Weekly Bible Study | August 4 & 5, 2026

Axe Small Group Study / Matthew 14:22-33 / “Stepping into the Storm”

As we continue to explore “The Upside-Down Kingdom” we next turn to the account of Jesus – and Peter – walking on the water in Matthew 14:22-33. This passage helps reveal that faith is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to trust Christ’s presence in the midst of life’s storms.

ZOOM Session

Tuesday, August 4, 2026, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

IN PERSON Session

Wednesday, August 5, 2026, 1:00 pm-2:00 pm, Conference Room, McGee Building.

Zoom Link

Meeting ID: 626 688 7263

Passcode: DEVOTIONAL

Opening Prayer

Gracious God, there are times when life feels calm and certain, and there are times when the winds rise and the waves seem too strong. In every season, remind us that we are never alone. Open our hearts to hear Christ’s voice calling us beyond fear and into deeper trust. As we study your Word today, strengthen our faith and help us to recognize your presence in every storm. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

²²Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. ²³And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, ²⁴but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. ²⁵And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. ²⁶But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. ²⁷But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” ²⁸Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” ²⁹He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. ³⁰But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” ³¹Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” ³²When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. ³³And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Context

This story follows immediately after Jesus feeds the five thousand. The disciples have witnessed God’s abundance, but now they find themselves struggling against strong winds in the middle of the lake. Matthew reminds us that Jesus himself sent them into the boat. The storm was not a punishment. It became a place where they would encounter Christ in a new way. Like many stories in Matthew, this miracle is about more than what Jesus does. It reveals who Jesus is and what it means to trust him.

Discussion Questions

1. The disciples were obeying Jesus when they encountered the storm.

• What does this tell us about the relationship between faith and hardship?

• Have you ever experienced a difficult season while trying to follow God’s leading?

• Why do we sometimes assume that faithful people should be spared from suffering?

2. When Jesus approaches, the disciples think they are seeing a ghost, and fear clouds their vision.

• Why is it sometimes difficult to recognize God’s presence during difficult times?

• Have you ever looked back and realized God was with you in ways you couldn’t see at the time?

• How does fear affect our ability to trust?

3. Peter asks to come to Jesus – and he actually walks on the water! But then he notices the wind.

• Why do you think Peter gets out of the boat when the others remain inside?

• What “boats” provide security in your life?

• What might Jesus be inviting you to step out of today?

4. Peter begins to sink when he focuses on the wind rather than Jesus, and yet Jesus immediately reaches out his hand.

• What “strong winds” most often distract or discourage you?

• What does this story teach about doubt?

• Why is it significant that Jesus saves Peter before correcting him?

5. When Jesus enters the boat, the disciples worship him. Their experience changes their understanding of who Jesus is.

• How have difficult experiences deepened your faith?

• Can storms become places where we encounter God more fully?

• What have life’s challenges taught you about Christ?

6. This story raises an important question: Is faith primarily believing certain ideas, or is it learning to trust a Person? Peter does not succeed because he understands how walking on water works. Peter succeeds because he responds to Jesus’ invitation. Likewise, Christian faith is less about having every answer and more about trusting the One who calls us.

• What is the difference between believing in Jesus and trusting Jesus?

• Why is trust often more difficult than belief?

• How can a church become a community that encourages people to step out in faith?

7. John Wesley often described faith as trusting in God’s grace rather than relying on our own strength. He also emphasized that God’s grace is always at work before we even recognize it (prevenient grace), walks alongside us (justifying grace), and continues to shape us throughout life (sanctifying grace).

Peter’s story illustrates all three. Before Peter steps out, Jesus comes toward him (prevenient grace). When Peter begins to sink, Jesus reaches out (justifying grace). Afterward, Peter continues learning what discipleship means (sanctifying grace).

• Where have you experienced God’s grace before you even realized you needed it?

• How has your faith matured through difficult experiences?

• What does it mean to trust God’s grace rather than your own abilities?

Spiritual Practice

1.     This week, identify one situation that makes you anxious or uncertain. Each day, instead of focusing first on the “wind,” begin with this prayer: “Jesus, help me keep my eyes on you today.” Notice whether that changes your perspective.

2.     Take a 15-minute walk this week.

a.      As you walk slowly, repeat: “Take heart.”

b.     With your next breath: “It is I.”

c.      Next breath: “Do not be afraid.”

Allow Christ’s words to become your prayer as you walk.

3.     Toward the end of the week, seek to finish this sentence: “This week, I stepped out of the boat when…” (It may have been a difficult conversation, an act of generosity, a new ministry opportunity, asking for help, offering forgiveness, or simply trusting God in an uncertain situation.)

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for coming toward us in the midst of life’s storms. When fear threatens to overwhelm us, remind us that your presence is greater than any wind or wave. Give us courage to step beyond what feels safe, trusting your voice above every fear. When our faith falters, reach out your hand as you did for Peter. Lift us up, strengthen us, and teach us to keep our eyes fixed on you. May our lives bear witness to your upside-down kingdom, where courage is found in trust, strength is revealed in dependence upon you, and even our storms become places of deeper faith. In your holy name we pray. Amen.