Reflective Reading 1
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Liberty University *
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110
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Religion
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Feb 20, 2024
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BIBL 110
R
EFLECTIVE
R
EADING
T
EMPLATE
- C
HRISTIAN
K
IM
Reflective Reading Passage: Matthew 14:22-33
Use this template and the course texts The Inquisitive Christ and Approaching the New Testament to record brief notes for each step of the reflective reading process
. Step One: Prepare
Use this space to understand the key elements of context to your passage. Consulting and citing Approaching the New Testament
, please complete the contextual information according to the information found in the course textbook:
By consulting and citing
Approaching the New Testament, who is the author of this biblical book
(in 2-3 sentences)?
The author of this book is Matthew in which he was one of Jesus’s 12 disciples. It says in chapter 2 of the Approaching the New Testament, “Matthew, the tax collector from Capernaum, was an ideal writer to address a group of Jewish Christians…”
By consulting and citing
Approaching the New Testament
, when was this biblical book written (in 1 sentence)? Matthew was writing around the time of 70 AD where it says in the Approaching the New Testament chapter 2, “Appears to have been writing shortly before AD 70.” By consulting and citing
Approaching the New Testament
, what is the overall theme of the book (in 2-3 sentences)? The overall theme of the book Matthew I believe to be is promise from God that we may be
saved through Jesus that we have to believe in Jesus in order to be saved. It states in the Approaching the New Testament chapter 2 that, “Jesus is presented as the Savior from Israel who brings salvation to the whole world.”
Step Two: Read
Utilizing either
a translation of choice or
creating a paraphrase of your own, use this space to re-write the full passage of scripture. Please do not copy and paste from an existing translation, but rather, write out the passage word-by-word in order to slowly reflect on the content.
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BIBL 110
22
As he departed the throng, Jesus straight away instructed the disciples to board the boat and follow him towards the other side. 23
After dismissing them, he climbed a mountainside alone and began to pray. He arrived there later that night alone, aged 24
and the boat had been sizable long way from land, ravaged by the waves due of the wind. 25
Early in the morning, Jesus walked across the lake to them. 26
The disciples were shocked to see him strolling on the lake. frightened. They said, "It's a ghost," and screamed in terror. 27
But Jesus urged them to have confidence right away. It is I. Be not scared. 28
Peter said, "Lord, if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water." 29
"Come," he said. Peter then exited the boat, crossed the water, and approached Jesus. 30
But as soon as he noticed the wind, he became terrified and called out, "Lord, save me!" as he started to sink. 31
Right away, Jesus extended his hand and grabbed him. Why did you question, "you of little faith," he remarked? 32
The wind also decreased after they entered the boat. 33
The people in the boat then began to adore him and said, "Truly, you are the Son of God."
Step Three: Reflect
Use this space to answer the following questions. Consult The Inquisitive Christ
for insight into pertinent Gospel texts. If there is dialogue in the passage, who is speaking (in 1 complete sentence)?
If there was dialogue in the passage the people that would be speaking is Jesus, the disciples and Peter.
What questions are asked in the passage? Please list all
questions located in the passage.
“You of little faith…., why did you doubt?” – Matthew 14:31 NIV
How would you answer each of the questions asked (in at least 3 sentences)?
Jesus' reaction to Peter's brief lack of assurance when attempting to walk on water is reflected in this question. Jesus' inquiry suggests that doubt can obstruct progress or miracles and serves as a reminder to place more emphasis on trust than doubt. It promotes resilience and tenacity in our lives by encouraging us to trust in our values and ideals, especially during trying times.
What words or phrases stand out to you, and why? Are any words/themes repeated? If so, share why you think there is repetition. Please answer with at least 3 sentences.
The beginning of this text shows that Jesus prayed alone. According to verse 22, He "dismissed the crowd" and ordered the disciples to move in front of him. Verse 23 states that he went to a hill by himself and that "he was there alone." Which I thought was very interesting because he left the disciples to be alone with the Lord to pray. Jesus Page 2 of 4
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encouraging the disciples to have confidence and not be frightened since there is nothing to fear with him but God himself is another passage that particularly stuck out to me because that is something bold to say in a situation that they were particularly in.
What questions do you have as you read this passage? If you have no questions, please explain why this might be the case.
-
Jesus spent every moment with the disciples. Why were they so astonished to see Jesus on the sea? They ought to be accustomed to seeing this, so they shouldn't feel shocked.
-
If Peter believed that Jesus is the Son of God why did he doubt Jesus when he told him to come on the water?
Step Four: Pray
Use this space to formulate a prayer to God, dialoguing with Him about what he may be speaking to you in this passage:
Heavenly Father,
I am reminded of the important lesson Matthew 14:22–23 has for my spiritual development
when I reflect on it. I occasionally find myself navigating the waters of life with uncertainty, much as Peter did when he stepped out of the boat with a mixture of faith and skepticism. I can see why you asked Peter, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"
Lord, I confess that I have had moments of uncertainty that have caused me to pause and lose sight of Your presence and strength. Just like Peter stumbled when he pulled his sight away from You, I have also stumbled when my focus has strayed from Your steadfast love and direction. Your remarks encourage me to look into the causes of my uncertainty and develop a firm faith in You.
Dear God, help me to see uncertainty as a barrier and to remove it in favor of a firm and unshakable confidence in Your promises. May I cling to Your words, finding courage in the face of doubt, and moving on with assurance even when the way looks difficult. So that I don't let skepticism prevent me from experiencing the life-changing possibilities You have
in store for me, please give me the grace to maintain my attention on You, as Peter should have done.
In the name of the Highest,
Amen
Step Five: Respond
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BIBL 110
Use this space to contemplate how God may be asking you to respond to this passage in your life
with him:
I think that God is encouraging me to react to Matthew 14:22–33 with a higher degree of confidence and faith in Him, even in the face of life's storms and uncertainties. I have had periods of hesitancy and uneasiness, just as Peter had a mixture of faith and doubt. God's loving admonition to shift my attention away from uncertainties to His unfailing presence and strength is expressed in the question, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" In my life, I feel compelled to leave the safety of my "boat" and sail into uncharted seas while being well aware that difficulties may occur. God is exhorting me to keep my focus on Him,
to cling to His promises, and to resist being carried away by any doubt that may arise. He is
urging me to speak up bravely, to overcome my doubts, and to have faith that He will give me the assistance and direction I need to deal with any circumstance.
I am challenged by this chapter to accept a stronger dependence on God's power, to cling to His guidance, and to develop a heart that is quick to believe rather than to question. I am reminded that even when I stumble, Jesus reaches out to help me get back on the right track by lifting me up. This answer is having an ongoing conversation with God in prayer, asking for His direction, and actively pursuing a life of faith that views difficulties as chances for personal development. In the end, God's appeal from this chapter exhorts me to venture outside of my comfort zone, face uncertainty head-on, and have faith that He will be by my side at every turn.
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