Sunday School Today: Little Faith

Matthew 14:28-33

“Lord, if it’s You,” Peter answered Him, “command me to come to You on the water.” “Come!” He said.  And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid. And beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out His hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those in the boat worshiped Him and said, “Truly You are the Son of God!”

While Peter thought he was firm and confident in his faith, he learned that he still had room for growth…he was a man of “little faith.” After Pentecost, he became a spiritual giant.

When Jesus asked Peter to come to Him on the water:
1. Peter did the impossible thing–he walked on the water, by faith.
2. Next, Peter did the conceivable thing–he saw the storm, and had a second thought–he doubted. For a moment, he lost sight of Jesus. Keeping our eyes on Jesus is essential to our focus on Him. “But Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God'” (Luke 9:62). “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8a). See also Hebrews 10:22.
3. Then, Peter did the natural thing–he feared destruction. Doubt always breeds fear.
4. Peter did the expected thing–he began to sink–he failed.
5. Then, Peter did the right thing–he prayed, “Lord, save me!” In response, Jesus immediately stretched forth his hand and caught him. Once more, Peter made contact with Jesus by faith.
6. Peter then did the impossible thing–he walked on the water with Jesus, to the boat.

In this lesson, we see the success and failure of “little faith.” Doubt can overshadow your confidence in faith.

Your faith needs to be greater that the outside elements (circumstances) that can drag you down to defeat. You can have great faith by exercising prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:17-21) and by feeding your faith on the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Your faith can truly move mountains.