The Miracle of Walking on Water: Keeping Your Eyes on Jesus
The Gospels are replete with accounts of Jesus Christ’s divine power, each miracle serving not merely as a display of supernatural ability, but as a profound lesson in spiritual truth. Among these, the account of Peter walking on water stands as a singular testament to faith, doubt, and the unwavering faithfulness of our Lord. It is a narrative that speaks directly to the Christian journey, a vivid illustration of what happens when we fix our gaze upon Jesus, and what transpires when our eyes drift to the tumultuous waves around us.
The Context of the Miracle: A Storm-Tossed Sea
Following the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, Jesus, ever intentional in His actions, compelled His disciples to enter a ship and go before Him unto the other side, while He Himself went up into a mountain apart to pray. We read in Matthew 14:22-23: "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. 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 solitary prayer time underscores Jesus’ reliance on His Father, even amidst His earthly ministry. Meanwhile, the disciples found themselves in a perilous situation.
But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
They were alone, struggling against a contrary wind and boisterous waves, a common metaphor for the trials and tribulations believers face in life. As the night wore on, between the third watch and the fourth watch (roughly 3 AM to 6 AM), a figure approached them on the water. Their immediate reaction was terror. "And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear." (Matthew 14:26). But Jesus, always present and always aware, immediately spoke to them, dispelling their fear with words of comfort and divine assurance:
But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
This declaration, "It is I," is more than a simple identification; it echoes the divine name, "I AM," signifying His sovereignty and presence even in the darkest hours.
Peter's Bold Step of Faith: "Bid Me Come Unto Thee"
It is at this pivotal moment that Peter, ever impetuous yet profoundly devoted, utters a request that sets him apart from the other eleven. Instead of merely being relieved by Jesus’ presence, Peter dared to ask for the impossible:
And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
This was not a request born of recklessness, but of a yearning to be with Christ, to participate in His supernatural power. Jesus’ response was simple, yet profound: "And he said, Come." (Matthew 14:29). With that single word, Peter stepped out of the relative safety of the boat and onto the unstable surface of the raging sea. For a brief, glorious moment, Peter defied gravity and the laws of nature, walking on water towards his Lord. This act was a direct consequence of his faith and obedience to Jesus’ command. It demonstrates that when Christ bids us to do something, no matter how impossible it seems, His command carries the power for its fulfillment.
The Moment of Doubt: Eyes Off Jesus
The miracle of Peter walking on water is often remembered for its dramatic turn: his sinking. What caused this sudden failure? The Scripture is clear:
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
Peter’s initial success was predicated on keeping his eyes fixed on Jesus. The moment his gaze shifted from the Master to the menacing circumstances – the "wind boisterous" and the crashing waves – fear gripped his heart. His faith faltered, and immediately, the natural laws reasserted themselves. He began to sink. This is a critical lesson for every believer. Our spiritual walk, our ability to navigate the storms of life, is directly tied to where our focus lies. When we fixate on the problems, the dangers, the overwhelming odds, rather than on the omnipotent Christ who has called us, fear takes root, and we begin to sink in our faith and resolve.
Jesus' Immediate Rescue and Gentle Rebuke
Peter’s cry, though born of fear, was directed to the right source: "Lord, save me." And Jesus’ response was instantaneous and compassionate:
And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
There was no hesitation, no condemnation in Jesus’ action, only immediate rescue. He did not let Peter drown. His question, "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?", was not a harsh rebuke but a gentle, probing inquiry. It highlighted the root cause of Peter’s sinking: not a lack of power in Christ, but a faltering of faith in Peter. It reminds us that even when our faith is "little," it is still enough for Christ to intervene and save us. The mere act of crying out to Him, even in our fear and doubt, is an act of faith that He honors. As soon as they were back in the boat, both Peter and Jesus, the storm ceased. "And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased." (Matthew 14:32). The disciples, witnessing the entire event, were overwhelmed and worshipped Him, confessing, "Of a truth thou art the Son of God." (Matthew 14:33).
Lessons for the Believer: Practical Application
The miracle of Peter walking on water offers timeless principles for our Christian walk:
Conclusion: Fix Your Gaze
The story of Peter walking on water is a powerful metaphor for the Christian life. We are called to live by faith, to step out onto the "waters" of the unknown, trusting in the authoritative word of Jesus. There will be storms, and there will be moments when the wind seems boisterous, threatening to overwhelm us. In those moments, the temptation will be to shift our gaze from the One who holds all power to the circumstances that seem so daunting.
But the enduring lesson of this miracle is clear: Keep your eyes on Jesus. He is the author and finisher of our faith, the one who walked on water, calmed the storm, and rescued Peter. He is our anchor, our strength, and our deliverer. As the writer of Hebrews exhorts us:
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
May we, like Peter, have the courage to step out when Christ bids us, and unlike Peter’s moment of doubt, may we consistently fix our gaze upon Him, knowing that He is more than able to sustain us through every storm until we reach the eternal shore.