Sunday School Lesson January 1, 2023
Subject: Courage in Place of Fear
The Point: Courageously follow Jesus, even in fearful circumstances.
Scriptures: Matthew 14:22-33
Study The Bible: Matthew 14:22-26
1). Act on what God tells you to do.
- Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat, and go ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.
- After dismissing the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. Well into the night, he was there alone.
- Meanwhile, the boat was already some distance from land, battered by the waves, because the wind was against them.
- Jesus came toward them walking on the sea very early in the morning.
- When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and they cried out in fear.
Lasting truths from: Matthew 14:22-26
*. Jesus’s prayer life shows us we should consistently value time for prayer.
* Jesus’s disciples example of trusting and following His instructions teaches us that we should do the same.
* Jesus showed up in the midst of the disciples’ crisis, which reminds us He will do the same for us.
2). Fear sets in when you take your eyes off Jesus.
Matthew 14:27-30
- Immediately Jesus spoke to them. “Have courage! It is I, Don’t be afraid.”
- “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter answered him, “command me to come to you on the water.”
- He said, “Come.” 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!”
Lasting truths from: Matthew 14:27-30
* Jesus provides courage because He is God.
* Jesus’ invitation was simple, clear, and involves solely trusting in Him.
* As long as Peter fixed his eyes on Jesus, he could walk in faith on the water.
* Peter’s gut reaction, when sinking, was to cry out to Jesus for help.
3). Jesus is there when you return to Him.
Matthew 14:31-33
- 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.”
Lasting truth from: Matthew 14:31-33
* Jesus reaches out to those who cry out to Him for help.
* Jesus used Peter’s experience to inspire all the disciples to experience faith at a deeper level.
* Jesus has authority over all creation.
* Jesus is the Son of God and is worshiped when we see Him for who He really is.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- Jesus gave His disciples instructions that required trust. What is God calling you to do that requires increased faith?
- What fearful circumstances in your life have the potential for creating courageous faith, within you?
- Describe a time when you were “sinking” and cried out to God? How could this story encourage someone you know who is struggling?
4 How can this study help you process through areas of doubt in your own faith?
- I n what one specific way will this study help you reframe and improve the way you react to fearful circumstances?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”