Doing the Impossible But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying,  Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.  - Matthew 14:27

Readings

Gospel Harmony Event 090:  Jesus Walks on Water

Quotes
 
• The authority of Jesus extends not only to sin and sickness but to the forces of nature as well.  God's kingdom must be sovereign over the whole of the creation, not merely the world of men... To the community of faith, as to the distraught disciples, comes Jesus' word: " Take heart, it is I;  have no fear."

- Howard Clark Kee, Interpreter's One-Volume Commentary: Matthew, p. 613
• It is I, Greek ego eimi, lit. "I am."  This is the divine name (Exodus 3:14).

- Atkinson, Basil F.C., New Bible Commentary (1954): Matthew, p.791
• It is I:  Greek ego eimi can mean 'I am' (cf. Ex 3:14) or 'I am He' (cf. Is. 41:4).

- R.E. Nixon, New Bible Commentary, Revised (1970):  Matthew, p. 835
• So does the Christian in the time of trial recognize the presence and cheering voice of his Savior.

- D.D. Whedon, Commentary on the Gospels, Vol. I:  Matthew-Mark, p. 187
• Nothing but this voice of Christ could, in such circumstances, have given courage and comfort to his disciples: those who are grievously tossed with difficulties and temptations require a similar manifestation of his power and goodness.  When he proclaims himself in the soul, all sorrow, and fear, and sin are at an end.

- Clarke, Adam, Adam Clarke's Commentary, Matthew 14:27
• Christ says not merely, "It is I, your Friend and Master"; he says, at least implies, it is the "I AM," who is coming to you, the Almighty One who rules wind and waves, who made them, and whom they obey.

- People's New Testament Commentary, Matthew 14:27
• He did not keep them in suspense: "Straightway Jesus spake unto them."  How sweetly sounded that loving and majestic voice! Above the roar of waves and howling of winds, they heard the voice of the Lord. This was his old word also, "Be of good cheer." The most conclusive reason for courage was his own presence. "It is I; be not afraid." If Jesus be near, if

the spirit of the storm be, after all, the Lord of love, all room for fear is gone. Can Jesus come to us through the storm? Then we shall weather it, and come to him. He who rules the tempest is not the devil, not chance, not a malicious enemy; but Jesus. This should end all fear.
- Spurgeon, C.H., Spurgeon's Commentary on Matthew, Matthew 14:27
• Observe, when the disciples were in the saddest condition, how one word from Christ revives them; it is a sufficient support in all our afflictions to hear Christ's voice speaking to us, and to enjoy his favourable presence with us.

- Burkitt, William, Notes on the New Testament, Matthew 14:27

& Last Update: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 11:31 AM

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