Kernan Community Groups
Sermon Discussion Guide

May 10, 2026

Matthew: What Are You Afraid Of?

Matthew 14:22-33       

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What is something you were afraid of as a child? As an adult? Why?

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Matthew 14:22-23

[22] Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. [23] And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.

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Take a moment and skim over Matthew 14:1-21. What had happened to Jesus during these verses?

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus, ² and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” ³ For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, ⁴ because John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” ⁵ And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. ⁶ But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, ⁷ so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. ⁸ Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” ⁹ And the king was sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given. ¹⁰ He sent and had John beheaded in the prison, ¹¹ and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. ¹² And his disciples came and took the body and buried it, and they went and told Jesus.

¹³ Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. ¹⁴ When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. ¹⁵ Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” ¹⁶ But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” ¹⁷ They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” ¹⁸ And he said, “Bring them here to me.” ¹⁹ Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. ²⁰ And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. ²¹ And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

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‍What kinds of things was Herod afraid of?

What verses of the Bible might help us combat the fear of man? 

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Matthew 14:24-26

‍[24] But the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. [25] And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. [26] But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear.

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Suppose someone questioned this story’s authenticity, claiming Jesus wasn’t really walking on water but either stood on a rock or treaded water. How would you respond?

Consider the disciples’ response to seeing Jesus walk on the water. What did they fear?

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Matthew 14:27

[27] But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’”

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In your own words, how did Jesus try to reassure them?

How might knowing God personally help combat the fear of man?

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Matthew 14:28-29

[28] And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ [29] He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.

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Psalm 77:19 - about the Israelites crossing the Red Sea (and Jesus?)

[19] Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen.

Isaiah 43:1-2 - about God redeeming Israel after exile (and Jesus?)

[1] Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. [2] When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.

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Put yourself in Peter’s shoes (or wet feet). How would you feel if Jesus sustained you on top of the water while walking towards him?

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Matthew 14:30-33

[30] But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” [31] Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” [32] And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. [33] And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

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What are three ways Peter and the apostles respond to Jesus?‍