Reflective Reading Matthew
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Liberty University *
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110
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Religion
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Apr 3, 2024
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BIBL 110
R
EFLECTIVE
R
EADING
T
EMPLATE
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 Matthew appears to be Matthew who was a tax collector in Capernaum. He was writing during a time when Jews were struggling to discern whether or not to believe Jesus as they were all familiar with the Old Testament.
McClendon, A., & Cartwright, J. B. (2022). Matthew. In Approaching the New Testament: A Guide for Students
. essay, B&H Academic. By consulting and citing
Approaching the New Testament
, when was this biblical book written (in 1 sentence)? The book of Matthew is believed to have been written shortly before 70 AD.
McClendon, A., & Cartwright, J. B. (2022). Matthew. In Approaching the New Testament: Guide for Students
. essay, B&H Academic. By consulting and citing
Approaching the New Testament
, what is the overall theme of the book (in 2-3 sentences)? From my own understanding the book of Matthew is about what we should be doing, living righteously and discussing the intent of God’s commands to us. We cannot simply preach Page 1 of 4
BIBL 110
to others and not follow through on our own words, we need to live and act in a Christian manner and not be hypocrites.
McClendon, A., & Cartwright, J. B. (2022). Matthew. In Approaching the New Testament: A Guide for Students
. essay, B&H Academic. 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.
“And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art 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)?
Jesus is the primary speaker in this passage one line of response from Peter and two lines from the disciples as a whole.
What questions are asked in the passage? Please list all
questions located in the passage.
“O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” This is Jesus asking Peter why he doubted him and his faith after Peter sank.
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BIBL 110
How would you answer each of the questions asked (in at least 3 sentences)?
Humanity has fragile beliefs, easily challenged and swayed. Peter saw the wind and was afraid, thus shaking his faith and causing him to sink.
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.
“Thou of little faith” is a standout to me, the more common phrase today is typically ‘ye of little faith’. Usually used when someone doubts your ability to do something or your knowledge, almost always when that doubt has no factual basis.
What questions do you have as you read this passage? If you have no questions, please explain why this might be the case.
Most bible stories are fairly clear, and that is also the case here. Peter was able to walk on the water to Jesus because he believed, but when he started to have doubts he sank a little and cried for help. 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:
Dear Lord in heaven,
I see this passage as a message to have faith, Peter had faith until he felt the wind and only when he started to doubt did he begin to sink in the water. A lot of people can stumble in their faith and
begin to sink just like Peter did, the important thing is to regain your spiritual footing and regain your faith.
Amen
Step Five: Respond
Use this space to contemplate how God may be asking you to respond to this passage in your life
with him:
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BIBL 110
This passage seems to be telling us to be stronger in our faith, to be more surefooted and not allow our spiritual footholds to be shaken at the slightest breeze. Jesus asks the disciples to not be afraid and Peter essentially challenged him “If it’s really you, tell me to come to you.” This shows a more fragile belief than I believe the bible wants us to have. When Peter was told to go to him, he did so, walking on the water until he saw the wind and got scared. He challenged, his challenge was met and proven, and then even still he doubted. The only interpretation I can find is that we must be more sure and serious with our faith, we need to strive to not be so fragile.
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