We’re All Sinking Peter | Matthew 14:22-33 with Sarah Stenson

In this episode, we ask a difficult question: Why would Jesus send his disciples straight into a storm he knew was coming? As the wind drives them farther from shore and fear overtakes them, we discover that the real battle isn't against the waves—it's against the doubt that God's promise could fail. Peter's cry, "Lord, save me," becomes our own, as Christ shows that faith doesn't come from our courage, but from hearing his Word: "Take heart. It is I. Do not be afraid."

GOSPEL 

Matthew 14:22-33 

22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." 

28 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, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32 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."

CARE OF SOULS: DEATH

In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those facing death, grief, and loss.

Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders.

Across five episodes, the hosts tackle tough but essential questions on death:

• How does Lutheran theology speak uniquely to death and grief?
• What does faithful pastoral care look like when walking alongside those who mourn?
• How can pastors offer both honesty and hope in the face of tragedy and loss?
• What does ministry look like when death impacts the pastor as well as the congregation?
• Why do funerals matter, and what is God giving through them?

With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the sorrow of death not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ.

Because in the end, it's not about avoiding death—it's about hearing the Gospel from the One who has passed through death and opened the way to life.

Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls