Jesus and Crucibles

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Jesus and Crucibles           

Matthew 14:22-33                                     2-7-21

Bottom Line: The decision to truly trust Jesus may only happen because of facing a challenging test.

Introduction:

 A. Crucible is an interesting word. It comes from Medieval Latin crucibulum, an earthen pot for melting metals.

   1. Means a vessel for melting things that requires a high degree of heat.

   2. A severe test

   3. A place or situation in which concentrated forces interact to cause or influence change or development.

 B. The Burning Bush was a crucible for Moses – Ex.3-4

   1. Angel in fire – voice of God – on holy ground

   2. Who am I? Who are you? What if they don’t believe me? Rod and hand illustration!

   3. Slow of speech – pick someone else – Anger & Arron

   4. The shepherd staff became “the staff of God” Ex.4:20

 C. The Bouncing Boat was a crucible for the Apostles.

   1.  Read Matthew 14:22-33

   2. Three challenging questions about this crucible!

1. Why did Jesus do it?

 A. Jesus intentionally set up this crucible! “made” vs.22

 B. Interesting slant in Mark 6:51-52. They needed a lesson

 C. Jesus chose the option that would challenge them.

2. Why did Peter step out of the boat?

 A. This is the crucible: the boat represented security, comfort, and community. All part of the kingdom! But…

 B. Peter had to respond to Jesus personally! Called by Him! Question of faith, trust, and obedience!

 C. These were nothing w/o stepping out of the boat!

3. When do we step out of the boat?

 A. When we hear the call of Jesus and step out whether anyone else in the boat does!

 B. What is his call?

   1. Matthew 11:28-29 “Come to me…”

   2. Matthew 6:33 “Seek first the kingdom…”

   3. John 11:25-26 “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

   4. Luke 6:38 “Give and it will be given to you…”

   5. John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you…”

 C. Step out of the boat and see what happens!

Conclusion:

A. Are you in a crucible right now? A severe test?

B. Are you afraid to step out of the boat and go to Jesus?

C. Just like Peter, it is a matter of faith, trust, and obedience!

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Bible Study for Sunday, February 7, 2021

A Jesus Study: Matthew 14:22-33

1.  A crucible is a sever test. What has been some of the biggest crucibles in your life?

2.  How do you think you would have reacted to the whole burning bush experience Moses had? What would you have done differently?

3.  What do you think it looked like seeing Jesus walking on the water?

4.  Why do you think Jesus decided to meet up with his apostles that way? What other options could he have chosen?

5.  Does Mark 6:51-52 seem to say that Jesus was very intentional about his decision to meet his apostles by walking on the water?

6.  What does the boat represent to the apostles who were in the middle of a stormy sea?

7.  What did it take for Peter to step out of the boat in response to Jesus?

8.  If stepping out of the boat represents a personal response to the call of Jesus, when do we do that? How do we do that?

9.  What are some challenges that Jesus gave to us that require us to step out of the boat and trust him?

10. Are you in a crucible right now? What is Jesus calling on you to do about it?