![]() We think peace is found when the waves of life are calm. The rebuke of Peter’s lack of faith was because he took his eyes off Jesus and instead focused on the storm. Rather, he invited Peter out into the storm, into the rough seas. When Jesus bid Peter to come to him he didn’t calm the storm. Peace Is Not Found In The Absence Of The Storm, But In The Presence Of Jesus But what does that mean for us today? Let’s end by looking at 5 practical lessons we can pull from Matthew 14:22-33. 5 Lessons From Peter Walks On WaterĪlight, so Jesus walks on water and Peter walks on water. This is the first time they have addressed Jesus as the Son of God. It’s not the miracles, it’s the disciples worship of Jesus. Matthew 14:33 is the climax of this story. The calming of the storm.Īnd yet none of those incredible events are the climax of the story. As soon as Jesus and Peter climb back into the boat the wind and waves miraculously calm. Jesus rescued him as God had rescued many others from watery graves.” Peter became both a good example and a bad one. Jesus used this rebuke to help Peter and the other disciples see that consistent confidence in Himself was absolutely necessary. Mark Moore describes the rebuke this way in his book The Chronological Life Of Christ: “Jesus rebuked him for his weak faith even though it was stronger than that of the other disciples who remained in the boat. After Peter was safe Jesus rebuked him for his little faith. Matthew 14:31 says that immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. I imagine as he gasped for one last breath before he went under he cried out, “LORD SAVE ME!” Matthew records that he was afraid as he began to sink. He gets distracted by his harrowing circumstances and he sinks. As Peter walks on water he starts to notice how powerful the wind and waves are, and he takes his eyes off Jesus. Those first steps must have been surreal.īut… Matthew 14:30 interrupts this incredible moment with a conjunction: but. Matthew 14:29 simply states that Peter walks on water toward Jesus. None of the other disciples dared step foot out of the boat. ![]() That’s an incredible display of faith in Jesus. In the middle of strong winds and waves Peter trusts Jesus to step out of the boat. I know we like to criticize Peter for what happens next. With remarkable trust and courage Peter climbs over the side of the boat. Jesus responds with a single word, “Come.” “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” (Matthew 14:28) Simon Peter responds to Jesus’ claim with a bold claim. And while that got him in trouble from time to time, it also lead him to experience things no one else did. He’s quick to speak before he thinks things through. Peter is known for being a little headstrong. If you were to stop this story after Jesus walks on water there would be plenty to glean from this passage. In other words, Jesus is saying the disciples can take courage and fear not because Jesus was there with them.ĭr Tom Constable says, “Fear is unwarranted where Jesus is present.” Jesus’ response to their fear centers on “It is I.” These words were a term that Jesus often used to claim deity. ![]() Knowing their fear Jesus calls out to them. Up to this point no one had walked on water. (Matthew 14:26)Īnd honestly who could blame them. They didn’t know what they saw, but they certainly didn’t think it could be Jesus. A common superstition among seafarers of the day was those who drown would haunt the waters. The disciples can’t quite tell what or who is walking toward them. Jesus walks on water toward the disciples in the boat who are still a long way off. Jesus Walks On WaterĪs dawn approaches and the faintest light starts appearing, Jesus decides to go to the disciples. ![]() But still the sea had claimed many lives and it wasn’t something to be messed with. They were experienced fisherman and storms in this area were common. Matthew records that there were violent waves and a strong wind. So far, all pretty normal… But it’s about to get good. After this Jesus dismisses the crowd and goes up a mountain side to pray by himself. Matthew 14:22-23 says after this Jesus immediately made the disciples get in the boat to go ahead of him to the other side of the sea of Galilee. They just witnessed a few loaves of bread and fish feed a large crowd. The disciples’ faith has to be at an all time high. Immediately before Peter walks on water is the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21). We should read the verses before and after to make sure we are fully understanding what is happening. When we read God’s Word it’s important to always read it in context. For this post we will focus on Matthew 14:22-33 because it gives us the most details. But Matthew’s account is unique in that it’s the only Gospel to record Peter walking on water. Mark and John also record the story of Jesus walking on water.
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