Reading the Word

Matthew 14:22–33 (ESV)

22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

28 And 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 and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Understanding and Applying the Word

When Peter saw Jesus walking on the water, he wanted to join him. So Peter got out of the boat and began to go to Jesus. At first, he was doing fine. However, as he noticed the wind and the waves he became fearful and began to sink. He cried out to Jesus who reached out and saved him.

Jesus’ words to Peter reveal a great deal about Peter and us. Jesus said to Peter, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” At first, Peter boldly stepped into the water to go to Jesus. It was when his eyes went to focusing on the winds and the sea that he became fearful and lost faith. We often do the same. How often do we start off boldly to follow Christ no matter where that may lead us, only to become discouraged or fearful because the path has become difficult and filled with danger? What is it that you are fearful of in your life right now? Have you taken your eyes off of Jesus? Look to him and know that you can trust him in every circumstance.

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