Matthew 14:22-27 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him to the other side… I. THE FEAST FOLLOWED BY HUMILIATION AND TROUBLE. 1. The feast in the desert was the greatest work in which the apostles were ever engaged during the ministry of Jesus. The miracle was of a more kingly character than others, shared by a greater number(and more plainly typical of great things to come in the kingdom of heaven. In this glorious work the twelve have been active ministers. They were not to remain to receive the congratulations of the multitude; they must go away at once. Jesus constrains them to return to the ship. Ministers must not intrude themselves into the Lord's place; they must be willing servants, and then go their way and leave the rest to the Lord. The apostles had been highly exalted, and now they must be humbled. In the sight of the congregation they are sent away in charge of the empty boat, as if they were mere fishermen still. 2. But they are sent also into the midst of trouble. After we have had faith to distribute the bread of life comes the trial of obedience. It seemed as if providence were contrary to their course. II. THE STORM AGGRAVATED BY CHRIST'S ABSENCE, AND STILLED BY HIS COMING. 1. Jesus sent the twelve away alone, and all that the people saw was that "He went not in the ship with them." Jesus was to come to them by the coast. 2. Jesus, meanwhile, has not walked along the coast, whence they expected to take Him in; but has left the shore altogether, and gone up into a mountain apart. In the retired mountain He cannot be seen by the disciples; but in His prayer to the Father they will not be forgotten. 3. Jesus comes to them according to His promise; but not according to their thoughts, either in time or in manner. 4. There is yet one more element of trial mingled for these midnight wrestlers with the waves. Jesus often appears to be "going past " in our time of need. Also His manner of coming alarms the disciples. In our trials we often mistake the coming of the Lord Jesus. 5. Jesus enters the ship; and how glorious is the effect of deliverance out of danger, of seasonable help, when obeying Christ's command, against all adversity. 6. An unlooked-for blessing now awaits them on the shore. (A. M. Stuart.) Parallel Verses KJV: And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. |
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