11th Sunday after Pentecost Matthew 14:22-33

Preaching Commentary

Sailing at a Snail's Pace

0.33 miles per hour. That’s about how fast the disciples were going as they tried to haul their boat across the water with the wind against them. The disciples had probably gone about three miles into the lake, and they had been rowing against the wind for around nine hours [ESV]. Do the math. For reference, that’s 9 times slower than most people’s walking speed. That’s slow!

And the disciples weren’t just amicably sitting in the boat while it floated about. They were going against the wind, so that means a lot of rowing. Have you ever used a rowing machine? They’re not easy. Now imagine doing that for 9 hours straight. I think my arms would fall…