew 14:23). By separating Himself and the disciples from the crowd, He highlights that ministry flows out of fellowship with God (Luke 5:16). • Our schedules must leave margin for undistracted time with the Father. Priority 4: Growth Through Testing • Jesus knowingly sends them into the coming storm (Matthew 14:24). Trials are classrooms where faith matures (James 1:2–4). • He refines, never abandons; later He walks on the very waves that threatened them (Matthew 14:25–27). Priority 5: Participation in His Ongoing Mission • “Go on ahead of Him” signals that His work continues even when His physical presence isn’t visible—foreshadowing the Church age (Matthew 28:20). • Disciples become active partners, not passive observers (2 Corinthians 6:1). Priority 6: Dependence on His Word, Not His Sight • They launch without Him on board, relying solely on His command. “We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). • The sufficiency of Scripture and His promises anchors us when circumstances seem contrary. Living These Priorities Today • Act on Scripture promptly—no procrastination. • Choose trust when obedience feels risky. • Guard daily solitude with God; ministry must never eclipse intimacy. • Reframe trials as God-appointed training grounds. • Engage proactively in the Lord’s mission where He places you. • Lean on His Word when His presence feels distant, confident He will meet you “on the water” in His perfect timing. |
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