The Gospel of Matthew recounts a powerful and iconic miracle: Jesus walking on water and Peter’s dramatic attempt to do the same. This event, detailed in Matthew 14:22-33, offers profound insights into faith, doubt, and the immense power of Jesus Christ. Let’s delve into this remarkable narrative, exploring its context, significance, and enduring lessons for believers today.
Following the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, Jesus sought solitude with his disciples, grieving the recent death of John the Baptist. However, his compassion for the crowds led him to postpone his personal needs and minister to them. After ensuring everyone was fed, Jesus instructed his disciples to cross the Sea of Galilee by boat while he dismissed the crowds and went up to the mountain to pray alone. This need for solitude underscores Jesus’ deep connection with God the Father and his reliance on prayer, even amidst his demanding ministry.
As night fell, the disciples found themselves in the midst of a storm. The Sea of Galilee, known for its sudden and violent squalls, became turbulent, and the boat was battered by waves. Matthew notes that the boat was “many stadia” from land, and John’s Gospel provides further detail, estimating the distance as “twenty-five or thirty stadia,” or roughly three to four miles. This significant distance highlights the disciples’ vulnerability and the challenging conditions they faced. The wind was against them, making rowing difficult, and the darkness of night compounded their fear and uncertainty. This detail also dismisses any naturalistic explanations of the subsequent events, such as Jesus simply walking on a shallow sandbar near the shore.
In the “fourth watch of the night,” between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m., as dawn was approaching, the disciples saw something extraordinary. A figure was approaching them, walking on the turbulent sea. In the dim light, they were terrified, believing it to be a ghost. The Greek word used here, phantasma, emphasizes their fear of a supernatural apparition. It’s a testament to the unexpected and awe-inspiring nature of what they were witnessing. Their initial reaction of fear underscores the human tendency to be afraid of the unknown and the seemingly impossible, even in the face of divine intervention.
Both Matthew and Mark emphasize that Jesus was “walking on the sea,” highlighting the miraculous nature of this event. This act transcends natural laws and demonstrates Jesus’ power over creation itself. The image of “walking on water” has become a proverbial expression for achieving the impossible, reflecting the sheer astonishment and wonder of this miracle. However, Jesus’ miracles are not mere displays of power but are purposeful acts, often intended to meet a need or reveal a deeper truth. In this instance, Jesus comes to his disciples in their time of distress, offering both physical and spiritual reassurance.
Amidst the disciples’ fear, Jesus immediately reassured them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” This declaration, “It is I” (ego eimi in Greek), echoes the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14, hinting at Jesus’ divine identity. While the disciples at that moment may not have fully grasped the depth of this statement, in the light of the resurrection and ascension, these words take on a profound significance for believers. Jesus identifies himself as the divine presence in the midst of their storm, offering comfort and dispelling their fear.
It is in Matthew’s account that we find the unique episode of Peter’s response. Impulsive and courageous, Peter calls out to Jesus, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” This is a pivotal moment in the narrative, revealing Peter’s desire to not just witness the miracle but to participate in it. He doesn’t just want to be saved from the storm; he wants to experience the divine power firsthand, to walk where only Jesus can walk.
Jesus responds with a simple yet powerful command: “Come.” With this single word, Jesus invites Peter to step out of the boat and into the realm of the miraculous. Peter, fueled by faith and a desire to follow Jesus, steps out of the safety of the boat and onto the water. And remarkably, he begins to walk. For a moment, Peter experiences the impossible, defying natural laws and walking on the very surface that moments before threatened to engulf him. This act of stepping out of the boat is rich in symbolism. It represents leaving behind the familiar, the safe, and venturing into the unknown, guided only by faith in Jesus’ word.
However, Peter’s walk on water is short-lived. As he continues, he becomes aware of the strong wind and the waves around him. Distracted by the physical reality of the storm and taking his eyes off Jesus, fear begins to creep in. His faith falters, and he begins to sink. This is the crucial turning point in Peter’s experience. His doubt, his shift in focus from Jesus to the surrounding circumstances, undermines his ability to walk on water. The powerful imagery of sinking into the waves resonates with the common human experience of being overwhelmed by life’s challenges. The waters symbolize the trials and tribulations that threaten to drown us, and Peter’s sinking represents the consequences of losing faith and succumbing to fear.
In his distress, Peter cries out, “Lord, save me!” This is a desperate plea, acknowledging his helplessness and complete reliance on Jesus. Immediately, Jesus reaches out his hand and catches him, saying, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” Jesus’ swift rescue emphasizes his unwavering love and readiness to help those who call upon him, even in their moments of doubt. The question, “Why did you doubt?” is not a harsh condemnation but a gentle rebuke, highlighting the root cause of Peter’s sinking. The Greek word for “doubt” here, distazo, implies being of two minds, wavering between faith and unbelief. It’s not about intellectual questioning but about a lack of trust, a failure to fully rely on Jesus’ power.
After rescuing Peter, Jesus and Peter climb back into the boat, and miraculously, the wind ceases. The storm immediately calms, demonstrating Jesus’ ultimate authority over nature. The disciples, witnessing this complete transformation, are filled with awe and worship. They declare, “Truly you are the Son of God.” This confession marks a profound recognition of Jesus’ divine identity, solidified by the miracle they have just witnessed. The calming of the storm and the disciples’ worshipful response underscore the narrative’s theocentric focus: the story is ultimately about revealing the power and divinity of Jesus Christ.
The episode of Peter Walking On Water is not simply a historical account but a deeply symbolic narrative with enduring theological significance. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the Christian life, highlighting the interplay between faith and doubt. Life’s storms, represented by the turbulent sea, are inevitable. Walking on water, possible only through faith in Jesus, symbolizes overcoming the impossible challenges of life through reliance on divine power. Peter’s initial success and subsequent sinking illustrate the fluctuating nature of faith. When our focus is firmly on Jesus, we can achieve the extraordinary. However, when we become distracted by our fears and the overwhelming circumstances around us, our faith weakens, and we are prone to “sink.”
The story is not necessarily an instruction to literally attempt impossible feats, but rather a call to radical faith and trust in Jesus. It challenges believers to step out of their comfort zones, to leave behind the “boat” of their own limitations and securities, and to venture into the unknown, trusting in Jesus’ guidance and power. Peter’s experience is both an inspiration and a cautionary tale. It encourages bold faith, but also warns against the dangers of doubt and losing focus on Christ.
Some interpretations of this passage focus on Peter’s failure as a cautionary example, emphasizing his lack of faith and rashness. However, it’s equally important to recognize Peter’s initial courage and willingness to step out of the boat. His desire to walk to Jesus reflects a genuine yearning to be closer to his Lord and to experience his power. Even in his doubt, Peter’s cry for help demonstrates his continued reliance on Jesus. Ultimately, the story is not about Peter’s strength or weakness, but about Jesus’ unwavering power and grace. It is Jesus who initiates the miracle, Jesus who invites Peter, and Jesus who rescues him when he falters.
In conclusion, the narrative of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14 is a rich and multifaceted story that continues to resonate with readers today. It reveals Jesus as the divine Lord of creation, possessing power over nature and offering reassurance and salvation to his followers. Peter’s experience highlights the dynamic interplay of faith and doubt in the Christian journey. The lesson is clear: keep your eyes on Jesus. In the midst of life’s storms, it is faith in Christ that enables us to overcome the impossible and experience the transformative power of God in our lives. Just as Jesus reached out his hand to save Peter, he stands ready to support and rescue all who call upon him in faith, guiding them through the storms of life and into a deeper relationship with himself.
