Trusting Jesus When We're Afraid
Month 5: Jesus — God With Us · Heart Matters
Today's Scripture
Read together: Matthew 14:25–31
25 During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it is You,” Peter replied, “command me to come to You on the water.” 29 “Come,” said Jesus. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?”
Memory Verse
“Overwhelmed with fear, they asked one another, “Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?””— Mark 4:41 (BSB)
📖 Bible-in-a-Year (optional)
Today's reading: Psalm 30; Psalm 75; Psalm 101; Psalm 138; Psalm 139
Reading the whole Bible in a year — do this when you have extra time. (Around Day 138 of 365 — "Where can I flee from Your presence?" God is always near.)The Heart of It
Another night, another storm, another boat. This time Jesus came walking right on top of the waves. The disciples were terrified. They thought He was a ghost. But Jesus called out, "Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid." Brave Peter said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." And Jesus said one word. "Come." Peter actually climbed out and walked on the sea toward Jesus! But then he saw the strength of the wind. He was afraid, and he began to sink. He cried out, "Lord, save me!" Right away Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of him.
Here is the heart of it for every one of us. Peter didn't sink because the storm got bigger. He sank when he stopped looking at Jesus and started staring at the wind. Fear grows when our eyes leave Jesus and lock onto the scary thing. But notice the kindness of Jesus. Even when Peter's faith was small, Jesus didn't let him drown. The hand reached out right away. That is our Lord. When you are afraid, the answer isn't to pretend you're brave. Maybe you fear the dark. Maybe you fear a test, or being left out, or something much bigger. The answer is to do what Peter did. Cry out, "Lord, save me!" And keep your eyes on the One who is right there, never sinking, always reaching.
Around the Table
Peter got scared and started to sink — but Jesus grabbed his hand right away! Jesus catches us when we're scared.
Let's do it: Reach out your hand like you're sinking, and have someone grab it fast and say, "I've got you!"
Peter started to sink when he looked at the wind instead of at Jesus. We get more scared when we forget Jesus is near.
Let's talk: When you feel afraid, what is one thing you can say to Jesus? (Try "Lord, save me!")
Jesus called Peter "of little faith," but He still rescued him at once. Faith isn't never being afraid. Faith is crying out to Jesus while you are afraid.
Let's go deeper: What kind of "wind" tends to pull your eyes off Jesus? How could you look back at Him sooner next time?
💬 Conversation Starter
What is something you are a little afraid of right now? Let's tell Jesus about it together. Out loud is okay!
🛡️ Defending the Faith
Why trust Jesus with our fears instead of just "being positive"? Because Jesus has actually shown His power over the very things we fear. Storms. Sickness. Even death. Trust isn't wishful thinking. It is resting on Someone who has proven He can be trusted.
For Dad · Go Deeper
Fear is one of the most honest things in your home, and your kids are watching how you handle yours. The gospel doesn't shame us for being afraid. Jesus' first words were "Do not be afraid," and He spoke them tenderly. But notice that He didn't simply tell Peter to feel braver. He gave Peter Himself to look at. At its root, worry is often a faith problem about where our eyes are fixed. Teach your children, and preach to your own heart, the difference between two things. One is managing fear by sheer willpower. The other is pushing fear out by looking to Christ. When you let your kids see you bring real worries to Jesus instead of gritting your teeth alone, you give them a pattern that will outlast any pep talk.
Draws on: Paul Tripp, New Morning Mercies.
Let's Pray Together
"Lord Jesus, when we are afraid, help us keep our eyes on You. Thank You that You catch us right away when we cry out, 'Save me!' Help us trust You more than we fear the storm. In Jesus' name, amen."
When fear pulls my eyes to the wind, I'll look back to Jesus and cry out, "Lord, save me!"