Greetings members and friends and welcome to another commentary and preview to this Sunday’s study of the Word. This Sunday’s study text is entitled “Why Do You Doubt?” and it is based on the NT gospel according to Matthew 14:22-33.
Today’s text is again about the power or authority of Jesus over physical circumstances as we know and perceive them. This exercise of power and authority is what we call miracles. In this study text, we are told that Jesus did something else no other human has done, and as far as we know, no other human can do.
Jesus walked on water and so did Peter at the bequest or invitation of Jesus. The bible says when the other disciples saw what happened, they worshipped Jesus and were convinced He is the Son of God.
One day with the aid of a device of some kind, I would not be surprised if man was able to walk or transport himself on or across water. Using a type of jet backpack, he is making strides at flying from one point to another. What makes the gospel account so remarkable is there is no mention of any device or aid the Jesus uses to do any of the miracles He is reported to have performed.
Much of what is called a miracle then, mankind can do today or come close to doing with the aid of devices and things he had made to extend his ability to alter the laws of physics. And that which he can’t do now, given enough time he probably will figure that out also.
Controlling weather, healing all manner of sickness and disease, walking on water are all things man can and/or will be able to do. Why? He is made in the image of his Creator and has the ability to learn how things work in the world his Creator has made.
So, the question should not be if these things can be done, but were they done by Jesus? And this is where doubt comes into play. Jesus was indeed fully human, but He was also fully God. The divine part of Jesus was able to inform the human part of Himself to exercise a hidden, but real power or dynamic about our world we have yet to discover.
We know that part of it has something to do with faith. A faith that allows one to suspend the natural laws of physics and their limitations upon what we see is possible. Therefore, the key to salvation in Christ is to relieve oneself of doubt.
Either Jesus is who the bible says He is or He isn’t. Either He did what the bible say He did or He didn’t. Either there is eternal life for those who believe in Him or there isn’t. Any doubt leaves room for disobedience and sin.
We begin to doubt the consequence of sin or if there be any sin. We begin to doubt the value of eternal life or even whether there is any eternal life. When Peter began to doubt his ability to stay on the water, he began to sink. Jesus attributed his fall to the effects of doubt upon his faith.
Whether or not we are saved will likewise depend upon the effects of doubt upon our faith. Doubt will weaken and cancel our faith to the point that it becomes useless and makes us unfit for life in the eternal kingdom of God. We are unable to explain how Jesus was able to what He did. But faith doesn’t require an explanation.
Faith says God created this world and created me in it. Faith says God wants me to be where He is. Faith says I don’t know how God is going to do what I believe and want Him to do for me and what the bible says He has done and will do. Faith just says it will be and has been done and leaves no room for doubt.
Well, be sure to look over the study again and come prepared to offer your comments, questions and perspective on the meaning of the study. If you can’t attend your own Sunday School class this Sunday, you can join us live and online at 9:00 am at www.fbmbc.org and clicking the online services link.
You can also join us live by dialing 508 924-2890. If you have any comments or questions, be sure to place them in the comment section or you can share them on Sunday. So, let’s all have a great lesson and discussion this Sunday and remember to fear God and keep His commandments.
Pastor Jordan
