Waterwalker
- Aug 6
- 3 min read
25 And early in the morning Jesus came walking toward them on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." 28 Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." 29 He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” (Matthew 14:25-30)
After the disciples participated in miraculously feeding over 5000 people, Jesus immediately had them get in a boat and begin traveling without him. Jesus stayed behind to dismiss the crowd and finally get some time to himself to pray. As Jesus was praying, the disciples were being pummeled by a storm. All night they fought for their lives. Then, just before dawn, Jesus walked out on the water to meet them. The unbelievable sight initially caused the weary disciples as much fear as the storm, but Jesus spoke and calmed them. A more direct translation of Jesus' interaction with Peter sheds new light:
Jesus immediately spoke to them and said, “Take heart. I AM. Do not be afraid.” Peter answered him, “If you really are the I AM, tell me to come to you on the water."
The disciples had seen Jesus heal, they'd heard him teach, and they'd experienced the astounding multiplication of a small offering feeding thousands. They'd even collected the leftovers. But Jesus knew they still didn't understand that he is the I AM, the one true God. Perhaps Peter's request was less an act of faith and more a desire to be like God. The same way humanity fell in Eden - by desiring more than the good that God had already given and wanting to be equals with God - Peter fell and had to cry out for Jesus to save him.
Perhaps we are not meant to walk on water, but to worship the One who can. Perhaps this story is not just a lesson on having enough faith, or focusing on Jesus, but also a reminder that God is God and we are not. Anything God gives us the grace to do is God working in us, with us, through us and in spite of us. It is never our power, our goodness, our faith. It's always God's goodness and grace. May we, with the disciples and as disciples, proclaim that truly Jesus is the Son of God!
8 Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts. 9 Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. 10 Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. 11 Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky. 12 The LORD will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. 13 Righteousness will go before him and will make a path for his steps. (Psalm 85:8-13)
Enjoy this original song by yours truly...
And this powerful classic!
Comments