Matthew 14:22-33
Then he made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. i After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once [Jesus] spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “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?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”
Grace Prayed For
Humility: To acknowledge our own weakness and limitations, like Peter’s sinking, and to rely on Jesus’ strength and grace to sustain us. To recognize that we cannot walk on water alone, but only with His help.
Walking on Water: A Reflection on Faith and Trust
This powerful passage from Matthew’s Gospel narrates the awe-inspiring event of Jesus walking on water. It serves as a profound lesson on faith, trust, and the unwavering presence of Jesus amidst life’s storms.
The disciples, adrift in a turbulent sea, are overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty. But in the darkness, Jesus approaches them, defying the natural laws and walking on the very waves that threaten to consume them. This miraculous act demonstrates Jesus’ divine power and authority over even the most chaotic elements of life.
Peter, filled with a surge of faith, asks Jesus to command him to walk on water. And Jesus, in His infinite love and encouragement, grants his request. Peter, for a brief moment, experiences the miraculous as he steps out of the boat and onto the water. However, as the winds howl and the waves crash around him, doubt creeps into his heart, causing him to sink.
This moment serves as a poignant reminder that even the most fervent faith can waver in the face of adversity. But even in our moments of weakness and doubt, Jesus remains steadfast. He reaches out His hand, catches Peter, and gently rebukes him for his lack of faith.
This scene is a powerful metaphor for our own lives. We, too, face storms and challenges that threaten to overwhelm us. Yet, Jesus is always present, walking beside us even when we feel like we are sinking. He calls us to trust in Him, to keep our eyes fixed on Him, and to not be afraid.
As we reflect on this passage, may we be inspired to deepen our faith and trust in Jesus. May we learn to recognize His presence in our lives, even in the midst of trials and tribulations. And may we always remember that He is our anchor, our refuge, and our hope.
In the storms of life, may we echo Peter’s cry, “Lord, save me!” and experience the unwavering love and power of Jesus as He reaches out to us and lifts us up. Let us walk with courage, knowing that even in the face of fear and doubt, Jesus is always there to guide us, protect us, and lead us to safety.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Experiencing His Comfort and Peace: The disciples’ initial fear upon seeing Jesus transforms into courage and peace as He reassures them with “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” This scene reminds us that even in the midst of life’s storms, Jesus is present, offering comfort, peace, and reassurance. When we turn to Him in times of fear and uncertainty, we experience His calming presence and find solace in His love.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post