When a "Casual" Word Changes Everything

Have you ever said something in passing, completely forgot about it, and later found out it meant the world to someone else?
I had that exact experience recently. I was visiting a long-time friend in the hospital, and as I pulled up a chair, she looked at me and said, "15 years ago, you said something to me, and I’ve remembered it ever since. It’s been such a huge encouragement over the years." Cue the internal panic! My mind raced, wondering what on earth I could have said 15 years ago. But as I let out a massive sigh of relief, it got me thinking. In the hundreds of conversations we have every year, we often throw out casual comments that land with unexpected, life-changing weight.

In Matthew 14, Jesus drops what might seem like a throwaway line to a casual reader. But look a little closer, and it turns out to be perhaps the most pivotal statement He ever made—one that should completely change how we live.

Empty Batteries and Unexpected Storms

To set the scene: Jesus has just received the tragic news of John the Baptist’s death. Exhausted and grieving, He tries to retreat, but the crowds follow Him. Moved with compassion, He feeds 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish.
By the time evening comes, His "social battery" is completely drained. He sends His disciples ahead in a boat and goes up a mountainside alone to pray.

A Quick Lesson for Us: > When the pressure of life builds up, Jesus defaults to His true North: retreat and quiet time with the Father. It’s a simple discipline, but one we desperately need.

Meanwhile, out on the lake, a gentle boat ride turns into a nightmare. The wind picks up, the waves buffet the vessel, and suddenly, the disciples are entirely out of control, battling exhausting conditions all through the night.

Then comes what might be the most casually written line in the entire Bible:

“Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.” (v. 25)

Matthew writes it so understatedly! Imagine the disciples—exhausted, terrified, facing down the very real possibility of dying at sea. Suddenly, through the mist, they see a figure on the water. Thinking it’s a ghost, they scream out in utter panic.

The Drop-the-Mic Moment: "I AM"

They needed something to settle their doubt and terror. And then Jesus speaks the words that changed everything:
“Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” — Matthew 14:27
In English, "It is I" sounds simple enough. But in the original Greek text, the phrase is Ego Eimi, which translates literally to: "I AM."

For anyone familiar with the Old Testament, those two words trigger a massive revelation. When Moses asked God His name at the burning bush in Exodus, God replied: "Tell them I AM sent you." Up until this point in Matthew’s Gospel, the disciples had been asking: Who is this guy? Even the wind and waves obey Him! They’ve seen the miracles, but now comes the mic-drop moment. Jesus speaks directly into their storm and reveals His true identity: I AM. I am God.

Stepping Out of the Boat

What happens next is one of the wildest human moments in scripture. Peter, impulsive as ever, says, "Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water." Jesus invites him, and Peter actually steps out and starts walking on the water! But the second he takes his eyes off Jesus and looks at the howling wind and roaring waves, fear takes over, and he begins to sink.
He cries out, "Lord, save me!" and Jesus instantly catches him, asking, "Why did you doubt?"
The lesson for us is unmistakable:

• Focus on the storm, and we sink under the weight of our problems.
  
• Fix our eyes on Jesus, and He lifts us above seemingly impossible situations.
  

As soon as they climb into the boat, the wind dies down. Three incredible miracles occurred in just a few minutes: Jesus walked on water, Peter walked on water, and the storm instantly ceased.
But the true climax of the story isn't the miracles. It's what the disciples do next: they worship Him. They finally get it: "Truly you are the Son of God."

No Need to Doubt

Why do we doubt? Because we’re human. We're fallible, and we shouldn't beat ourselves up when our faith wobbles.
But when the storms of life hit, listen for the voice of Jesus echoing across the waves. When we truly recognize that the Almighty I AM is in our boat, fear loses its grip. He is the Lord over every wind and wave—and we can step out in confidence, knowing He’s holding us every step of the way.

Amen

Rev. Martin