[see article]
     I. Setting the stage – Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:14-21
          A. Occurs right after feeding of the five thousand men
               – Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15
          B. Disciples do not understand about the loaves – Mark 6:52
          C. The men in the crowd say Jesus is the foretold Prophet, i.e. the Messiah – John 6:13
          D. Jesus perceives the crowd plans to take Him by force to make Him king – John 6:15
          E. Jesus makes his disciples head out across the lake toward Bethsaida – Mark 6:45
          F. Storm comes up in the evening while the disciples are still in the middle of the lake; they can't make any progress against the strong "contrary" winds – disciples are probably afraid (compare from Luke 8:22-25; Mt. 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41)
          G. During the fourth watch (roughly 2am) of the night, Jesus comes to them, walking on the water, and would have passed them by – Mark 6:45
          H. Disciples see Jesus walking on water and think He is dead, i.e. that the crowd had killed Him – Mark 6:49
          I. Disciples (including Peter) are afraid because they are confused about Jesus.

     II. What picture of Peter do you see?
          A. Do you see Peter asking Jesus to increase His expectations of Peter?
          B. Do you see Peter next to Jesus when the fear sets in again?
          C. Do you see Peter doubting because he lost his proper focus?
          D. Do you see Jesus being proud of Peter?

     III. What picture of yourself do you recognize?
          A. Do you ever recognize yourself in a uncomfortable situation because Jesus is preventing you from getting in a worse situation?
          B. Do you ever recognize yourself being afraid because you are confused about Jesus?
          C. Do you ever recognize yourself asking Jesus to increase His expectations of you?
          D. Do you ever recognize yourself next to Jesus when the fear sets in again?
          E. Do you ever recognize yourself doubting because you lose your focus?
          F. Do you ever recognize that Jesus may be proud of you?