REFUGE KENOSHA

We are in Part Two of the story of Jesus walking on water in Matthew 14. In observing Peter’s experience with Jesus, we will see that there is power in the commands of Jesus. Not only that, but faith in God itself is something that desires to step out and take risks.

How do you view Jesus in seasons of difficulty or when you are experiencing a struggle with living according to God’s ways? Do you see a Savior who has paid the price in full, or do you see a phantom of your own making—one who demands more, or is full of disappointment? In part one of the story of Jesus walking on water, we’ll see that we have the tendency to make a phantom of Christ, when he is most really Christ.

We are in Part Two of the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. We continue looking at what the right priorities are for our lives by looking at the life of Jesus. Again, to Christ, intimacy or closeness with the Father was of highest priority, and then compassion and love for others, and then discipleship.

Today is part one of a message on the feeding of the 5,000. Jesus withdraws to be alone with the Father—yet when the crowds chase Him down, He meets interruption with compassion, healing the sick and multiplying five loaves and two fish until everyone is satisfied.

In Matthew 14:1–12, Herod shows what happens when truth brushes your conscience but never becomes your King—interest without obedience turns into fear, compromise, and eventually violence. John the Baptist stands as the opposite: steady, costly faithfulness to the God of truth, even when it leads to chains, isolation, and a brutal end. Are you living the truth you admire—or silencing it to protect the life you refuse to surrender?

As we close out Matthew chapter 13, we are going to see one big idea: your ruler determines your steps—your destination, your responsibility with God’s “treasure,” and even how people respond to you when you won’t bow to their kingdom. What (or who) is ruling your heart right now—and where is it actually taking you?

Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a buried treasure and a priceless pearl—so valuable that the one who finds it gladly gives up everything to possess it. When God truly rules a life, priorities don’t just shift; they’re transformed by joy-filled surrender. 

When we consider how we are to be used by God, often we approach the question with a very mathematical mindset. Today, as we look at the Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven, we will see that when Christ rules in the lives of His people, results always follow. In a world that expands through conquering, the kingdom of God will expand through humble, compassionate love.

Jesus’ parable of the wheat and the weeds explains why evil, hypocrisy, and confusion can exist right alongside real gospel fruit. Instead of overreacting with scorched-earth “purity” campaigns, we’re called to wise patience, sober discernment, and confidence that Jesus will make all things right at the harvest. If Jesus sees the injustice and still says, “let both grow together,” what does faithful obedience look like for you right now?

Christmas exposes our “bigger and better” obsession—bigger boxes, louder hype, more followers—and then flips it upside down with the shocking humility of Jesus. From the manger to the cross to the quiet victory of the resurrection, Jesus came not to be served but to serve, paying the ransom we couldn’t and offering the only gift that actually lasts: peace with God.