sermon notesA collection of resources, background information, and periodic reflections on the scripture readings in worship from Pr Josh Ehrler. Archives
July 2018
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Faith, Not Skill in Matthew 14.22-338/8/2017 Our reflection is for Matthew 14.22-33.
The human body has a density of 0.98 compared to water, meaning we are designed to float. Not always well or with much style, yet our nature is created to bob on the surface of the water. Maybe Peter needed scientific knowledge more than faith and he would have made it. Our gospel may be one of the most famous, or at least one of the most utilized images, in human culture. Walking on water is a euphemism, it’s a command, it’s a denial of ability, and it creates 49 M hits on a Google search. This one phrase, and its derivatives, has been the title of countless books, movie posters and even this memorable hit from 80’s power ballad master, Eddie Money. Eddie Money asks the right question, “If I could walk on water would you believe in me? My love is so true.” However, his question is a little off angle from what Jesus might be attempting to reveal to the disciples. Jesus isn’t putting their faith to the test by conducting a parlor trick. Instead, he is asking them to remember his love for them and their love for him and that through this love, faith is revealed. Douglas RA Hare, Interpretation: Matthew, makes an interesting observation that the disciples out boating on the sea are “far from land and being tortured by the waves.” (p.169) This translation is harsher than most Bibles use, yet he’s working off the Greek word that is dynamic and implies more than mere hard work. Matthew uses the word three times in his gospel. The first is 8.6, where we hear a Roman soldier confront Jesus with a plea that his son be healed because he is “paralyzed, in terrible distress.” The second comes from a pair of demons Jesus finds in a cemetery at 8.29. They push back against him, begging to not be “tormented before the time.” All this is to note that the disciples are not simply tired, they are suffering. The storm that has come upon them is violent, thrashing, and unmanageable. They could very well drown because they are helpless. And because of that, Jesus leaves his private space of prayer and heads out on the storming waves. Hare wants us to consider the notion that Jesus, ever the Savior in Matthew’s gospel, is going toward them to reveal his love for them (p.169). This story takes a turn, however, that Mark and Luke do not, and Peter is given a key role. Quite possibly the role of his lifetime that could propel this story from Biblical lore to cultural mythology. Matthew tells us that Peter wants to try out water walking and Jesus invites him out. Though it’s tempting to hear Jesus’ response, “Come,” as a command, its not. Its closer to a statement of response. As in, “Go for it,” or “Let’s see how this goes.” At first glance, Matthew seems to put Peter’s failure to walk squarely on his shoulders, which makes Jesus’ question-after immediately rescuing Pete-“You of little faith, why did you doubt?” sound like a rebuke. That will happen between Jesus and Peter later, chapter 16 (the famous “Get behind me Satan” exchange) but this time he's not so harsh. Jesus has revealed a few moments earlier his love for his disciples despite their doubt. They’ve been wrestling with the limitations of God’s kingdom for most of their ministry with Jesus. Their colleague, John the Baptizer is dead. The powers of their world are beginning to rise up and confront them in public. They were not so sure there was enough bread and fish to feed a flash mob of 15,000. Now they’re getting nearly thrown out of their boat on seas they’ve otherwise known all their lives. Whether they voice it or Jesus is merely reading body language, he’s been responding to their questions and their frustrations and their doubt with his presence. He keeps showing up and sticking around. He keeps reaching his arm out toward them as they bounce and rock and hang on for dear life. He does not stop saving them. Peter was eager to be like Jesus and that didn’t work out so well. Because we’re not Jesus. We need Jesus to walk on water in the midst of our storms and come for us when we cannot get ourselves to shore. Jesus did not walk on water to impress them or turn them from disbelievers to determined disciples. They were already in the boat and in the crowds and by his side. They are slowly starting to recognize that he is more than a cool rabbi with awesome hair. As they proclaim for the first time in the gospel, they are beginning to recognize him as the “Son of God.” (14.33) With that, they will continue to notice the nearness of God and the movement of God’s kingdom through their lives, their community and the crowds they consistently encounter. Peter was never going to walk on water, and he was never going to drown, either. Besides the physics of density, Jesus was with him the entire time. Whether Pete could see Jesus as he is or simply as a ghost hovering nearby, Jesus’ action was not dependent on Peter’s vision. Jesus was going to grab him up out of the water and get him back in the boat. Jesus was going to silence the winds and calm the waves. Jesus already knew their helpless suffering and with his compassion deep, he went to them. Maybe there were no more boats on shore. Maybe the disciples needed to witness the power of God moving through Jesus. Maybe there was no time. Jesus walked on water out of love for his disciples. He continues to walk on water for you and me who are getting violently thrown about in our boats, unsure and feeling unsafe. He comes to us if we call and he shows up when we can’t. Doubt is a sign of being human. Faith is revealed through Christ’s love and compassion for us wherever we find ourselves.
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