Pay Attention
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to model how a relational study is done and provide questions relating text to the FAW theme for individual or group use. |
What does it mean to follow Jesus? This is a question to ponder. Verna Dozier in her book The Dream of God says, "The church missed its high calling to be the new thing in the world when it decided to worship Jesus instead of following Him. Jesus did not call human beings to worship Him, but to follow Him." What does it mean to follow Jesus? In her book Walking on Water, Madeleine L'Engle reflects, "Following Christ has nothing to do with success as the world sees success. It has to do with love."
As we continue in our study in Matthew's gospel there are several stories about following (8:18-22, 9:9-13, 14:22-32). Wouldn't you have loved to hear the disciple's version of these events, about their own calls, and the new folk added to their group, especially Matthew. Think of the excitement of never knowing what each day would bring as well as the struggle to adapt to this diverse group. This story of Jesus and Peter walking on the water must have been one of their favorites. Use your imagination and write or tell the story from Peter's point of view or tell the story as a spectator to someone who was not there.
Why do you think Jesus sent the disciples out in the boat? Why did he come to them on the water? Why do you think Peter begins to sink? What have you learned about Jesus in this story?
Peter's enthusiasm is contagious and his failures are familiar and similar to our own so we can easily make some connections. How do you see yourself in this story? Would you have even been out in that boat at night? Are you a risk taker? Jesus tells us not to be afraid. What do you need to be ready to step out in faith? Are you wanting to follow, but not sure what it will take? What does it mean to follow Jesus to you?
The Good News for me in this story is in the word "immediately" (v. 27, 31). Following Jesus means that we need not be afraid and that when we call Jesus stretches out his hand. However, I sensed there was more so I looked at it again and at what was happening in my life.
I had a real bonafide panic attack one Sunday morning on the way to teach my class. I was worried about my health, not the adult class that I love. When I walked in immediately a girl hopped up and gave me a hug. She didn't know until I told the class later that she had saved me. I want to trust that as I follow Jesus these kinds of things happen. A friend of mine told the story of praying about her bad dog. A stray dog appeared on her doorstep and became her dog's friend. The bad behavior changed. Answer to her prayer, I suggested. "Yes," she said, "never before has a dog turned up on my doorstep." Then she smiled sheepishly and said, "Well, actually, there were really two others that I turned away. God finally got my attention." And here was my answer too. What does it mean to follow Jesus? Pay attention! When Peter looked down he began to sink into fear and unbelief. When I sink into my own anxious watchfulness I am blinded to the light and life that Jesus calls me to. What helps me turn from the fear? Centering prayer is one way, talking to a trusted person is another. This helps me pay attention to what the fear is teaching me about myself and to watch expectantly for the signs and people who appear. What helps you? I believe it will be different for each one of us. My paying attention has turned into a surprising need to deeply explore my inner space and to care for my body in a new way. What does it mean to follow Jesus? Pay Attention!
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Nancy Boyle is a workshop leader, teacher and Christian Education Consultant living in Columbia SC.