27But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good Acts 23:11; 27:22, 25, 36cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” 28And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of Matt. 6:30; 8:26little faith, why did you doubt?” 32And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly Ps. 2:7; Matt. 16:16; 26:63; Mark 1:1; Luke 4:41; John 1:49; 6:69; 11:27; Acts 8:37; Rom. 1:4You are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:27-32 NKJV
Many people who read this passage are critical of Peter for two things: thinking that he could walk on water, and sinking because he took his eyes off of Jesus. I believe that to criticize Peter for either of these two things is to miss the greater point of this scene; that Peter had enough faith to believe that if Jesus summoned him, he could walk on the water to meet him. The life of a Christian is to be a follower of Christ, which involves living and impacting the lives of others as Jesus did. The life of a Christian should be filled with and run on faith, which will lead and enable us to do things that may seem crazy to others and sometimes ourselves. Throughout the gospels we probably get most familiar with Peter compared to the other disciples through his actions and words. To paint a larger picture of this scene, Jesus had just fed 5,000+ folks with fish and bread, and he sends the disciples across the sea, while he retreats to the mountains to pray alone. In the darkness, they see a figure that turns out to be Jesus walking on the water towards them in the midst of strong winds and waves. In fear due to the troubling waters, and the appearance of Jesus walking on the water, the disciples are all troubled or afraid. Unlike the other 11 disciples who allowed their fear to keep them silent, and remain in the “safety/comfort” of the boat, Peter calls out to Jesus in the midst of his circumstances/situation. I believe that Peter has had a revelation that with the help of Jesus, he can overcome some things that may seem impossible to escape for others. What’s interesting is what Peter requests of Jesus;
28And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. Matthew 14:28-29 NKJV
Instead of Peter asking Jesus to calm the winds or settle the waves, or asking Jesus to enter the boat with him and the rest of the disciples, he requests that Jesus summon him to join him on the water…..to do the impossible!!! Peter subconsciously understands the concept of faith, and the power that it brings, and realizes that it is more important to get out of your situation, or comfort zone to get in alignment with Jesus, then to try to welcome or coerce Jesus into joining you in your mess. Peter had the faith to believe that with the help, direction, or just the words of Jesus that he could get out of the boat, despite the strong waves/winds, storm and overcome the unbelief and lack of faith of the other disciples to connect with Jesus who is able to give you the power to do the impossible and walk above that which is unstable or would consume/swallow others whole. Where many people see this situation as one of several where Peter speaks or acts foolishly, they miss the opportunity to activate their own faith and exit their storm with the help of Jesus.
Reflection time
Lord are you calling me to get out of the boat? I pray that you would give myself and others the strength and faith to respond to your voice and get out of our comfort zone. Are you trying to get God to enter your situation/mess/boat, instead of walking in faith to get in alignment with him? Are you allowing those who remain in the boat to keep you from getting out of the boat? What do you need to hear, or see to help you walk on water?
