Three of the four gospels mention this account of Jesus walking on the water (Mark 6:45-52; John 6:14-21) while the disciples struggled in the boat with the storm raging around them. I believe that each gospel brings out a unique perspective of the event, so I would recommend reading every account. However, I will mainly focus on Matthew’s writing. After Jesus feeds all the people (and heals many of them), He sends the disciples away into the boat while He departs to the mountain to pray (14:22-23). Verse 24 states that after a period of time Jesus was still alone praying while the disciples were facing a massive storm at sea, but He decides to head out to sea. Obviously Jesus did not use typical methodology when going to save the disciples at sea. Most people would have called for help or grabbed a boat themselves to try to rescue the endangered disciples, but Jesus was God possessing full control over nature. So Jesus takes a walk onto the water and comes into full view of the disciples, who freak out! Instead of recognizing Jesus as all-powerful, they believed the only one who had this kind of power was a ghost (14:25-26). Go figure…after witnessing Jesus’ power to heal and perform miracles they didn’t even suspect that this figure walking on water could be Jesus. Before we are quick to criticize the disciples for their lack of faith, I believe we’ve read the Bible and know what God is capable of, yet we fail to believe Him. Jesus immediately calms their fears by speaking to them (14:27) and I believe we can also relate to this…whenever you became frightened as a young child, there is nothing more soothing than to hear the voice of your dad. This is probably how Jesus’ words sounded to them – they brought comfort. Peter speaks up and wants to walk on water to be with his master (rabbi) so Jesus calls him out of the boat (14:28-29). I can’t help but making the application here that Peter felt more secure with Jesus (who was walking on water) than staying in the boat (where it was stable). Even though Peter loses faith while walking to Jesus, he still recognizes that he was more safe with Jesus (14:30-32). Again, I can’t fault Peter with fear because I can relate with him. I find myself knowing that things are more safe with Jesus, but I fear what is in between the walk from where I am to where He is.
Dear God, I’m scared of what life may bring, but help me know that in You is a strong foundation and a refuge. Keep me safe in your arms.
