Introduction
I. The Nature of Life in a Fallen World
“The simple circumstances of the disciples being alone in the boat, on the sea, and in the darkness, has been felt in every age to be an instructive emblem of the position of the Church of Christ between His first and second comings. Like them, the church is on a sea of trouble, and separate from its Head, Jesus.”—J. C. Ryle
• Seas, storms, and darkness (Gen. 6-7; Exo. 9:13-35; 10:21-29; Isa. 17:12; Psa. 42:7)
• A wilderness journey (Exo. 14, 16)
II. The Source, Purpose, and Meaning of Trials
• The Source (Matt. 14:22; Mark 6:45)
• The Purpose (Jam. 1:2-4; Matt. 14:31; Mark 6:52)
• The Meaning (Jn. 15:18; Acts 4:23-31)
III. The Sovereign Deliverance of Jesus
• Our High Priestly Intercessor (Mark 6:46; Heb. 7:25-26)
• Better deliverance from a better Deliverer (Heb. 3:5; Psa. 23)
“God delivers His people from that which would otherwise destroy them by means of a mighty figure appointed by Himself. Moses and Joshua were mighty men in their own right, but they were only men. Both died and neither was able to provide deliverance for Israel in the true sense of that word. Jesus was different. He was not merely man; He was both God and man. Therefore, when on the cross He was swallowed up by the waters of death, He was not overwhelmed by them but could rise above them in triumph of His resurrection.”—Mark Johnston
Conclusion