Walking on water
In Matthew 14:23-33, After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter responded and said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!”
And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and when he began to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out with His hand took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are truly God’s Son!”
Peter asks Jesus to command him to come to Him on the water. Jesus does so, and Peter steps out of the boat and starts walking on the water towards Jesus. Peter’s tremendous faith is evident as he takes that first step out of the boat and begins walking on the water. This bold act underscores the depth of Peter’s trust and belief in Jesus’ power, demonstrating the courage and conviction required to step out in faith despite the seemingly impossible circumstances.
However, when Peter notices the strength of the wind, he becomes afraid and begins to sink. He cries out to Jesus for help, and Jesus immediately reaches out his hand and catches him, saying, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” This serves as a reminder that Jesus is always there for us.
As they enter the boat together, the wind suddenly stops, prompting the disciples to worship Jesus and recognize Him as the Son of God. This moment emphasizes Jesus’ authority over natural elements, Peter’s fluctuating faith and doubt, and the disciples’ acknowledgment of Jesus’ divine power. It also underscores a crucial lesson about faith and trust in Jesus, revealing Peter’s struggle when he takes his eyes off Jesus, highlighting the importance of maintaining focus on our Lord Jesus Christ.
Fifty years ago, I committed my life to serving the Lord. I hold an associate’s degree in Christian Education and a bachelor’s degree in Christian Counseling. In my retirement, I focus on studying and sharing the teachings of God’s Word with others. I maintain three Facebook pages dedicated to spreading the Word of God. To contact Dean or share you own thoughts, email hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com.