Matthew 14:24-33

Immediately after the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus tells the disciples to go to the other side of the lake by boat while He sends the people home. He then goes up into the hills to pray. This is the first time He is able to get away after hearing the news about John the Baptist.

Meanwhile, the disciples are facing their own troubles on the lake, battling rough waters. In the midst of their struggle, Jesus comes walking toward them on the water. What a sight that must have been! At first, the disciples are terrified—who wouldn’t be?

Interestingly, in Mark’s Gospel account, it says that Jesus intended to pass by them, but they cry out just the same.

“Take courage,” Jesus says. How often do we need to take courage? What daunting thing are we facing today that requires it? We take courage because He is here. He is all we need.

Peter’s response to this situation is, to me, rather surprising. “Lord, if it is really You, tell me to come to You, walking on the water.” I’m not sure that’s how I would test the situation ?. Nevertheless, Jesus tells him to come, and Peter gets out of the boat and walks toward Him.

A few steps in, Peter seems to assess his situation more closely and begins to panic, in everyday terms. We often give Peter a hard time for this, yet he is the only one who steps out of the boat. Let’s give him some credit.

How amazing that must have been for Peter—and for all the disciples. This experience certainly expanded their understanding of what is possible with the Lord.

I have often wondered if Peter ever tried to walk on water again. How wonderful it will be when we all get to heaven and can ask—not just Peter, but all the people in the Bible—the rest of the story that was not written down for us.