Matthew 14:22-32 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “Its a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Commentary:
Everyone knows this story. Jesus walks on water. There is much more to this story in the details. First consider these things:
- Jesus had sent the disciples out on their own; but He was watching them. He knew they were in trouble. He came to them because of their trouble, even before their fear.
- When disciples called out to Jesus, He answered them. That is the nature of our God.
- Was it fear that made Peter sink, his lack of faith?
Read closely. The detail in these verses is that Peter began to sink, he did not actually sink. And, when, in his fear, he called out to Jesus, Jesus responded like he always does. Jesus immediately reached out and saved him. This is a wonderful story about the benefits of keeping our focus on Jesus. Not because Jesus will never let us stumble, but because when we do and respond, “Lord, save me,” He will.