The Sovereign Stride: Jesus Walks on Water
Among the many miraculous deeds performed by our Lord Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry, none perhaps so vividly declare His absolute sovereignty over creation and His divine identity as His walking upon the tumultuous waters of the Sea of Galilee. This profound event, recorded in the Gospels of Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, and John 6:15-21, stands as a powerful testament to His deity, His compassion, and the nature of true faith. Occurring immediately after the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, this incident reveals another facet of Jesus' glory and His ever-present care for His disciples.
The Setting: A Command and a Retreat
Having just fed a multitude with five loaves and two fishes, Jesus perceived that the people intended to take Him by force and make Him a king. His kingdom, however, was not of this world, nor was it to be established by earthly might. Therefore, He acted decisively to disperse the crowd and to send His disciples away. Matthew 14:22 states, "And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away." The word "constrained" or "compelled" (Mark 6:45) suggests a forceful urging, perhaps because the disciples, too, might have been caught up in the enthusiasm of the crowd to make Jesus an earthly king. He needed them to be removed from that influence.
Once the multitudes were sent away, Jesus did what He often did after intense ministry or before significant events: He withdrew to a solitary place for prayer. Matthew 14:23 records, "And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone." This consistent pattern in Jesus' life underscores the vital importance of communion with the Father, even for the Son of God. It teaches us that true spiritual power and discernment are found in intimate fellowship with God, away from the distractions and demands of the world. While Jesus prayed, His disciples were already embarking on their challenging journey across the sea.
The Struggle: A Storm at Sea
As the disciples set out, the conditions quickly deteriorated. The Sea of Galilee, known for its sudden and violent storms due to its location below sea level surrounded by hills, became a treacherous expanse. Matthew 14:24 describes their plight: "But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary." Mark 6:48 adds a crucial detail: "And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them." The fourth watch of the night was between 3 AM and 6 AM, meaning the disciples had been toiling for many hours, likely since evening, against a relentless headwind.
Their situation was desperate. They were seasoned fishermen, accustomed to the sea, but this storm was beyond their control. They were straining every muscle, making little progress, and likely filled with fear and exhaustion. This scene is a powerful metaphor for the Christian life: we often find ourselves in the midst of storms, toiling against contrary winds, feeling alone and overwhelmed. But just as Jesus saw His disciples from the mountain, He sees us in our struggles. He is never unaware of our distress.
The Revelation: "It Is I; Be Not Afraid"
In the darkest hour, when hope seemed lost, Jesus appeared. He did not send an angel, nor did He merely speak a word from afar; He came to them, walking on the very element that threatened to consume them. Matthew 14:25 says, "And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea." This was an unprecedented display of divine power, a direct contradiction of natural laws, confirming His absolute dominion over creation.
However, the disciples' initial reaction was not one of relief, but of terror. Matthew 14:26 records, "And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear." Their fear was understandable; in their exhausted and superstitious state, a figure walking on water in the dark of night could only be a phantom. But Jesus immediately dispelled their fears with words that echo throughout Scripture as a declaration of divine presence and comfort:
But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
The phrase "it is I" (Greek: ego eimi) is highly significant. It is the same divine self-designation used by God to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14, "I AM THAT I AM"). It is a declaration of His eternal, self-existent deity. Jesus was not merely saying, "It's me, your friend Jesus"; He was declaring, "I AM. I am God present with you. Therefore, fear not." This revelation instantly turned their terror into awe and understanding.
Peter's Step of Faith and Faltering
Among the disciples, Peter, ever impetuous and bold, responded with a unique request. Matthew 14:28 states, "And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water." This was not a test of Jesus, but a sincere desire to experience the divine power he perceived. Jesus, ever gracious to a seeking heart, simply said, "Come." (Matthew 14:29). And Peter, with remarkable faith, stepped out of the boat onto the raging sea.
For a brief, miraculous moment, Peter walked on water towards Jesus. This demonstrates that when we obey Jesus' command, even to do the impossible, His power enables us. However, Peter's faith was not unwavering. Matthew 14:30 describes his downfall: "But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me." Peter shifted his gaze from Jesus to the turbulent circumstances, and doubt began to overwhelm his faith. His fear caused him to sink.
Immediately, Jesus reached out and caught him. This swift action highlights Jesus' compassion and readiness to save those who cry out to Him in their weakness. But He also gently rebuked Peter: "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" (Matthew 14:31). This is a vital lesson for all believers: our ability to walk by faith is directly tied to keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, not on the storms around us. Doubt, often fueled by fear and distraction, is the enemy of faith.
The Calm and the Worshipful Response
As soon as Jesus and Peter entered the ship, the storm ceased. Matthew 14:32 says, "And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased." This immediate cessation of the storm further underscored Jesus' absolute authority over nature. The disciples, who had witnessed His power over disease, demons, and the feeding of thousands, were now confronted with an even greater revelation of His deity. Their response was one of profound worship:
Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
This confession is central to the Gospel. It was not merely an acknowledgment of a great prophet or a powerful man, but a declaration of His divine Sonship, His unique relationship with the Father, and His inherent deity. Mark 6:51-52 adds that they were "sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened." This indicates their previous amazement at the feeding of the five thousand was not enough to fully grasp His power, but this event finally broke through their spiritual dullness, leading them to deeper understanding and worship.
Profound Lessons from the Waves
The account of Jesus walking on water is rich with theological and practical lessons for believers:
- Jesus' Sovereignty over Creation: He is not bound by natural laws; He is their Creator and Sustainer. His power is absolute, demonstrating His divinity.
- Jesus' Divine Identity as "I AM": His declaration "It is I" (ego eimi) connects Him directly to Yahweh of the Old Testament, affirming His co-equality with God the Father.
- Jesus' Compassion and Presence in Distress: He saw His disciples toiling, and He came to them in their deepest need. He does not abandon us in our storms but draws near.
- The Nature of Faith and Doubt: Peter's experience illustrates that true faith steps out in obedience to Jesus' word, but doubt arises when we shift our focus from Him to our circumstances. Even in failure, Jesus is ready to rescue.
- The Church in the World: The boat tossed by waves can symbolize the Church facing opposition and trials in the world. Jesus comes to His Church, calming the storms and bringing them safely to shore.
- The Call to Worship: The ultimate response to Jesus' power and presence should be worship and acknowledgment of His divine Sonship.
Conclusion: Our Anchor in the Storm
The story of Jesus walking on water is far more than a spectacular miracle; it is a profound revelation of who Jesus is and what He means to His followers. He is the sovereign Lord, the "I AM" who controls the forces of nature, the compassionate Shepherd who comes to His sheep in their hour of greatest need. He invites us to step out in faith, even onto the tumultuous waters of life, assuring us that His hand is always ready to save when we falter.
In a world often characterized by uncertainty, fear, and overwhelming challenges, this narrative provides an unshakeable anchor. When the winds of adversity blow contrary to our hopes, and the waves of trouble threaten to engulf us, we are reminded that Jesus sees us. He is not distant, but actively engaged with our struggles. His voice, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid," cuts through the chaos, bringing peace and assurance. May we, like the disciples in the ship, respond with worship, confessing, "Of a truth thou art the Son of God," and keep our eyes fixed on Him, our deliverer and Lord, through every storm.