Matthew 14:26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. I. IT IS TOO COMMON AN ERROR TO MAKE A PHANTOM OF CHRIST. 1. HOW often is this done in the matter of sin and the cleansing of it. Our sin is real to us; but is Christ as real to us? 2. In the matter of our acceptance with God after pardon. Our shortcomings real; equally real the righteousness of Christ. 3. In the matter of sanctification. 4. In times of trial. 5. In time of death. 6. In Christian work. II. WE MAKE CHRIST A PHANTOM MOST WHEN HE IS MOST REALLY CHRIST. When He walked on the waves there was more of Christ visible than on land; His Godhead visible. In the pardon of great sin you see most of Christ; so in great distress and danger. III. OUR GREATEST SORROWS ARISE FROM OUR TREATING OUR LORD AS UNREAL. TO some Christ is an indifferent spirit. Many a poor sinner imagines Him to be an angry spirit and cries out for fear. IV. If we could but be cured of this desperate mischief, our Lord Jesus Christ would have a higher place in our esteem, and many other beneficial results would follow: 1. Knowledge. 2. Worship. 3. Service. (C. H. Spurgeon.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. |
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