This week's scripture: Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28; Psalm 105: 1-6, 16-22, 45b; 1 Kings 19:9-18; Psalm 85:8-13; Romans 10:5-15; and Matthew 14:22-33.
How and when do we encounter the risen Christ? This week we study Matthew's account of Peter walking on water and starting to sink, summoned by Jesus. What did it take for Peter to do this? Why did he start to sink? What did Jesus say to him? What was Peter's response?
The Rev. John Jewell gives us four different themes to remember and apply as we analyze, or better, live through this story with Peter in his sermon "If you want to walk on water...you gotta get out of the boat!" First, he says if you're going to make any gains, you have to take risks - and Peter was certainly a risk taker in this story, and on other occasions, too. Can you recall some of his daring acts, speech or bravado? How about some of his weakest acts, and even acts of cowardice and shame?
Jewell says we encounter Christ in faith, fear, as friend, and in the foundational statement that "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!" How is this evident in the gospel account this week? How is this evident in our own lives? Jesus tells Peter to "Take heart, take courage" - θαρσαι - tharsai - the same thing he says to the paralytic lowered into his presence by his friends, and to the woman who touched his cloak, as he healed them. He said that their faith has made them whole.
How and when have you encountered God? It is written that we may entertain angels unawares. How does God come to Elijah who has run for his life, and withdrawn in despair? 
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