Event 3 – Jesus’ Walking on the Water
Matthew 14:24-33; Mark 6:47-52; John 6:17b-21a
J By now it was dark, and K the boat was in the middle of the lake, and J Jesus K alone on the land J had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When M the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves K He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. M During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples J had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, K walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, M they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it is you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
J Then they were willing to take him into the boat, K he climbed into the boat with them, M the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
K They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.
Comments and Commentary by JB Myers and Lonnie Davis
Middle of the lake – The middle of lake Galilee would be over three miles from shore. If the boat sinks, it is certain death for the disciples, which adds to their anxiety.
He was afraid and, beginning to sink – We often criticize Peter’s lack of faith, but notice that he was the only disciple in the boat who attempted to walk on water. Lloyd Jones said, “Men who try to do something and fail are infinitely better than those who try to do nothing and succeed.” It is interesting to note when Peter began to sink. The Bible tells us he began to sink “when he saw the wind.” He took his eyes off of Jesus and looked at the wind. If we would do great things we must keep our eyes on Jesus and note become afraid of the challenges.
You of little faith – Even great men of faith can have a moments of weakness. The apostles are remembered for the great faith they showed, but among those great times one can find the stumbles along the way. A righteous man or woman must learn to get up when they sink and start the Christian walk all over.