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The account of Peter walking on water is one of the most remarkable and faith-inspiring narratives in the New Testament. This event, recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, not only demonstrates the miraculous power of Jesus but also provides profound lessons about faith, doubt, and trust in the Lord. In this essay, we will delve into the biblical text, explore the context and significance of Peter walking on water, and draw out key spiritual lessons.
The Account of Peter Walking on Water
The Biblical Narrative
The story of Peter walking on water is found in Matthew 14:22-33. Let’s examine the passage in detail:
- Matthew 14:22-33 (NKJV): “Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’ And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God.'”
Context of the Miracle
The context of this miracle is crucial to understanding its significance. Just before this event, Jesus had performed the miracle of feeding the five thousand with five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21). After feeding the multitude, Jesus instructed His disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side of the Sea of Galilee while He dismissed the crowd and went up on a mountain to pray.
Jesus Walking on Water
The disciples found themselves in the middle of the sea, struggling against strong winds and waves. It was during the fourth watch of the night (between 3:00 and 6:00 AM) that Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. The sight of Jesus walking on the water terrified the disciples, as they thought they were seeing a ghost. However, Jesus immediately reassured them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27).
Peter’s Bold Request
Peter, known for his impulsive and bold nature, responded to Jesus by saying, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water” (Matthew 14:28). Jesus invited Peter to come, and Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water towards Jesus.
Peter’s Doubt and Jesus’ Rescue
As Peter walked on the water, he became aware of the strong wind and waves around him. Fear and doubt began to overtake him, causing him to start sinking. In his distress, Peter cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:30). Jesus immediately reached out His hand, caught Peter, and said, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31). Once they were back in the boat, the wind ceased, and the disciples worshiped Jesus, acknowledging Him as the Son of God.
Spiritual Lessons from Peter Walking on Water
Faith and Trust in Jesus
The central lesson of this narrative is the importance of faith and trust in Jesus. Peter’s initial step out of the boat was an act of tremendous faith. He trusted Jesus’ command and experienced the miraculous power of walking on water. However, when Peter’s focus shifted from Jesus to the circumstances around him—the wind and waves—his faith wavered, and he began to sink. This illustrates the principle that faith involves keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, regardless of the challenges and storms we face.
- Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV): “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
The Danger of Doubt
Peter’s experience highlights the danger of doubt. While faith empowers us to rise above our circumstances, doubt can cause us to falter and sink. Jesus’ question to Peter, “Why did you doubt?” serves as a reminder that doubt undermines our ability to experience the fullness of God’s power and provision. It is essential to cultivate a steadfast and unwavering faith in God’s promises.
- James 1:6-8 (NKJV): “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
Jesus’ Readiness to Save
Despite Peter’s doubt and sinking, Jesus was immediately ready to save him. When Peter cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus responded without hesitation. This demonstrates Jesus’ compassion and readiness to rescue us when we call out to Him in times of trouble. No matter how far we may feel we are sinking, Jesus’ hand is always extended to lift us up.
- Psalm 18:6 (NKJV): “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry came before Him, even to His ears.”
The Power of Jesus Over Nature
The miracle of walking on water underscores Jesus’ authority and power over nature. By walking on the sea and calming the storm, Jesus demonstrated His divine sovereignty. This miracle served as a powerful revelation to the disciples, leading them to worship Him and acknowledge Him as the Son of God. It reminds us that Jesus has authority over all creation and can intervene in miraculous ways in our lives.
- Colossians 1:16-17 (NKJV): “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.”
The Role of Prayer and Solitude
Another important aspect of this narrative is Jesus’ example of prayer and solitude. Before walking on water, Jesus went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. This highlights the significance of spending time in prayer and seeking communion with God. Jesus’ strength and ability to perform miracles were rooted in His relationship with the Father. As followers of Christ, we are encouraged to prioritize prayer and seek God’s presence in our lives.
- Matthew 14:23 (NKJV): “And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.”
Encouragement in the Midst of Fear
When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, they were terrified, thinking they had seen a ghost. Jesus’ words, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid,” were meant to calm their fears and reassure them of His presence. In times of fear and uncertainty, Jesus’ presence brings comfort and peace. His words remind us that we can find courage and hope in Him, even in the most frightening circumstances.
- Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV): “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Worship and Acknowledgment of Jesus’ Divinity
The disciples’ response to the miracle was one of worship and acknowledgment of Jesus’ divinity. After witnessing Jesus’ power over the storm, they worshiped Him and declared, “Truly You are the Son of God.” This moment of worship underscores the importance of recognizing and honoring Jesus for who He is—the Son of God and the Savior of the world.
- Matthew 14:33 (NKJV): “Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God.'”
Applying the Lessons to Our Lives
Stepping Out in Faith
Like Peter, we are called to step out in faith, trusting Jesus’ commands and His ability to sustain us. This may involve taking risks, facing challenges, or stepping into the unknown. As we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, we can overcome fear and doubt, experiencing His miraculous power in our lives.
Maintaining Focus on Jesus
To maintain faith and avoid doubt, we must continually focus on Jesus. This involves regular prayer, reading and meditating on Scripture, and seeking fellowship with other believers. By keeping our focus on Jesus, we can navigate life’s storms with confidence and assurance.
Calling on Jesus in Times of Need
When we find ourselves sinking under the weight of life’s challenges, we can call out to Jesus for help. He is always ready to save and lift us up. Trusting in His readiness to respond to our cries for help can bring us peace and deliverance in times of distress.
Embracing Jesus’ Authority and Worshiping Him
Acknowledging Jesus’ authority over all aspects of our lives and worshiping Him as the Son of God is crucial. This involves surrendering our fears, doubts, and challenges to Him, knowing that He has the power to calm the storms and perform miracles in our lives.
Seeking Solitude and Prayer
Following Jesus’ example of seeking solitude and prayer is essential for spiritual strength and guidance. Regularly setting aside time to be alone with God allows us to draw closer to Him, receive His guidance, and be empowered by His Spirit.
Encouraging Others in Faith
We can also play a role in encouraging others to step out in faith and trust Jesus. By sharing our testimonies of God’s faithfulness and supporting one another in prayer, we help build a community of faith that can withstand life’s storms together.
Conclusion
The account of Peter walking on water is a powerful narrative that teaches us valuable lessons about faith, doubt, and the miraculous power of Jesus. Peter’s experience of stepping out in faith, facing doubt, and being rescued by Jesus provides a profound illustration of the Christian walk. By keeping our eyes on Jesus, calling out to Him in times of need, and acknowledging His authority, we can navigate the challenges of life with confidence and assurance. As we apply these lessons to our lives, we grow in our faith and deepen our relationship with the Lord, experiencing His miraculous presence and power in every situation.
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team