New Testament- Lesson 107

Matthew Chapter 14- Part 3

Jesus & Peter walk on the sea- (Read Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-51, John 6:16-21)

Immediately after Jesus fed the 5000+ people miraculously, he made his disciples get into a boat to cross to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (John writes Capernaum, Mark writes Bethsaida) and he went up on a mountain by himself to pray. The boat was in the middle of the sea after they rowed about three or four miles and was being tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Jesus was alone on the land and he saw them straining at rowing; it was already dark, and he had not come to them. In the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea and would have passed them by. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to you on the water.”He said, “Come.” When Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus, but when he saw that the wind was contrary, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” When Jesus got into the boat, the wind ceased. All who were in the boat came and worshiped him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.” John writes....immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.

Jesus very well knew what was going to happen when he sent his disciples across the sea. He was praying for them throughout the crisis. He came to them at an unexpected time (at his time). He wanted to see how they would respond when he came walking on the sea; whether they would be expectantly waiting for him, their Savior to rescue them. Despite having seen innumerable miracles, the disciples were still lacking in faith. He was willing to allow Peter to exercise his faith. He proved once again that he had authority over the winds, the waves and the sea.