The Matthew Part 3 books are here! When I turned in my final draft I was pretty discouraged and thought, “The commentary I’ve written isn’t very good.” But, after I made the final edits with my designer, I totally changed my opinion: I think these Part 3 books are the best ones yet! I’m really looking forward to jumping in with everyone on Monday, 10/30. Here’s how to get your copy:

• Pick one up at Asbury starting this Sunday;

• Email Sandie Tomlinson and she’ll mail you a copy;

• If you live in Dallas, you can pick one up for yourself. Email Sandie and she’ll give you the info;

• The pdf file is available here.

Let’s GO.

Matthew 14:22-36

22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” "

34 And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick 36 and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.

Remember our 2 keys to understanding Matthew:

1. The first key to understanding Matthew is to see everything about Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel as connected to and fulfilling the Old Testament story. In every passage, ask, “How does this information about Jesus relate to the Old Testament story?”

2. The second key is to see Matthew as an instruction manual for discipleship. It is meant to give readers what they need to know to become a disciple of Jesus of Nazareth.
   In every passage ask, “Of all the things Matthew could have told us, why did he think that we needed to know this to be apprentices of Jesus?

How does the account of Jesus walking on water relate to the Old Testament?

In the Old Testament, the Lord has power over the waters of chaos. For example, Isaiah says:

Thus says the Lord,
who makes a way in the sea,
a path in the mighty waters
—Isaiah 43:16

Here Jesus displays that same power. He is God!

And Matthew tells us about Peter walking and then falling on the water in order to teach us a central lesson of discipleship: the importance of keeping our eyes on the Lord.