When Jesus sends His disciples across the sea by boat, He dismisses the crowds and goes by Himself to pray. As the disciples’ boat goes with difficulty across the sea, Jesus walks on the water to them, showing Himself to be the Maker and Ruler of all creation. The disciples initially react in fear, but Jesus takes away their fear by His Word. He answers Peter's bold request to walk on the water, but Peter’s fear causes him to sink. Though the disciples’ faith falters, they worship Jesus as the Son of God on the boat. On the other side of the sea, the Son of God continues to heal those who are sick.

Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 14:22-36.

To learn more about Crown of Life Lutheran, visit crownoflifesa.org.

“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org