Compassion: Where God is Found

A message based on Matthew 14:22-33:  [Jesus] made the disciples get into a boat and go on ahead to the other side [of the Sea of Galilee,] while he dismissed the crowds.  And after Jesus had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray.  When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them.  And early in the morning Jesus came walking toward them on the sea.  But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!”  And they cried out in fear.  But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”  Peter answered Jesus, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”  Jesus said, “Come.”  So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus.  But when Peter noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”  Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught Peter, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”  When they got into the boat, the wind ceased.  And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”